Autistic women in history

Introduction

In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, I wanted to highlight women throughout history who may have been autistic. This article celebrates their contributions and explores the ways autism may have influenced their lives and legacies. Such retrospective diagnoses are inherently speculative due to the lack of direct observation and modern diagnostic tools.

Autistic women have faced unique challenges throughout history. Women. have been expected to be more socially adept with strong interpersonal skills resulting in a high need for masking.^[1]Behavioural and cognitive sex/gender differences in autism spectrum condition and typically developing males and females(Hull, Mandy, & Petrides, 2017) ^[2]The art of camouflage: Gender differences in the social behaviors of girls and boys with autism spectrum disorder (Dean, Harwood, & Kasari, 2017) This societal pressure to conform may have concealed autism in historical women, making their neurodivergence harder to recognize.^[3]Sex/gender differences and autism: setting the scene for future research (Lai et al., 2015; Gould & Ashton-Smith, 2011)^[4]The Female Autism Phenotype and Camouflaging: a Narrative Review(Hull, Petrides, & Mandy, 2020)

Autistic women are often misdiagnosed with conditions such as borderline personality disorder or anxiety, due to us having a less obvious presentation of autism.^[5]Sex differences in the timing of identification among children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (Begeer et al., 2013)   While may help autistic females in social situations, it comes at a high cost, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and exhaustion.^[6]What Is the Male-to-Female Ratio in Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(Loomes, Hull, & Mandy, 2017)

Many women throughout history have made significant contributions to literature, science, and philosophy. Their deep focus, innovative thinking, and unique perspectives have enriched various fields, suggests that autistic traits have likely always played a vital role in shaping the world.

Recently it has been suggested that individuals who are highly intelligent or exceptionally creative should be screening for autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as intelligence genes are strongly linked to autism, while creativity genes are more often associated with ADHD.^[7]Creativity in ADHD: Goal-Directed Motivation and Domain Specificity (Boot et al., 2017)) Studies have identified specific genetic variations that contribute to both high intelligence and an increased risk of autism. For example, research involving the SHANK2 gene revealed that mutations in this gene result in hyperconnectivity which is associated with both high intelligence and a higher liklihood of autism.^[8] The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention (Baron-Cohen, 2020)

Similarly, research has linked creativity with ADHD. A 2020 review by Hoogman et. al, found that creativity may be associated with ADHD, particularly divergent thinking and the quantity of creative achievements ^[9]Creative style and achievement in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (White & Shah, 2011). In addition ADHD is also associated with rapid switching between aspects of a task, flexible associative memory, and impulsivity which can contribute to creativity.^[10]Thinking “outside the box”: Unconstrained creative generation in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (White, 2020) A study analyzing data from over 400,000 individuals found correlations between certain professions and ADHD, suggesting that psychological traits such as ADHD could influence career choices, .^[11]Genetic correlates of social stratification in Great Britain (Abdellaoui et al., 2019)

Emily Dickinson: A Legacy of Solitude, Innovation, and Immortal Verse (1830–1886)

Emily Dickinson, is one of the most original and influential poets in American literature.

1. Social withdrawal & intense special interests (autism)

Dickinson lived a reclusive life, even from family and friends. She communicated through letters rather than face-to-face conversations.

She exhibited an intense and singular focus on poetry, producing nearly 1,800 poems in her lifetime.

2. Rejection of social norms & unconventional thinking (AdHD)

Dickinson’s poetry rejected convention using unconventional punctuation (notably her use of dashes).

She refused traditional roles of marriage, instead pursuing her passion.

3. Sensory sensitivities & routine-oriented behaviour (autism)

Dickinson wore only white, In addition she avoided crowded social spaces.,

She maintained strict daily routines with rigid writing habits.

4. Mental restlessness

Her poetry reflects a mind that was constantly in motion.

5. Emotional intensity & rejection sensitivity

Dickinson’s letters and poetry frequently reflect deep emotional pain, a heightened sensitivity to social dynamics, and feelings of being misunderstood—common in rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) associated with ADHD.

