The Tesla billionaire revealed his diagnosis in 2021 (Image: Getty)
is becoming well-known for his outspoken views – including on British politics and the – but many people are unaware that he lives with a hidden disability.
The tech mogul revealed his diagnosis in 2021 on US comedy show Saturday Night Live, describing himself as “the first person with Asperger’s to host—or at least the first to admit it”.
What is Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome, or Asperger’s, was recognised as a formal diagnosis in the early 1990s, and used to identify people with who did not have learning disabilities.
Around ten years ago, the term was retired – the condition is now considered part of autism spectrum disorder. Doctors no longer diagnose people with Asperger’s, however some people diagnosed with it previously may still use the term.
It is also considered controversial due to the history of Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger, whom it was named after. He worked with the Nazis during the
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What are the symptoms?
People who were diagnosed with Asperger’s did not have the same learning that many people with autism have and it is considered a high-functioning form of the condition.
Symptoms of the developmental disorder can differ but often include difficulty with social interactions and understanding social cues or reading and expressing emotions.
Struggling with changes to routines, uncoordinated movements or difficulty with handwriting may also be symptoms.
Some people with the condition also develop obsessive interests in particular topics and find it easier to memorise facts and information.
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How has Musk’s condition affected him?
In a 2022 Ted Talk, Musk revealed that he had experienced difficulty with social interactions as a child. He said: “Social cues were not intuitive, so I was just very bookish.
“Others could intuitively understand what was meant by something. I would take something very literally as if the words that were spoken were exactly what they meant. But that turned out to be wrong. [People are] not simply saying exactly what they mean.
“There are all sorts of other things that are meant. It took me a while to figure that out.”
The boss described his childhood as “rough” but said he learned about social cues from reading books.
His intense interest in science and technology and ability to focus intensely on work may also be linked to his diagnosis. Musk said: “I found it rewarding to spend all night programming computers, just by myself.
“Most people don’t enjoy typing strange symbols into a computer by themselves all night. They think that’s not fun. But I really liked it.”
Other famous people diagnosed with Asperger’s
Psychiatrists have speculated that one of the world’s most famous scientists, Albert Einstein, had the same type of autism.
The German-born theoretical physicist, best known for developing the theory of relativity, was said to have delayed language development and difficulty with social interactions.
Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins was also diagnosed with Asperger’s in his 70s. The Welsh actor, 87, has described the diagnosis as “a fancy label”.
Swedish climate activist was also diagnosed aged 11. She has described it as a “superpower” which helps her see things from a different perspective.