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In an excerpt from his upcoming memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings,” 69-year-old Microsoft co-founder and tech mogul Bill Gates shared that he believes he would have been diagnosed with autism if he were growing up in today’s world. Reflecting on his childhood in Washington State, Gates opened up about the complexity of his relationship with his parents, who struggled to understand and support him as a child.

Gates Autism Characteristics

In the memoir, Gates explains how his parents had no resources or references to help them comprehend his unique way of processing information and behavioral patterns.  Plus, the term “neurodivergent,” which means having a brain that functions differently from the norm, was not yet coined during Gates’ upbringing, making it even harder for his parents to understand his differences.

To add to the complexity, Gates had an obsession with certain projects, difficulty reading social cues, and a tendency to be rude and inappropriate without realizing its impact on others. 

Social skills

As you probably already know these are common traits in individuals who fall within the autism spectrum, but back then it was not as widely known or talked about. This meant Gates’ parents had to navigate unfamiliar territory without guidance or support. Mr Gates also reveals how his social skills and empathy towards others developed slowly, as he was not exposed to many social situations that would have helped him learn these skills.

As Dr. Shih points out, social communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors are key characteristics of autism, which were not fully understood during Gates’ childhood. Young Gates also displayed some Autism symptoms, such as repeating words,  flapping his hands, and displaying intense interest in certain topics.

Autism first came to be known and studied by Leo Kanner in 1943,

According to historical records, Autism first came to be known and studied by Leo Kanner in 1943, but it took several decades for awareness and understanding of this disorder to grow. It was not until the ’80s and ’90s that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was formally recognized and included in the DSM, a diagnostic manual used in the United States. Later on, due to increased awareness and broader diagnostic criteria, autism prevalence has risen significantly.

Today, one in 45 adults in the US is diagnosed with autism – a higher rate than ever before. This can be attributed to improved screening tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and standardized screening processes, which have helped to identify more individuals on the spectrum who may have previously gone undiagnosed. As we continue to learn more about autism and raise awareness, it is important that we also provide support and resources for those living with this disorder.

Treatment and Support in Chicago, Illinois

At Illinois Autism Center, we specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a highly effective treatment for individuals with autism. ABA focuses on teaching skills and decreasing problematic behaviors through positive reinforcement. It improves communication, social skills, and independence in individuals with ASD.

In addition to therapy, we also provide support services for families of those with autism, as they play a crucial role in their loved one’s journey toward progress and growth. We hope that through continued research and understanding, we can create a more inclusive society for individuals with autism and provide them with the tools they need to thrive.