Bill Gates, on realizing he is probably on the autism spectrum
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A young Bill Gates during his days at Seattle's Lakeside School. Photo: Lakeside School
In the final pages of his new book "Source Code," Bill Gates acknowledges something those around him have long assumed: that, were he being raised today, he would be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Why it matters: Gates tells Axios he hopes that kids like him will benefit from his sharing this part of himself.
- "I think kids [on the autism spectrum] should think of it as a strength and something they need to acknowledge to themselves and think about, OK, how do you draw on it as a strength and be proud of what you're good at," Gates said during a wide-ranging interview.
- "I think the world is getting a little better about this. Maybe 10 or 15 years ago, it wasn't as good about this, but I think acknowledging that might be helpful to people."
Between the lines: Gates says he knew he was wired differently than his peers, even if there weren't words to describe it.
- "I always knew I was different in ways that confused people in terms of my energy level and intensity, and going off and just studying things," Gates said.
- "And it's a little confusing when you're a kid, that you're different, or people react to you in some ways, or your social skills — you're miscuing on various things."
Zoom in: Gates credits his mom for pushing him to develop his social skills and encouraging him to talk to adults. "I remember not really liking it, but that was what she wanted me to do," Gates said.
- "I was lucky I wasn't pushed to the side in any way," Gates said.
- "I definitely think my parents, maybe somewhat unintentionally, because there was no diagnosis, but the way they would explain things to me or push me to socialize was very helpful."
Yes, but: Gates said he wasn't thrilled the first time he was asked whether he might have autism.
- "I remember the first time somebody said to me, 'Are you on the spectrum?'" Gates said. "It was like 25 years ago, I remember thinking, 'What the hell? What the hell? I run a goddamn company.' (Laughter.) And then I realized, well, actually, it's probably true. I mean, the spectrum thing is confusing."
Go deeper: Bill Gates says coding still matters, even in an AI world
