Finding Inspiration

Growing up I was different from other kids. My learning skills weren’t the same and as a result I became a target for kids as well as teachers who enjoyed bullying. The journey was rough all the way till I reached my senior year of high school. Then at the age of eighteen I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. My parents were relieved at the diagnosis, however I couldn’t help but feel even more separated from family and the few friends I had because little was understood about it then. I can’t begin to imagine what others before me have endured.

A couple of books and the rise of the Internet brought about so much in the wealth of knowledge on Asperger’s that has helped since then. Adulthood proved more challenging than my teens though due to loneliness, job hunting, and figuring out my place in the world. I also kept my diagnosis a secret from lots of people because after sharing information regarding my having Asperger’s with a certain few, I lost opportunities in making new friends, getting employment and even volunteering for causes that I cared for. It took immense effort to show I was capable of hard work, creativity and perseverance.

Days ago I came across a video about people diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome who proved they too could be successful. I decided to put my own list together (which is far from complete) so that I might share with those else looking to find inspiration and courage to pursue what they love and not let ANYONE tell them otherwise.

Inspirational People with Autism and Aspergers

Phillipa “Pip” Brown (aka Ladyhawke), indie rock musician. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladyhawke_(musician)

Lizzy Clark, actress and campaigner. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizzy_Clark

Clay Marzo, American professional surfer. www.claymarzo.com/

Luke Jackson, author. www.lukejacksonautism.com/

Heather Kuzmich, fashion model and reality show contestant on America’s Next Top Model. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Kuzmich

Craig Nicholls, frontman of the Australian garage rock band, The Vines. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Nicholls

Gary Numan, British singer and songwriter. www.garynuman.co.uk/

Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Page_(music_critic)

Dawn Prince-Hughes, Ph.D., primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_Prince-Hughes

John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye. www.johnrobison.com/

Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Laureate in economics. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernon_L._Smith

Satoshi Tajiri, creator and designer of Pokémon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satoshi_Tajiri

Raymond Thompson, New Zealand scriptwriter and TV producer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Thompson

Liane Holliday Willey, author. www.aspie.com/

Magnus Carlsen, highest-rated chess player in the world. magnuscarlsen.com/

Temple Grandin, food animal handling systems designer and author. www.templegrandin.com/

Caiseal Mór author, musician, and artist. www.mahjee.com/

Hikari Ōe, Japanese composer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikari_Ōe

Dylan Scott Pierce, wildlife illustrator. www.dylanpierce.com/

Peter Howson — Scottish Painter https://peterhowson.co.uk/

Alexis Wineman first autistic woman to compete in Miss America pageant 2013 www.alexiswineman.com/

James Durbin — singer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Durbin_(singer)

Dan Ackroyd — actor, comedian, writer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Aykroyd

Dan Harmon — writer, performer, creator of TV show Community https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Harmon

Adam Young — singer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Young

Susan Boyle — singer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Boyle