Greta Thunberg
Let's start with Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist engaged in the fight against climate change. Through her activist actions, speeches, and interventions, she gains worldwide fame at just 15 years old. After delivering a speech and protesting outside the Swedish Parliament, she launches the school strike for climate movement that will spread across the globe.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, painter, sculptor, filmmaker, and poet.
He is one of the major figures in popular music in the United States, with his most famous works dating back to the 60s.
He is also an informal chronicler of social awareness in the United States, which he conveys in his songs, initially explicitly and then increasingly allegorically.
Susan Boyle
Susan Boyle is a British singer who became known for her participation in the famous show Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.
Victimized by her wonderful performance, she faced mockery regarding her difficulty in advancing under the spotlight. She later explained that she has Asperger's syndrome.
That same year, she released her album I Dreamed a Dream, which became the biggest success of the decade with 10,300,000 copies sold.
Satoshi Tajiri
Japanese video game creator and producer, known for creating a universe known by all.
Satoshi Tajiri is the creator of the Pokémon franchise, released in 1996 after 6 years of development.
Passionate about collecting insects and video games, he won a video game creation contest organized by Sega as a teenager. He has also worked on several Mario games. Satoshi has Asperger's syndrome.
Marie Curie
In the world of science, we find, for example, Marie Curie, the famous Polish physicist and chemist married to physicist Pierre Curie.
She received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 with her husband and Henri Becquerel for their research on radiation (radioactivity, for example).
Thus, she was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. In 1911, she also received a Nobel Prize for her work on polonium and radium.
Albert Einstein
We must mention the very famous Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist who is the originator of the theory of special relativity and the relativistic theory of gravitation.
He also contributed to the development of quantum mechanics and cosmology.
As Asperger's syndrome did not exist in his time, researchers who studied his personality, as well as that of Isaac Newton retrospectively, say he might have had this syndrome.
Daryl Hannah
Do you know Kill Bill? In this film, we find actress Daryl Hannah, who played the role of Elle Driver.
We also see her in the film Blade Runner; the actress is also engaged in the fight for the environment with her own video blog, her participation in ecological events, and the fight against whaling, for example.
She won the Engagement Award in 2004 and the Ecological Activity Award in 2006.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
The Oscar-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins has also been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.
This British-American actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and composer is a major figure in cinema.
His role in The Silence of the Lambs with the portrayal of the famous psychopath Hannibal Lecter earned him his first Oscar in 1992. In 2020, he also received the Oscar for Best Actor for the film The Father.
Bill Gates
In the world of computing, Bill Gates, computer scientist, entrepreneur, and American billionaire is also an Asperger's autism.
He is notably known for being the founder of Microsoft.
Lizzy Clark
Lizzy Clark is an English actress with Asperger's syndrome.
She is notably known for the TV movie Dustin Babby, in which she plays the role of Poppy, a character also carrying Asperger's syndrome.
She is the first actress with Asperger's syndrome to portray a fictional character with the same condition.
COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES
A version for autistic children aged 5 to 10 years
CLINT
A version for autistic adults with mild disorders
SCARLETT
A version for autistic adults and elderly people with significant disorders
We are often asked why we do not state that our brain training apps are suitable for autistic people. The answer is simple: they are people like everyone else! And we do not want to differentiate them.
In our apps, the 3 levels of difficulty present in all games allow everyone to choose the level that suits them.
Today, we know that the inclusion of autistic people in the workforce can be perceived as difficult, while tools and communication strategies for employers and other stakeholders in professional inclusion are still under development. Today we will present to you 10 autistic personalities who have succeeded in becoming inspiring public figures and thriving in today's world!
Why highlighting autistic personalities is essential
Highlighting autistic personalities who have made their mark in their time or field is much more than just recognition. It is a powerful lever to raise awareness, value diversity, and promote a more inclusive society.
Changing the perspective on autism
Autism is still too often perceived solely through the lens of disability. However, many autistic individuals possess exceptional skills in very diverse fields.
Highlighting these successes shows that difference can be a strength and not a barrier to success.
Concrete example: Greta Thunberg has transformed her hypersensitivity and need for coherence into a true engine of global climate engagement.
Inspiring young autistic individuals and their families
Seeing inspiring journeys helps young autistic individuals envision their future with confidence.
It also allows parents to better understand their child's potential, outside of traditional frameworks.
Concrete example: Susan Boyle proved that it is never too late to reveal one's talent, even when one has an atypical profile.
Raising awareness among schools, businesses, and institutions
Highlighting these personalities encourages organizations to rethink their practices regarding inclusion.
This encourages the establishment of environments tailored to the sensory, cognitive, or social needs of autistic individuals.
Concrete example: companies like SAP, Ernst & Young, or Microsoft have developed programs dedicated to integrating neurodiverse profiles into their teams.
Providing positive representations in the media
Media representations play a major role in the social perception of autism.
Too often, autistic characters are stereotyped or reduced to their difference. Showing real figures with rich and varied backgrounds allows for nuance and humanization of these representations.
Concrete example: Lizzy Clark, an autistic actress playing an autistic character, has paved the way for a more accurate representation in British TV movies and series.
Educational applications tailored for autistic individuals
The benefits of brain training applications for autistic individuals
Brain training applications offer numerous advantages for autistic individuals, including:
- Improvement of cognitive skills: These applications help develop skills such as memory, attention, and concentration.
- Personalization of learning: Users can choose difficulty levels suited to their needs and abilities.
- Reduction of stress: Fun games can provide a means of relaxation and escape, thus reducing anxiety.
- Encouragement of socialization: Some applications allow interactions with other users, thereby fostering the development of social skills.
How to choose a suitable brain training app?
Choosing the right app can seem difficult. Here are some criteria to consider:
- Accessibility: The app should be easy to navigate and tailored to the users' needs.
- Variety of games: A wide range of games helps maintain interest and work on different skills.
- Feedback and progression: The app should provide feedback on performance and allow tracking of progress over time.
- Assessment of specific needs: Some apps are designed for specific disorders, so it is important to choose one that best meets individual needs.
Studies on the effectiveness of brain training apps
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of brain training apps on autistic individuals. Here are some key findings:
- Improvement in cognitive performance: Studies show that regular users of brain training apps exhibit significant improvements in their cognitive performance.
- Increased motivation: Interactive and engaging games boost the motivation to learn and improve.
- Boosting self-confidence: By noticing their progress, users gain confidence and self-esteem.
Testimonials from users of brain training apps
Many users share their positive experiences regarding the use of brain training apps:
- Amélie, 25 years old: "I started using an app to improve my memory. I noticed that I was focusing better in my studies."
- Lucas, 30 years old: "The games helped me feel less stressed. I enjoy playing and it helps me relax."
- Sophie, 18 years old: "I love the challenges offered by the app. It encourages me to want to improve every day."