It is generally agreed that many adults with AS are able to work successfully in mainstream jobs and live independent lives. It is also recognised that individuals with AS may make great intellectual contributions. Reports suggest an association with accomplishments in art, music, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physics The deficits associated with AS may be debilitating, but many individuals experience positive achievements, particularly those who are able to excel in areas less dependent on social interaction, such as mathematics, music and the sciences It is sometimes suggested that , AS may be an important factor in many valuable contributions to fields and areas that benefit most from the type of thinking and attention to detail that only individuals with AS can provide.



AS is sometimes viewed as a syndrome with both benefits and drawbacks, and many notable adults with AS or autism have achieved success in their fields. There are many very famous, very successful people who either had, or are believed to have had, Aspergers Syndrome. Bill Gates, the Microsoft computer billionaire is supposed to have AS. Some other prominent AS-diagnosed individuals include Nobel Prize-winning economist Vernon Smith, electro pop rocker Gary Numan, and Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of the Pok?mon franchise. Colorado State University professor and author Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and has used her autism to her advantage in her profession as an animal behaviorist specializing in livestock handling.

Some AS researchers speculate that well-known figures, including Thomas Jefferson, Jeremy Bentham, Albert Einstein Isaac Newton, Glenn Gould and Ludwig Wittgenstein had AS because they showed some AS-related tendencies or behaviors, such as intense interest in one subject, and/or social problems. These unconfirmed diagnoses, especially posthumous ones, remain controversial, as they work only from biographical information and sometimes ignore documented evidence that would indicate against Aspergers syndrome. Nevertheless it could be argued that it would be a loss to society if Aspergers were cured, as many of these individuals clearly make a significant contribution to society and their skills are highly prized in many specialist fields. There are several groups on the internet designed by people with Aspergers specifically for them such as www.aspiesforfreedom.com. These sites provide a wealth of support and advice on many issues including work and jobs. It is important for people with Aspergers syndrome to have somewhere where they can talk to similar people and share their experiences.

This short article is written to show how people with Aspergers syndrome truly have a unique gift and an opportunity to apply their special abilities to make a real contribution to the future, with examples drawn from both the present and further back in time. It also provides an insight into the types of work and jobs that might make the best use of their skills and talents.