Bill Gates’ has ‘Asperger’s syndrome’, reveals daughter Phoebe Gates: What is the syndrome that Microsoft founder has never publicly spoken about

Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ daughter Phoebe Gates has revealed that her father has "Asperger's syndrome." Her comments follow recent reflections by Bill Gates in his memoir, "Source Code," where he discussed feeling different as a child and speculated he would likely be diagnosed with a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) if he were a child today. Recently, Phoebe Gates appeared on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast where she revealed that Bill Gates as Asperger’s syndrome and described Gates’ as ‘pretty socially awkward’.For the unknown, Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition that was previously considered a separate diagnosis within the autism spectrum.
During the podcast Phoebe Gates shared her perspective on what it's like to bring men home to meet her father. She described the experience "terrifying for the guy" but "hilarious" for her. The host of the podcast, Alex Cooper inquired Phoebe Gates about her experiences introducing male partners to her father.She responded that it was "terrifying for the guy" but "hilarious" for her because her father is "pretty socially awkward" and has said he has Asperger's.
“For the guy, terrifying. For me, it’s hilarious because my dad’s pretty socially awkward. Like he’s said before, he has Asperger’s. So, like to me, it’s so funny,” said Phoebe.
She explained that her father, who has previously acknowledged being on the autism spectrum, often leaves her dates feeling uneasy.
Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition that was previously considered a separate diagnosis within the autism spectrum. However, the diagnostic criteria have evolved, and it is now classified as part of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically at the higher-functioning end of the spectrum (often referred to as Level 1 ASD). People suffering from Asperger's syndrome often face difficulties in social interactions, exhibit repetitive behavioural pattern and have difference in sensory processing.
While Gates has never publicly confirmed a formal diagnosis, he has previously acknowledged that he likely falls somewhere on the autism spectrum. In his 2025 memoir, , he reflected on childhood behaviours such as intense focus on projects, difficulty picking up social cues, and unintentional rudeness. He noted that formal testing for ASD wasn’t widely available during his youth, but if he were growing up today, he would likely be diagnosed.
Bill Gates acknowledgment of Asperger’s syndrome follows similar disclosures by public figures like Elon Musk, who revealed his Asperger’s diagnosis in 2021.