Famous People With Autism: Tim Burton

Clay Marzo, Darryl Hannah, Temple Grandin are just a few famous people with autism.  Each one has strengths and weaknesses.  So do you.

Every person, whether famous or not, has gifts, talents, and purpose.  And everyone who perseveres despite flaws and adversity makes a difference in the world.

Here’s a portrait of another famous person with autism, and how he can teach you about your own potential?  Read on to find out more about Tim Burton.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”  Helen Keller

Timothy Walter “Tim” Burton is an American film director, film producer, writer, artist and animator.  His awards include Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program, Future Film Festival Digital Award, and National Board of Review Award for Best Director.

Facts About His Life

He spent most of his childhood as a recluse.  He was a very introspective person, and enjoyed painting, drawing, and watching films.

Tim Burton hasn’t been formally diagnosed with autism, but he identifies with the condition.

His ex-wife, Helena Bonham Carter, informally diagnosed him with Asperger’s syndrome.

While she was researching for a film she had a bit of an “a-ha moment” when so many of the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome lined up with the traits that she loves in her husband. Helena says: “We were watching a documentary about autism and he said that’s how he felt as a child. Autistic people have application and dedication. You can say something to Tim when he’s working and he doesn’t hear you. But that quality also makes him a fantastic father, he has an amazing sense of humour and imagination. He sees things other people don’t see.”  Tim Burton autism claims

Does He Have Autism, or Doesn’t He?

Here’s a thread from Wrong Planet, where different people with Aspergers voiced their opinions:

I don’t think he does, by virtue of the fact that he’s a director which is a job i’d imagine requires lots of human interaction and getting large groups of people to do as you please. Surely that would be extremely difficult for someone with asperger’s.

But then again, Spielberg is officially an aspie…

It is fairly narrow to assume someone with AS cannot be a director. Obsessive interest, the capacity to hyperfocus, a capacity to communicate and talk in relation to a special interest…. persevering with specific goals, attention to detail….

Directing does not require “social” engagement with others. It simply requires the communication of what needs to be done. He would be working within the realm of a special interest………

I’ve asked this before, I used to be a frequent visitor at a Tim Burton forum, and this question would crop up once in a while. I would think so, from watching Edward Scissorhands, and from seeing in interviews, he’s got a very soft voice, and he’s always gesturing to get his point across,