Why do people say Einstein had this type of learning disability and that type?

Question

One thing I've noticed is that people say Einstein had a lot of learning issues. They claim he had dyslexia, ADHD, Aspergers and a few other things (bipolar, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc) . How do people know this? And why do they say his relatives had all the problems (his son had schizophrenia) ? Do people say these things so that they feel better about having these problems or do you think Einstein actually had these problems. As someone with LD, I can see how it would be comforting knowing that someone very successful also had these problems and over came them, but why does Einstein have ALL the problems?

Answer 1

because he had alot of traits reflective of autism, Autistic minds are very different, everyday bullcrap wouldnt effect him but that math problem of relativity did and he solved it =)

Answer 2

Ha! Excellent question!

Truth is the folks who say those kinds of things are just guessing, or more likely trying to make a point. Every kid is different, but young Albert was more different than others. The secret message all those folks are trying to get across is that the kid who is driving you crazy in the classroom today may be the one who cures cancer or comes up with the Grand Unified Theory of Everything twenty years down the road.

My favorite story about Albert is that one of his teachers tried to have him expelled because he did nothing but sit in the back of the room and smile. See, the kid doesn't even have to have a disability for you to get the message or cut him some slack. But Albert's approach to learning would definitely be unacceptable in the age of No Child Left Behind.  His school would be in danger of losing funds, and his teachers and principals might lose their jobs because Albert is not achieving the way he is supposed to.

Answer 3

I absolutely love the other two answers!!!!  They made me smile!!!!

Einstein is a prime example of I'm not sure what the exact dx is so I'm going to label everything that fits.  From what I've read about him he did have a lot of learning issues.  Yes, as an adult he exhibited "Aspie" traits.  But, with Asperger's Syndrome there isn't any language delay.  I've read that he didn't speak until he was 9 (I think).  He had autistic traits.

He's facinating all these years later.  My son has AS and he loves Einstein.  He thinks he's the greatest ASPIE ever, next to Bill Gates.  (I know that's not confirmed...but my son stands by it)  I think the thing with Einstein is that since he was in the public eye so much that people noticed everything.  People want an explaination for every little thing they see.  It could be that some of his behaviors were caused from being overstimulated.  No one knows for sure.