April is World Autism Awareness, a month that calls for awareness, education, and advocacy. This year, I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of just talking about autism, I want to amplify and highlight neurodiverse voices. Welcome back to my series Spectrum of Success. Too often, narratives around neurodiversity focus on limitations, rather I want to focus on the brilliance, innovation, and creativity of individuals who are neurodiverse. They aren’t inspirational because they are neurodivergent. They are powerful because of who they are as a whole, and neurodivergence is simply one meaningful part of that.

Let’s begin this piece with a name you probably already know: Tim Burton.

Tim Burton is iconic. Not only is he the mastermind behind Alice in Wonderland, Beetlejuice, and Corpse Bride, but he also has passions in photography, drawing, painting and fantasy films, which ultimately led him to join the Disney animation team in 1979. He was the main concept artist for the making of The Fox and the Hound. 

Burton brings a quirky and unique directing style to all of his productions. First of all, he has to include a dinner scene in all of his movies so keep an eye out for that the next time you watch a Tim Burton movie. Additionally, all of his movies are somewhat connected. In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie’s dad works in a factory that makes Smilex toothpaste which is the same toothpaste that the Joker sold in Batman. My favorite tidbit is that he actually had 40 squirrels trained to crack nuts in the Veruca Salt seen in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. So much for graphics. Just a love for the weirdly wonderful things.

Burton is one of the many neurodivergent creatives who have shaped how we see the world. Despite not having an official diagnosis, Burton has often talked openly about his neurodiverse perspectives and sparks important talks through his films. For example, Tim Burton’s character, Edward Scissorhands shows some common traits of ASD. On many autism forums, many individuals with ASD have resonated with him. Edward stands out against his world. He takes things awfully too literally and is quick to trust people. Burton’s films show ways to feel connected in society as he encourages acceptance and celebrates being unique.

Burton’s legacy isn’t just in film. It’s the cutlural space he has carved out for those who see the world a bit differently. It’s a reminder that imagination and difference should be welcomed as they are vital in our lives.