The 2013 update of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) grouped all autism disorders under one diagnosis, that is, Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 2 million individuals in the U.S. with ASD. Individuals with ASD, which seems to have its roots in early brain development, exhibit varying degrees of intellectual disabilities, and difficulties in motor coordination and social interaction. This is why no autistic individual is the same. While one may exhibit severe problems in motor coordination; another may excel in music, arts, or math.

It often comes as a surprise that autistic individuals can actually excel in their chosen field of work and achieve great success. Here is a list of 10 past and present famous people who achieved great success despite being autistic.

#1 – Daryl Hannah

In 2013, “Wall Street” actress, Daryl Hannah, made headlines when she opened up about being diagnosed with autism as a child. As a child, doctors recommended that she be medicated and institutionalized. She accepts being extremely shy and terrified of public appearances and rocking for the purpose of calming herself. Hannah attained fame as a teenager and accepts having concealed her diagnosis from producers.