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Did Alan Turing have Asperger's syndrome?

Henry O'Connell1, Michael Fitzgerald2

  • 1Mercer's Institute for Research on Ageing,St. James's Hospital,Dublin 8,Ireland.

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
|November 17, 2018
PubMed
Summary

This paper explores whether Alan Turing, the father of computing and artificial intelligence, met the criteria for Asperger's syndrome. It examines his early life, scientific achievements, and personal characteristics in relation to the condition.

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Area of Science:

  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • History of Science

Background:

  • Alan Turing was a pioneering mathematician and computer scientist.
  • He made significant contributions to theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.
  • Turing's personal life and social interactions have been subjects of interest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate Alan Turing's life and characteristics against the diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome.
  • To explore potential neurodevelopmental aspects of a historical figure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of biographical information on Alan Turing.
  • Analysis of his early interests, academic pursuits, and social behaviors.
  • Comparison of documented traits with established criteria for Asperger's syndrome.

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Main Results:

  • Turing displayed exceptional mathematical and logical abilities from a young age.
  • He exhibited social aloofness and eccentricities noted by peers.
  • His intense focus on specific interests aligns with some Asperger's characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • Alan Turing's documented behaviors and cognitive profile suggest a potential alignment with Asperger's syndrome criteria.
  • Further clinical assessment is not possible, but biographical evidence warrants consideration.
  • This analysis offers a novel perspective on the cognitive and social characteristics of a pivotal scientific figure.