Hildegard of Bingen: Visionary, Polymath, and Trailblazer of the Medieval World (1098–1179)

Hildegard of Bingen,was an amazing woman from the 12th century who excelled in many areas, including religion, music, medicine, and philosophy. She was a nun, a writer, a visionary, and a leader who influenced both the Church and the intellectual world. She was declared a saint in 2012 and is one of the few women honoured as a Doctor of the Church. From a young age, she had visions, which she later recorded in books exploring theology, and morality. She also composed sacred music that is still performed today. In addition to her religious and artistic work, she was a pioneer of natural medicine, studying the healing properties of plants, animals, and minerals.

1. Hyperfocus & special interests (autism)

She was a polymath, deeply engaged in music, theology, medicine, botany, and mysticism.

Her work in classifying plants, illnesses, and theological concepts reflects a deeply systematic mind.

2. Unique sensory perception & mystical experiences (autism)

One of the most striking aspects of Hildegard’s life was her mystical visions, which she described as intense, multisensory experiences.

3. Nonlinear thinking & creative innovation (ADHD)

Her musical compositions that broke from traditional medieval structures..

She formulated theological and scientific theories, combining religion with herbal medicine, natural philosophy, and mystical symbolism in ways that were unconventional at that time.

Her music was both highly organized and creative.

4. Rejection of social norms & fierce independence (AuDHD)

She openly challenged male authority figures, including the Pope, by sending letters criticizing the corruption of the Church.

She led an all-female religious community, taking on a leadership role when most women were expected to be subservient.

5. Emotional intensity & periods of burnout (AuDHD)

She had periods of extreme creative output, during which she wrote books, composed music, and engaged in political-religious discourse, while at other times, she fell into extreme exhaustion and illness.

She had strong emotional reactions to injustice and was known to write passionate letters denouncing corruption.

6. Rigid thinking & structured systems (autism)

Her medical texts were highly structured, systematically cataloging plants, animals, and remedies.

She developed a complex system of spiritual cosmology, which was highly logical yet deeply abstract.

Her writing style was precise, detailed, and highly organized.

Even her musical compositions followed precise mathematical ratios.

Emily Brontë: A Reclusive Genius and the Haunting Voice of Wuthering Heights (1818–1848)

Emily Brontë, best known for her novel Wuthering Heights, led a reclusive and highly unconventional life, marked by intense creativity, deep intellectual focus, and social withdrawal. Raised in the remote Yorkshire moors, she found solace in the vast, untamed landscapes that would later serve as the backdrop for her only novel. Unlike her more socially engaged sisters, Charlotte and Anne, Emily preferred solitude, dedicating herself to writing, nature, and the imaginary worlds.

1. Reclusive nature & social challenges (autism)

Brontë was known for her extreme introversion and preference for solitude. Unlike her sisters Charlotte and Anne, she avoided social gatherings and was described as deeply uncomfortable in structured social environments. When she briefly worked as a teacher, she found the experience unbearable and returned home, unable to cope with the social demands of the role.

She preferred the company of animals over people, is characteristic of autistic withdrawal from overwhelming social environments.

2. Deep, specialized interests & hyperfocus (ADHD)

She and her siblings created an elaborate imaginary world, Gondal, which she passionately developed into adulthood. Her writings in this world were private, intensely detailed, and completely immersive.

Similarly her ability to sustain long writing sessions, crafting deeply intricate narratives.

3. Sensory sensitivities & routine-oriented behaviour (autism)

Emily Brontë had strong attachments to specific environments and routines rarely leaving the moors surrounding her home, finding comfort in nature and solitude. She followed a strict daily routine, including long solitary walks.

Some reports suggest she had a strong preference for silence and disliked the presence of strangers.

4. Unconventional thinking & nonlinear creativity (ADHD)

Wuthering Heights is known for its unusual storytelling structure, blending shifting timelines, unreliable narrators, and emotionally explosive characters.

Additionally, Brontë’ had vivid imagination allowing her to create an emotionally charged, psychologically complex novel.

