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Historical Figures

Primulaauricula

I know this is a rather taboo subject to some, but are there any individuals from history that you believe may have had autism? More specifically, any that you think are not commonly mentioned or relate to a special interest? 

A few people I speculate about are T. E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), Benjamin Britten, Glen Gould, and Edward Wilson (polar explorer).

Whilst I find a sort of comfort in finding similarities in behaviour to people from the past, I am aware that we shouldn't give an "armchair diagnosis". It is interesting to see people in fields that typically include autistic people (eg. science, classical music), however. I am also quite tired of seeing lists online that flit between Einstien and Charles Darwin - there must be other people to think of - and where are the women! Fortunately, I have seen Emily Dickinson appearing on newer lists. 

Anyway, I look forward to seeing what others come up with :)

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  • Franz Kafka. Just look at his writings. In his youth he was described as shy and seldom spoke in group conversations, but when he did, what he said was usually profound.

    Some people think Tolkien might have been autistic, he certainly had hyper-focus on obscure subjects. However, the way he writes about interpersonal relationships makes me doubt this. Also he was always a very 'clubbish', from his schooldays club, the TCBS, to his adult club, the Inklings, he always enjoyed being at the heart of informal groups of friends who got together regularly.

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  • Franz Kafka. Just look at his writings. In his youth he was described as shy and seldom spoke in group conversations, but when he did, what he said was usually profound.

    Some people think Tolkien might have been autistic, he certainly had hyper-focus on obscure subjects. However, the way he writes about interpersonal relationships makes me doubt this. Also he was always a very 'clubbish', from his schooldays club, the TCBS, to his adult club, the Inklings, he always enjoyed being at the heart of informal groups of friends who got together regularly.

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