Letters to the Editor - Asperger’s Disorder and Mathematicians of Genius

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, (2002), Vol 32, pages 59-60

There is evidence that mathematicians of genius and originality over the past 2300 years for whom there are adequate data not uncommonly met criteria for Asperger’s disorder. DSM-IV criteria are used here for Asperger’s disorder. Table I summarises the data on Ludwig Wittgenstein, Eamon de Valera, Paul Erdos, G.H Hardy, Archimedes, Lagrange, Cauchy, Riemann, Galois, Lobatchensky, and William Hamilton the last mentioned being the only member of the group who did not meet criteria for Asperger’s disorder.

Prof. Michael Fitzgerald
Henry Marsh Professor Child & Adolescent Psychiatry T.C.D.

It is important to be aware of the major assets some persons with Asperger syndrome have, in particular their ability to immerse themselves in subjects for long periods, a total involvement with a subject that is very difficult for many people without Asperger syndrome. The great strength of mathematic geniuses and persons with Asperger syndrome is their ability to focus and exclude unnecessary inputs. There is therefore value in not being able to shift attention easily.