5. Emotional intensity & rejection sensitivity

Brontë’s writing is filled with extreme emotions—passionate love, violent rage, deep despair.

She also displayed rigid moral views and a strong sense of justice.

Sophie Germain: Breaking Barriers in Mathematics and Physics (1776–1831)

Sophie Germain,was a groundbreaking mathematician and physicist who made important discoveries in number theory and the study of elasticity. Born in France in 1776, she taught herself math using books from her father’s library because women were not allowed to study the subject formally. To communicate with famous mathematicians, she used the fake name “Monsieur LeBlanc,” since women were not taken seriously in the field. One of these mathematicians, Carl Friedrich Gauss, later recognized her talent and praised her work. Her ideas influenced modern engineering and physics. Despite facing discrimination, Germain never gave up on her passion for math. She proved that determination and intelligence could break through barriers, inspiring many women to pursue science and math. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest mathematical minds of her time, and her work continues to shape the field.

1. Intense specialized interests & hyperfocus (AuDHD)

As a young girl, she became fascinated with mathematics after reading about the death of Archimedes, whose intellectual dedication inspired her.

She taught herself Greek and Latin to read mathematical texts.

She worked passionately on mathematical problems, often at night and in secret, even when her parents tried to prevent her from studying.

Despite the lack of formal education opportunities for women, she persisted in her self-study for years.

2. Rejection of social norms & nonconformity (ADHD)

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, women were discouraged from studying mathematics, yet she ignored these expectations entirely, following her intellectual interests rather than societal norms.

Unlike many women of her era, she never married, choosing instead to dedicate her life entirely to mathematics.

3. Nonlinear thinking & innovative problem-solving (ADHD)

Germain played a key role in Number Theory, working on Fermat’s Last Theorem before it was proven centuries later, displaying highly creative mathematical reasoning.

Her work in elasticity theory involved breaking new ground in physics, suggesting a nonlinear approach to problem-solving.

She persisted in finding solutions to problems that others had abandoned, showing atendency to hyperfocus.

4. Resistance to authority & rigid logical thinking (AuDHD)

She defied her parents’ attempts to stop her from studying, sneaking out of bed to continue her mathematical work at night.

She challenged the intellectual status quo, persisting in her research despite being dismissed or ignored by male mathematicians.

When Gauss discovered that she was a woman, he was shocked by her level of intellect, reinforcing the idea that her refusal to conform to gender roles was seen as radical at the time.

5. Emotional intensity & sensitivity to criticism (ADHD)

Despite her intellectual accomplishments, Germain was frequently overlooked and dismissed by male mathematicians. When she finally received recognition, it was limited compared to her male peers, which she found emotionally distressing.

6. Strict routines & highly structured thinking (autism)

She followed strict study habits, devoting most of her time to solving mathematical problems.

She preferred the predictability and structure of mathematical logic.

Her ability to maintain strict intellectual discipline.

Jane Austen: The Sharp Wit and Social Critique Behind Timeless Literature (1775–1817)

Jane Austen, was one of the most famous writers in English literature, known for her sharp wit and deep understanding of people and society. Born in 1775, she grew up in a family that loved books and learning. Even though she didn’t have much formal schooling, she taught herself through reading and writing, eventually creating six novels that changed literature forever.

Her books, including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma, are famous for their clever dialogue, realistic characters, and critique of social rules, especially those about class, gender, and marriage. She showed how women in her time had few choices and often had to marry for financial security rather than love.

When Austen was alive, her books were published without her name, but people still loved them. After her death in 1817, her fame only grew, and today, she is seen as a literary pioneer. Her novels continue to be popular, inspiring movies, TV shows, and modern adaptations. Some believe her strong focus on social patterns, structured writing style, and resistance to societal expectations suggest she may have been neurodivergent, showing how different ways of thinking can lead to great creativity.

1. Social observation & rejection of conventions (ADHD)

Austen’s novels reflect an intense awareness of social dynamics, often satirizing societal norms.

Austen’s had a preference for small, familiar social circles and solitude.

