In recent decades, the number of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has been on the rise.
Per the Mayo Clinic, the disorder is "a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication."
Celebrities who have opened up about autism
Experts are only beginning to gain a better understanding of autism, and stereotypes about it are being dispelled. Not only that, but a number of celebrities have autism spectrum disorder, and some have opened up to raise awareness about the condition.
In this gallery, we're looking at 10 celebrities and historical figures who are thought to have had autism spectrum disorder or have opened up about living with the condition. Click through the slides above to hear their stories.
