Which of the founding fathers had Aspergers or HFA? (USA)

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Or other people in our history...who do you think in US history had Aspergers or HFA?

Would be something I'd love to hear about if anyone has some possibilities...though I'm sure this has probably already come up before?

It's been said that Thomas Jefferson had it, but there's no way to prove it since the man's been long dead. Same with Einstein or anyone else, concerning other figures outside of politics, it's only speculation based on what people know about them.

What I'd like to know is how many people on those lists still alive that do have it.

I've read here and there that Andrew Jackson was possibly Aspergian, but he more likely had ADHD. He was very fidgety and easily distractible. It was written that he bounced his legs and cracked his knuckles continuously. However, the fact that he made most of his own clothes may indicate that he had a touch sensitivity.

I really never take any of this "historical diagnosis in retrospect" seriously though. It's just fun sometimes. In my opinion, anyone who had AS symptoms at the diagnostic level was probably not able to succeed in an era when differences were often seen as abnormalities and difficulty communicating would be crippling.

I have also heard Franklin mentioned as a possible aspergian. However, after reading his autobiography several years ago, I think he was just the stereotypical quirky mad genious. From what I know of Jefferson, I think it is a distinct possibility that he was on the spectrum.

On the topic of political success, I think it would have been easier for one on the spectrum to make it in politics in the eighteenth century than it is now. Interpersonal interactions at the higher, more erudite echelons of society were very formal, proper and structured - the social rules were more explicitly spelled out (from what I understand). Fewer elections were settled by popular vote and politicians never had to look 'normal' and 'charming' in front of television cameras.

I would posit, based on his writings, those of his contemporaries, and knowledge of family history, that John Adams was likely on the spectrum, as well as his son, John Q. Adams.

It's impossible to say, as a diagnosis of autism or Asperger's did not exist during their time.

I think it is rude to speculate about Bill Gates, for example. The man is still alive. Go up and ask him. Or if he doesn't want to deal with it, then leave him alone.

Say, were there any Founding Mothers? ^^

i'm betting all of them