Additionally, her letters and novels show evidence of literal thinking, dry humour, and a direct communication style.

2. Hyperfocus & repetitive interests (autism)

Austen had a deep passion with writing and storytelling

She was an extremely disciplined writer, revising her novels multiple times and maintaining a strict dedication to her craft.

Meanwhile, her ability to write witty, rapid dialogue suggests a creative mind. Her narratives balance meticulous structure with fluidity.

3. Rule-based thinking vs. impulsive humour (AuDHD)

Austen’s writing is known for its well-structured, logical plotting. She meticulously crafted social critiques, carefully dissecting class dynamics, gender roles.

However, her humour often broke conventions—her characters spoke with unexpected wit.

Her novel Northanger Abbey mocks gothic fiction tropes, demonstrating both a deep understanding of literary structures and playful creativity.

4. Routine-oriented lifestyle & sensory sensitivities (autism)

Austen lived a highly structured life, preferring a consistent routine at her family home in Chawton.

When she had to move from Steventon to Bath, it deeply upset her and disrupted her writing.

Additionally, Austen had strong attachments to certain places and people, a common autistic trait. She seemed hypersensitive to social pressure, preferring to observe rather than fully engage with high-society life.

5. Fast-paced thought & rejection sensitivity (ADHD)

Austen’s quick-witted dialogue and biting humour suggest a fast-processing mind. She engaged in sharp verbal exchanges in her letters and wrote characters who reflected this same cognitive agility (e.g., Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice).

Austen’s unpublished work and personal letters suggest she was deeply sensitive to how her writing was received.

Katsushika Ōi: The Hidden Genius Behind Edo’s Ukiyo-e Art (1800–1866)

Katsushika Ōi, also known as Eijo, was a talented ukiyo-e artist, but her work was often overshadowed by her famous father, Hokusai. Despite the restrictions on women in the Edo period, she dedicated her life to art, thinking outside the box and rejecting traditional roles.

She played a key role in helping Hokusai in his later years, improving his techniques and contributing to some of his greatest works. Her skill in composition, color, and delicate portraiture is clear in her surviving prints, like Women Preparing Silkworms. However, because of the gender biases of her time, much of her work was uncredited or absorbed into her father’s legacy.

Ōi broke social norms by staying unmarried and fully dedicating herself to art. She was known for being outspoken, intelligent, and independent—qualities that set her apart in a society that expected women to be obedient. Though not widely recognized during her lifetime, modern scholars now see her as a groundbreaking artist. Today, she is celebrated not just as Hokusai’s assistant but as a brilliant ukiyo-e artist in her own right.

1. Special interest in art & hyperfocus (autism)

She dedicated her life to painting, much like her father, displaying single-minded artistic focus.

Unlike many women of her time, she completely rejected traditional female roles, choosing instead to pursue painting with an obsessive intensity.

Her ability to render fine details with exceptional precision in ukiyo-e works suggests pattern recognition and focus on visual structure.

Her unwavering commitment to art, despite societal and financial hardships, suggests a drive to pursue passion over practicality.

2. Rejection of social norms & nonconformity (ADHD)

She never married after divorcing her husband, instead choosing to live with and assist her father, Hokusai, in his artistic work—a highly unconventional choice for a woman of her era.

She rejected traditional femininity, reportedly mocking other women for their obsession with beauty and expressing frustration at gender expectations.

3. Spontaneous creativity & artistic innovation (ADHD)

Unlike her father, who was known for fast, impulsive sketching, Ōi was meticulous and precise in her painting, suggesting attention to detail combined creative energy.

Her use of light, color, and composition was experimental, showing a willingness to innovate and break from tradition.

She was known to spend hours hyperfocused on painting, often neglecting other tasks, indicating a pattern of deep immersion and hyperfixation.

Her ability to blend structured techniques with fluid creativity aligns with an  mind that balances intense focus with artistic spontaneity.

4. Sensory sensitivities & environmental attachment (autism)

Ōi reportedly preferred dimly lit environments, suggesting light sensitivity.

