Do Einstein and Newton have autism?

Barron Cohen said that although he himself admits that it is impossible to make a definite diagnosis of people who are no longer alive, he hopes that the typical analysis of these two scientific giants can help us figure out why some people with autism have extraordinary intelligence in their lives, while others are struggling. Autism can be inherited, and there are signs that the genes of autism are usually related to the talent of complex systems, which can control everything from computer programs to musical skills. For example, many mathematicians, engineers and physics experts tend to be autistic, and even among their relatives, the autism rate is relatively high. Barron Cohen and Aios James, mathematicians of Oxford University, studied the personality characteristics of Newton and Einstein, and discussed whether they showed three characteristics of autism, namely, obsessive interest, social difficulties and expression obstacles. Newton hardly spoke, absorbed in his work, often forgot to eat, was lukewarm to a few friends, and sometimes even lost his temper. If no one comes to his lecture, he will talk to the empty classroom alone. At the age of 50, he suffered from mental failure due to severe depression and paranoia. Einstein was also a lonely man in his childhood. He had a serious stutter before he was seven years old, and he always repeated a certain sentence when he spoke, so that he later became a well-known poor speaker. Barron Cohen speculated that although Einstein had many familiar friends, had a lot of things to do every day, and could frankly express his views on political events, he still showed many autism syndromes. Barron believes: "Passion, falling in love and upholding justice are beautiful emotions and qualities that are completely compatible with autism syndrome." Glenn Elliot, a psychiatrist at the University of California, USA, is skeptical about the above statement. He said that it is unreliable to try to make a diagnosis based on a person's biographical data. He also pointed out that any behavior is caused by various reasons. Glenn believes that as a person with advanced intelligence and natural ability, people like Newton and Einstein should be formed. He said: "People should identify with such a genius, who is socially stupid, but not autistic." He also said that impatience can be combined with other mental retardation, autism and the sense of mission and passion in life, thus producing such a unique personality.