Friday June 26, 2009, 8:30 pm
Here is the story:
BBC NEWS | Health | Einstein and Newton 'Had Autism'
Researchers at Cambridge and Oxford universities believe both scientists displayed signs of Asperger's Syndrome.

Many people with Asperger's are often regarded as being eccentric. They sometimes lack social skills, are obsessed with complex topics and can have problems communicating.

This latest research suggests that Einstein, who is credited with developing the theory of relativity, and Newton, who discovered the laws of gravity, had these traits to varying degrees.

According to the researchers, Einstein showed signs of Asperger's from a young age.

As a child, he was a loner and often repeated sentences obsessively until he was seven years old. He was also a notoriously confusing lecturer.

Later in life, the German-born scientist made intimate friends, had numerous affairs and spoke out on political issues.

'Passionate'

However, the researchers insist that he continued to show signs of having Asperger's.

"Passion, falling in love and standing up for justice are all perfectly compatible with Asperger's Syndrome," Professor Simon Baron-Cohen of Cambridge, one of those involved in the study, told New Scientist magazine.

"What most people with Asperger's Syndrome find difficult is casual chatting - they can't do small talk."

The researchers believe that Newton displayed classic signs of the condition.

He hardly spoke, was so engrossed in his work that he often forgot to eat and was lukewarm or bad-tempered with the few friends he had.

If no one turned up to his lectures he gave them anyway talking to an empty room. At the age of 50, he had a nervous breakdown brought on by depression and paranoia.

However, others believe these traits can be attributed to both men's high intelligence.

'Socially inept'

"One can imagine geniuses who are socially inept and yet not remotely autistic," said Dr Glen Elliott, a psychiatrist at the University of California at San Francisco.

"Impatience with the intellectual slowness of others, narcissism and passion for one's mission in life might combine to make such individuals isolative and difficult."

He told the magazine that Einstein was regarded as having a good sense of humour - a trait not seen in people with severe Asperger's.

Professor Baron-Cohen said the findings suggested that people with the syndrome can excel if they find their niche in life.

"This condition can make people depressed or suicidal, so if we can find out how to make things easier for them, that's worthwhile."

Friday June 26, 2009, 8:35 pm
Thanks for this informative story Raffi.

Friday June 26, 2009, 8:50 pm
Thanks Raffi!

Saturday June 27, 2009, 1:52 am
Very Interesting Raffi! Thanks

Saturday June 27, 2009, 7:43 am
great story thanks rapheal

Saturday June 27, 2009, 2:48 pm
Thanks for the info Raphael....certainly interesting.

Saturday June 27, 2009, 3:11 pm
One of the Asperger kids in my sons' school - where he teaches, actuallly cracked a joke this week. albeit copying another child's accent and speech. This was a milestone - since he joined the school (last year) he has never laughed, let alone crack a joke. And apparently the other kids beamed at him and laughed with him, including the boy whose little speech was mimicked. It was almost as though they applauded his 'reaching out' to them. My son adores them, he has the parience of a saint and an empathy and consistency of interaction with the kids - it is beautiful to see.

I have always had a deep interest in psychology, and from what I've observed of these 'special needs' kids, they are often misunderstood and undervalued.

I for one am useless at making 'small talk', I am passionate about my causes, and I'm highly intelligent, but does this mean I suffer from asperger's syndrome? I think not. I don't agree with that comment in the article - so easy to slam labels onto people.....

Raffi, thank you for your post - keep it up!

Sunday June 28, 2009, 12:36 pm
very interesting, thanks Raffi

Monday June 29, 2009, 7:57 am
Does not surprise me people with asperger are mostly very intelligent, their only disability is they do not socialise much,they are more to themselves.