She was highly attuned to visual details, evident in her precise depictions of shading, facial expressions, and natural elements, suggesting a heightened sensory perception.

She stayed deeply attached to her father’s workspace, reluctant to leave his side, which may indicate attachment to familiar routines and environments.

5. Emotional intensity & resistance to authority (ADHD)

Ōi was known to have a strong personality, often clashing with others over artistic standards.

She had a reputation for being opinionated and blunt.

She may have struggled with rigid hierarchies and social authority, preferring to focus on her work rather than navigate social politics.

6. Preference for structure & order in art

Her precise, detailed approach to painting reflects a need for order and control.

She had an incredibly structured work ethic, painting for long hours, a trait seen in both autism (deep focus) and ADHD (hyperfixation).

While her father was known for his chaotic lifestyle, Ōi’s more disciplined approach to composition suggests a preference for structured creativity.

Virginia Woolf: A Literary Revolutionary and Modernist Visionary (1882–1941)

Virginia Woolf, was one of the most important writers of the 20th century, known for her unique writing style, deep psychological insight, and poetic language. Born in 1882 into a highly intellectual family, she was surrounded by books and ideas from a young age. Despite struggling with mental health issues, she wrote some of the most groundbreaking novels of her time, including Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando.

Woolf was a pioneer of stream-of-consciousness writing, a technique that captures a character’s thoughts and emotions in a flowing, often fragmented way. Her work explored themes like time, memory, identity, and gender, giving readers a closer look at the inner workings of the mind. She was also a strong advocate for women’s rights, famously arguing in A Room of One’s Own that women need financial independence and personal space to create great literature.

Her writing was shaped by her deep introspection, emotional sensitivity, and sharp awareness of human psychology. Even though she battled depression throughout her life, her ability to express complex emotions and challenge traditional storytelling continues to inspire literature, psychology, and feminism today.

1. Introspective isolation & social difficulties (autism)

Woolf was deeply introspective and often withdrew from social interactions. While she was intellectually engaged and part of the Bloomsbury Group, she struggled with the emotional complexities of social relationships and often expressed frustration at the expectations of social life.

She described feelings of being an outsider and was highly attuned to subtle emotional and sensory experiences. Unlike many of her peers, she preferred long solitary walks and deeply immersive intellectual pursuits rather than engaging in traditional social activities.

2. Hyperfocus & special interest in literature (AuDHD)

She was obsessively devoted to writing, producing experimental, intricate narratives that broke conventional storytelling structures. Her stream-of-consciousness technique, particularly in Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, shows associative thinking and nonlinear storytelling.

Her intense interest in words, meaning, and psychological depth aligns with  pattern-recognition and deep analysis tendencies, while her fluid, ever-shifting narrative voice reflects creativity.

3. Sensory sensitivities & overwhelm (autism)

Virginia Woolf frequently described heightened sensory perceptions, particularly in relation to light, sound, and emotions. She was hypersensitive to noise, often escaping to quiet retreats, such as her country home in Sussex.

She also experienced extreme emotional and sensory highs and lows, suggesting autistic sensory processing difficulties. Her breakdowns, often triggered by external stressors or disruptions in routine.

4. Nonlinear, intuitive thinking and writing (ADHD)

Her works lack traditional plot structures, instead flowing spontaneously between thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Her sudden bursts of creative energy, followed by periods of mental exhaustion, demonstrated an“all or nothing” productivity cycles.

Her use of long, meandering sentences and tangential thoughts mirrors ADHD’s thought loops, where a single idea can branch into multiple, unexpected directions.

5. Emotional sensitivity & rejection sensitivity dysphoria (ADHD)

Woolf struggled with extreme emotional fluctuations and described feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions

Her fear of failure and intense perfectionism suggest a deep sensitivity to criticism.

6. Routine-oriented & resistance to change

Woolf had strict routines and rituals that provided her with a sense of stability. She wrote at specific times of day, maintained repetitive habits, and became deeply unsettled by disruptions to her environment.

Her deep attachment to certain places, such as Monk’s House, suggests a preference for familiarity and an aversion to unexpected changes.

