by Wilma D.
Member since:
December 17, 2007

I often wonder whether or not Einstein had Asperger's Syndrome

October 28, 2008 10:53 AM UTC (Updated: October 28, 2008 10:54 AM UTC)
views: 0 | comments: 13

This quote makes is seems as if he did. He could be describing my son and many other Aspie's.

My passionate sense of social justice and social responsibility has always contrasted oddly with my pronounced lack of need for direct contact with other human beings and human communities.

Comments: 13

Rebecca P. Oct 28, 2008, 10:59am UTC
I've never thought about Einstein having Aspergers, though I do know that one of his sons suffered from schizophrenia. He did have a learning disability (forget which one). I haven't looked into Aspergers a lot (I've worked with autistic children, which is a step above aspergers) but supposedly Dan Akyrod has it, but I'm not sure how valid that is.
Larry M. Oct 28, 2008, 11:12am UTC
I think there's an excellent chance that he had at least a mild case. Lots of extremely intelligent people do.
Stacey Mamasaid Oct 28, 2008, 12:00pm UTC
Very interesting thought.
Bill Lawrence Oct 28, 2008, 2:32pm UTC
Very possibly. Aspergers come in a variety of flavors. The daughter of a friend has a version that makes any prolonged contact with people, as in a normal dinnertable conversation, an overwhelming experience. My nephew has at least a touch of it but does just fine with people. He's extremely bright, articulate, and obsessive about his interests. Both these kids spend an inordinate time in the shower and on the computer.
Elizabeth Madrigal Oct 28, 2008, 2:44pm UTC
One of the problems with modern society is that we all try to fit into some vision of conformity. There were always 'different' relatives out there, kids were expected to be very unique and nobody thought we should or did all learn at the same pace.
DesertDarlene L. Oct 28, 2008, 3:00pm UTC
I don't think that quote would necessarily indicate that he had Aspergers. Not everyone craves being around people or crowds. Some people, like myself, are drained by people while others might be energiezed by them. It doesn't mean we don't like people or care about social justice or people in general, it's just that we like to be by ourselves.
DesertDarlene L. Oct 28, 2008, 3:01pm UTC
Also, not all Aspergers and Autistic people shun being around people or dislike being touched, either.
Heather M. Oct 31, 2008, 5:49pm UTC
It is an interesting quote, but I don't think that quote necessarily indicates that he had Asperger's.
Wilma D. Nov 7, 2008, 9:47am UTC
My point was about the passion for social justice as a good outside of the personal.
Patti M. Nov 14, 2008, 9:21am UTC
Very likley. I had never heard of it until Jerry on Boston Leagal was diagnosed.
Patti M. Nov 14, 2008, 9:23am UTC
Oops bad job of spelling. Likely is what I meant. Thank you for your comment on my post.
Patti M. Nov 14, 2008, 9:23am UTC
Oops Legal. I was rushing.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley May 30, 2009, 4:24pm UTC

I'm an Aspie, which means I have been diagnosed with Asperger's myself. The two primary criteria which seem to differentiate the merely odd and quirky from those of us who are somewhere on the Autism Spectrum seem to be 1. Social awkwardness and 2. Sensory issues

If he had sensory issues AND was socially awkward, he very likely was on the Spectrum... there is such speculation about a wide range of famous people past and present.

I find Asperger's to be a great relief. A relief to know why "all those other people are wrong" LOL. But seriously, I never could figure out why others could not follow my logic - nor I theirs. Now I know. And I still think they're wrong more often than I concede that 'tis I who happen to be mistaken.

If I'm not correct, prove it. Don't call me wrong based on theory with no sound facts. And don't invent facts to support your weak theories. That's all I'll say.

Actually, I'll say a lot more... but I gotta cut it off SOMEWHERE.

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