Jim's Autism Blog: FAMOUS PEOPLE AFFECTED BY AN ASD BORN IN APRIL

When Jacob was diagnosed with Asperger's at age 5, we quickly began to wonder what it would be like for Jacob when he becomes a grown up. Would he be successful? Go to college? Be rich and famous? So I began to research celebrities and other notable people who had an ASD. And was I surprised. I had no idea how many famous people had been affected by an ASD. Either by having an ASD themselves or having a family member with an ASD.

*Please note* Not everyone listed in this series has been diagnosed with an ASD. Some may have an actual ASD while some may be suspected of having an ASD. Others on this list may have a family member with an ASD. Some people listed are deceased so an actual diagnosis of an ASD is impossible. Also, every one listed was mentioned on multiple websites which I felt were credible. And I did not reference Wikipedia.

BIRTHDAYS IN APRIL

April 6, 1970 - Olaf Kolzig - Retired NHL goaltender. Played 17 years in the NHL, won a Vezina Trophy for being the best goalie in the NHL in the 99/00 season. Co founder of Athletes Against Autism. Kolzig's son Carson has autism.

April 13, 1743 - Thomas Jefferson - 3rd President of the US and author of the Declaration of Independence. Noted as being very shy, unwilling to make eye contact and having a fear of groups. Also reported to have issues with noise. Jefferson was suspected of having Asperger's syndrome.

April 18, 1959 - Jim Eisenreich - Retired MLB Outfielder. Played 16 seasons in MLB with multiple teams, but had his most success with the Kansas City Royals. And was voted KC Royals Player of the Year in 1989. Eisenreich was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome as a child and was later diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.

April 20, 1964 - Crispin Glover - Actor best known for his roles in "Back to the Future" and "Charlie's Angels". Glover has appeared in over 20 movies. Glover is also a successful musician and he has written over 15 books. Glover is suspected of having an ASD.