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Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has Asperger's syndrome, part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as revealed by his daughter, Phoebe Gates. In a recent episode of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, the 22-year-old shared memories of introducing her boyfriends to her father, noting, "It’s terrifying for the guy. For me, it’s pretty funny because my dad is quite socially awkward." Phoebe added, "He’s mentioned before that he has Asperger’s, so it’s really funny to me," while speaking to the host, Alex Cooper.
During her time on 'Call Her Daddy,' Phoebe also discussed her boyfriend, Arthur Donald, who is 26 and the grandson of the legendary Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. Back in February, Bill Gates, now 69, mentioned that he would likely receive an autism spectrum diagnosis if he were a child in today’s society. Individuals on the spectrum often display repetitive behaviors, have strong interests, and face difficulties in communication and social interactions. ASD is a complex developmental disorder that affects social and communicative abilities.
In anticipation of his upcoming memoir titled Source Code: My Beginnings, which is set for release in 2025, Gates remarked that during his childhood, it was not commonly understood that different brains process information in diverse ways. However, he emphasized that a diagnosis is crucial today, as it allows individuals on the spectrum to comprehend their neurological processes and combats negative stereotypes associated with them.
Gates pointed out that there were no “guideposts or textbooks” during his upbringing to aid his parents in comprehending why he became intensely focused on certain activities, struggled with social cues, and could be seen as “rude and inappropriate.” Despite not having been formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, he mentioned that his parents sought therapy for him, where the therapist eventually helped him realize that his unique mental approach could be an asset.
Bill Gates has a daughter, Phoebe, with his ex-spouse, Melinda French Gates, whom he married in 1994. The couple divorced in 2021 and also has two other children: a 25-year-old son named Rory and a 29-year-old daughter named Jennifer.
