Autism: Imagination, Attention and Other Assets for Creative People

Perspectives from artists and psychologists

Maja Toudal: "I remember kind of being told as a teenager when I was diagnosed that autistic people aren't that creative."

Julie Bjelland: "A lot of autistic people talk about a really deep, profound connection to nature, to creativity, being able to think quickly..."

There are countless lists online of artists either formally diagnosed or self-identified with neurodivergent traits. How can our ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other experiences contribute to being creative?

The image above is Tim Burton directing Mia Wasikowska in Alice in Wonderland (2010).

Burton is "Known for his unique and darkly whimsical films like Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and Batman. Burton has openly discussed his experiences with autism, and his partner Helena Bonham Carter has noted traits consistent with the condition." [1]

Note: Asperger’s "is no longer used as a diagnostic term for autism...Some people who received a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome continue to use this terminology to refer to themselves." [2]

Autism spectrum and artists

"Approximately 10% of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) exhibit savant skills, which can manifest in various artistic forms." [3]

Neurotypes: ADHD & Autism

A page on the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity site says "Around 3.5-5% of the population has an ADHD neurotype, and 2% of the population has an Autistic neurotype. It’s estimated that around 50-70% of Autistic people have a combined neurotype and are both Autistic and ADHD." [4]

Autistic characters and real neurodivergent people

One of the TV series that ignited my interest in exploring the qualities of people - and myself - with Asperger’s / Autism, especially those characteristics that can enhance creative problem-solving, is the crime drama “The Bridge” with Diane Kruger as El Paso police detective Sonya Cross.

Another character I love is ‘Astrid’ in the French series.

Earlier, I was struck by comments of Maja Toudal in her video from about 13 years ago: “The things that are good about being an aspie are so much fun and so awesome."

She is an "Autistic and ADHD psychologist, speaker, educator, and author." This is a more recent photo.

Maja Toudal: "Art is is the thing that connects so many people, but I remember kind of being told as a teenager when I was diagnosed that um autistic people aren't that creative and as I've grown up I just keep meeting autistic artists in all realms of art."

Dr. Kara Dymond responds: "Yes, I know directors, artists, video game designers, writers...so many careers requiring perspective taking, storytelling, all of these things that are traditionally thought to exclude us from having a diagnosis." [5]

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Autistic Women

Therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, comments in one of her podcast episodes (190: The Hidden World of Autistic Women):

"The ability to relate to other neurodivergent people, that's actually a lot of fun too. It's like you speak a different language than those that are not autistic, so it can be really fun to have that kind of connection with other autistic people.

"A lot of autistic people talk about a really deep, profound connection to nature, to creativity, being able to think quickly, process information quickly, problem solve."

See her Autism Resources Page:

* Understanding Autism in Women: Comprehensive Guide

* Adult-Discovered Autism Group (inside community)

* Autism Education

* Support Group for Autistic Women

* Autism Quiz

* Research: HSPs & Autism Similarities & Differences

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References

[1] From Perplexity search for famous directors with autism - includes multiple links to articles.

[2] "‘Asperger syndrome’ (often shortened to Asperger’s) is no longer used as a diagnostic term for autism and is considered controversial due to the history of Hans Asperger, which is summarised below.

"Historically, Asperger syndrome was used as a diagnostic term for some autistic people who did not also have a diagnosis of a learning disability. Broadly, it is now agreed that what was referred to as Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum and there is no need for a separate term.

"Some people who received a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome continue to use this terminology to refer to themselves. Others do not, usually for two reasons: because the term is no longer used officially; and because of revelations about the Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger, who Asperger syndrome was named after and who was complicit with the Nazis."

From the page Asperger syndrome (Asperger’s) by The National Autistic Society (UK)

[3] "The autism spectrum and artistic ability have a fascinating connection, with many individuals on the spectrum demonstrating exceptional creative talents. Approximately 10% of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) exhibit savant skills, which can manifest in various artistic forms."

From PerplexityAI search (page includes links to sources) for autism spectrum and artists.

[4] What is a Neurotype? by Association for Autism and Neurodiversity.

[5] Photo of Maja Toudal is from her site energyaccounting.com. Quotes are from video version of the Autistic Tidbits & Tangents podcast Ep. 33 - Autism, Artistic Expression, & Appreciation.

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Related Substack posts and podcasts:

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