Woolf was known for her introspective isolation, sensory sensitivities, nonlinear creativity, emotional intensity, and strict routines.

7. Suicidal ideation & completion

High suicide rates among autistic individuals, particularly autistic women, is a serious and under-discussed issue. Virginia Woolf’s tragic suicide is a stark reminder of the mental health struggles that many neurodivergent individuals face, even those who achieve great intellectual and creative success.

Hypatia of Alexandria: A Pioneer of Mathematics, Philosophy, and Astronomy (c. 350–415 AD)

Hypatia was a brilliant mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer from ancient Alexandria. She was one of the most advanced thinkers of her time, leading the Neoplatonic school and making important contributions to geometry, algebra, and astronomy. As a respected teacher, she mentored students from across the Mediterranean and engaged in deep philosophical discussions.

Unlike most women of her era, Hypatia chose to dedicate her life to learning rather than following traditional gender roles. She was known for her logical thinking, sharp focus, and methodical approach to knowledge. She also helped improve scientific instruments like the astrolabe and hydrometer, strengthening her reputation as a leading scientist.

Her independence and refusal to conform made her a controversial figure, especially during a time of growing political and religious conflicts in Alexandria. Tragically, she was killed by a Christian mob, marking the decline of classical learning in the ancient world. Despite her violent death, Hypatia remains a symbol of intellectual freedom and scientific curiosity. Her impact on math, philosophy, and astronomy continues to inspire scholars, securing her place as one of history’s greatest minds.

1. Deep, narrow interests & intellectual obsession (autism)

Hypatia was known for her methodical, highly analytical mind, producing works on geometry and number theory. Unlike many scholars of her time, she also focused on refining existing knowledge rather than simply following established doctrines, indicating rigid, systematic thinking.

Her extreme focus on intellectual pursuits over conventional societal roles suggests a hyperfixation. Historical accounts describe her as one of the most brilliant minds in Alexandria, suggesting an intense, singular dedication to learning and teaching.

2. Rejection of social norms & nonconformity (ADHD)

Hypatia never married, despite living in a culture where women were expected to enter arranged marriages. She instead remained entirely dedicated to her work, a decision that was considered highly unusual at the time.

She also dressed in the robes of a philosopher, rather than adhering to traditional feminine attire, further reinforcing her nonconformity and disinterest in social expectations.

3. Direct communication & blunt honesty (autism)

Hypatia was famous for her unapologetic intellect and sharp directness in academic debates, which may suggest a preference for straightforward communication rather than social maneuvering.

One well-documented account describes a male admirer who persistently courted her. Instead of deflecting him in a socially acceptable way, she threw a menstrual rag at him and bluntly stated that there was nothing desirable about physical attraction, a response that reflects a lack of interest in social norms and a direct, literal approach to problem-solving—traits commonly seen in autistics.

4. Rigid logical thinking & resistance to superstition (autism)

Hypatia’s work was centered on pure logic, mathematics, and empirical observation, making her a rationalist in a time dominated by religious and mystical thinking.

She rejected mysticism and religious dogma, leading to conflicts with the rising influence of Christian fundamentalism in Alexandria.

5. Preference for structure & predictability (autism)

Hypatia’s known academic practices suggest a strong need for order, structure, and predictability.

She maintained a rigorous intellectual discipline, developing mechanical devices and teaching methods that emphasized structured learning.

Her contributions to astronomy and geometry indicate a mind highly attuned to patterns and structured knowledge.

6. Intolerance for political maneuvering & social conflict (autism(

Hypatia’s involvement in Alexandria’s political disputes was not as a political figure, but rather as an intellectual who refused to conform to shifting political allegiances.

Her outspoken rationalism and refusal to engage in religious-political games made her a target of violent opposition. Rather than navigating the social complexities of power, she remained true to principles of intellectual integrity, which ultimately contributed to her tragic murder by a Christian mob.

Hypatia’s intellectual obsession, rejection of social norms, direct communication style, strong preference for logical structure, and intolerance for superstition and political games all align with modern understandings of autistic traits.

