this post was submitted on 05 Oct 2024
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Ask Autistic People

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A community for anyone to ask autistic people questions: non-autistic people to learn about the autistic experience and autistic people to get information or validation from their peers.

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Rules

  1. Follow instance rules
  2. Text-posts only
  3. Questions must be directed at autistic people
  4. If you are answering a question and are not autistic, please state so in your comment. Otherwise, it is presumed the respondent is autistic.

Keep in mind: Autistic people are a diverse group with diverse experiences and perspectives. Not one represents the entire community.

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[–] Orchidaceae@lemmy.autism.place 3 points 1 month ago

Not sure I have a favourite, although I do know that a number of historical figures (Einstein, Newton, Tesla, Mozart, etc.) probably had autism and several well-known actors (Sir Anthony Hopkins, Dan Ackroyd) and other celebrities (Susan Boyle) have been diagnosed.

I definitely admire Susan Boyle for the courage it would have taken to front up on stage and perform the first time. The amount of stress I'd be experiencing if that were me would have made me physically ill.

I feel like I can somewhat understand Dan Ackroyd, though, as he has said his "obsession" with ghosts is what provided the drive for the original Ghostbusters films. Even though I don't share that as a special interest, it does make me smile to think that his level of enthusiasm in the films was probably genuine enjoyment of being able to do something he was passionate about at the time.

Temple Grandin is also worth a mention for her accomplishments and autism advocacy.