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POLITIKOFF

Phoebe Gates accidentally reveals that Bill Gates has Asperger's syndrome

Politiko 2025-05-02 18:45:02

Phoebe Gates accidentally reveals that Bill Gates has Asperger's syndrome

Phoebe Gates, the 22-year-old daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has unwittingly revealed a previously unknown detail about her father's mental health during an interview on the popular podcast Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alex Cooper.

During the conversation, Phoebe said: "My dad is pretty socially awkward. He said he has Asperger's," - a statement that immediately sparked debate and curiosity on social media, given that Gates himself has never publicly confirmed such a diagnosis.

However, in his 2023 memoir, Gates admitted that if he had grown up today, he would likely have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He has spoken openly about his difficulties with social interactions as a child and his tendency to obsess over particular topics — behaviors closely associated with Asperger's syndrome.

Phoebe also shared personal moments about how her father's behavior affects her social life, especially when she brings her boyfriend home. She humorously recalled a time when Gates drove her to a school dance, calling the situation "very awkward, but also funny."

So far, Bill Gates has not publicly reacted to his daughter's statement, but her story has opened a broader debate about autism spectrum disorders, especially among public figures with global influence.

What is Asperger's syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome, now known as a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects social interactions and behavioral patterns.

Children with this syndrome often have average or high intelligence, and sometimes special talents in specific areas. However, they exhibit difficulties in social communication and tend to have repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. They do not present delays in the development of language or cognitive skills, which distinguishes them from more pronounced forms of autism.

Asperger's syndrome has been included in the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) since 1992 and in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). With the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013, this syndrome was included within a broader diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Phoebe Gates' spontaneous statement has given a new dimension to the discussion on neurodiversity in public figures and the importance of accepting and understanding such disorders in society.

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