Marie Curie: A Trailblazing Scientist Who Transformed Physics and Chemistry (1867–1934)

Marie Curie, was a groundbreaking scientist who changed the world with her research on radioactivity, a term she invented. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and is still the only person to win in two different scientific fields—Physics and Chemistry. Her discoveries of polonium and radium transformed nuclear physics and medicine.

Curie’s success came from her determination and hard work. Since women couldn’t attend university in her native Poland, she moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, where she thrived despite the challenges of a male-dominated field. Working with her husband, Pierre Curie, she helped uncover the nature of radioactive elements, earning a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903. After Pierre’s death, she continued their research and won a second Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911 for isolating pure radium.

Despite facing sexism, financial hardship, and dangerous exposure to radiation, Curie remained focused on scientific discovery. Her work laid the foundation for nuclear science and medical treatments, including radiation therapy for cancer. During World War I, she developed mobile X-ray units that helped save lives on the battlefield.

Curie’s legacy lives on as a symbol of perseverance, intelligence, and innovation. Her intense focus, structured thinking, and willingness to challenge limits suggest traits often linked to AuDHD, adding to the idea that neurodivergence has played a role in shaping history’s greatest minds.

1. Intense focus & hyperfixation on scientific research (autism)

She worked for hours on end in her lab, often forgetting to eat or sleep..

She ignored personal well-being in pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, handling radioactive materials without concern for personal risk, showing an intense drive and difficulty shifting attention away from her work.

Her entire identity revolved around scientific discovery, much like autistics who deeply immerse themselves in their special interests.

Unlike many other scientists of her time, she was uninterested in fame, recognition, or wealth, focusing solely on discovery and research.

2. Social challenges & rejection of norms (ADHD)

Curie was known for being socially reserved, preferring deep intellectual discussions over small talk or social pleasantries. She often avoided social gatherings, feeling more comfortable in the structured, methodical world of her laboratory than in unpredictable social situations.

She was described as quiet, highly introverted, and intensely private.

She disliked public speaking and social conventions, feeling uneasy in highly social situations.

Despite being one of the most famous scientists of her era, she remained uncomfortable with attention and social praise, preferring to let her work speak for itself.

3. Nonlinear thinking & innovative problem-solving (ADHD)

Marie Curie challenged conventional scientific thinking, demonstrating creative, out-of-the-box problem-solving skills.

She was a pioneer in radioactivity, a field she essentially invented, showing innovation and impulsivity in intellectual exploration.

She defied existing paradigms, pursuing ideas even when they were met with skepticism, showing a willingness to challenge authority and break from tradition.

Her ability to make unexpected connections between different scientific ideas.

Her groundbreaking discoveries came not just from raw intelligence but from a deep curiosity and ability to perceive patterns that others missed.

4. Sensory sensitivities & extreme work habits (autism)

Curie was known for spending long hours in her lab, exposed to hazardous materials without concern for physical discomfort.

She worked in harsh conditions, showing a sensory resilience.

She had strict routines in her work, suggesting a preference for predictability and structure.

She rarely changed her habits or way of working, even as new scientific methods emerged, preferring to work in the same deeply familiar ways.

Her emotional intensity, was also evident in her extreme dedication to science.

5. Rejection sensitivity & emotional depth (ADHD)

Curie was deeply affected by the misogyny she faced but refused to engage in public debates about it, showing frustration with injustice.

She continued working obsessively after her husband Pieere died, perhaps as a way to cope.

Her ability to push forward despite personal and societal obstacles suggests a highly resilient but emotionally intense personality.

6. Unwavering routine & resistance to change (autism)

She preferred strict daily rituals in her lab, working in structured, repetitive ways to maintain focus.

She struggled with disruptions to her scientific work and did not handle unexpected changes well, showing a need for predictability.

Even after receiving two Nobel Prizes, she refused to indulge in luxury or fame, maintaining a minimalistic, focused lifestyle.

Ada Lovelace: The Visionary Mathematician Who Foretold the Computer Age (1815–1852)

Ada Lovelace, often called the world’s first computer programmer, was a brilliant mathematician whose ideas helped shape modern computing. Born in 1815, she was the daughter of the famous poet Lord Byron, but it was her mother who encouraged her to study math and science. From a young age, she showed a talent for recognizing patterns and thinking in abstract ways, allowing her to see beyond the simple calculators of her time.

Her biggest achievement came in the 1840s when she expanded on an article about Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She wrote what is now considered the first computer program—an algorithm designed for a machine. She also predicted that computers could one day process symbols, music, and language, an idea far ahead of her time. She called this mix of math and creativity “poetical science.”

Even though women faced many barriers in science and math, Lovelace found a way to make her mark. She worked with leading scientists like Michael Faraday and Charles Babbage, but her contributions were mostly forgotten until the 20th century, when people realized how important her ideas were to computer science.

Her deep curiosity, strong mathematical intuition, and ability to see future possibilities—along with her unique way of thinking and intense focus on abstract ideas—suggest traits often linked to neurodivergence, reinforcing the idea that some of history’s greatest minds may have thought differently.

1. Deep intellectual obsession & hyperfixation (autism)

She had a lifelong obsession with mathematics and computing, despite societal expectations that women should focus on domestic life.

She hyperfocused on the Analytical Engine, spending years developing the world’s first algorithm. She had an ability to see mathematical potential beyond what was obvious to others suggesting pattern-recognition ability combined with  innovation.

She worked in bursts of extreme productivity, a pattern commonly seen in ADHD, where individuals cycle between periods of hyperfocus and burnout.

2. Nonlinear, intuitive thinking & pattern recognition (AuDHD)

She saw computing as a fusion of mathematics and art, an unusual perspective for her time. She described the Analytical Engine as capable of producing music and manipulating symbols—ideas that wouldn’t be realized until artificial intelligence was developed in the 20th century.

She was known for making rapid, intuitive connections between different fields.

Her ability to spot patterns in data and predict future technological applications aligns with autistic pattern recognition and ADHD’s big-picture thinking.

3. Rejection of social norms & intensity in relationships (AuDHD)

She insisted on pursuing mathematics and science, fields that were considered inappropriate for women at the time.

She struggled with social conventions and had difficulty maintaining friendships, often forming intense but short-lived relationships.

Her letters show a blunt, direct communication style, another hallmark of autism. She was highly opinionated and confident in her intelligence, sometimes to the point of being perceived as socially awkward or arrogant.

4. Impulsivity, risk-taking, & emotional intensity (ADHD)

She struggled with gambling addiction, an example of  impulsivity and thrill-seeking behavior. She believed she could use mathematics to develop a foolproof betting system—a mix of brilliant creativity and risky impulsivity.

She had extreme mood swings and emotional intensity, suggesting possible Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).

She pursued radical ideas and unconventional projects thriving on novelty and pushing boundaries.

5. Sensory sensitivities & rigid thinking patterns (autism)

She was highly sensitive to sensory input, particularly light and noise. This sensitivity may have contributed to her health issues and need for solitude.

She had rigid, obsessive thinking patterns, often focusing on one problem to the exclusion of everything else. This aligns with autistic perseverance and difficulty shifting focus.

She preferred structured, predictable routines in her studies and work.

6. Struggles with mental & physical health (autism)

She suffered from severe anxiety and depressive episodes, which are common in neurodivergent people who struggle with societal pressures.

She had difficulty balancing hyperfocus with self-care, often pushing herself to exhaustion.

She faced chronic illness, which is often linked to neurodivergence (many autistics experience heightened physical sensitivities or co-occurring medical conditions).

Conclusion

The historical women discussed in this article—Emily Dickinson, Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, Hypatia of Alexandria, Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, and Emily Brontë—each left an indelible mark on their respective fields. While we cannot definitively diagnose them with autism, analyzing their traits through a neurodivergent lens allows us to consider how autistic characteristics may have contributed to their successes.

Are there any historical females that you think may have been autistic?