Bill Gates Reflects on Autism and Success

In his forthcoming memoir, 'Source Code: My Beginnings', Bill Gates reveals that he believes he would be diagnosed with autism if he were a child today, reflecting on his childhood traits that align with autism spectrum characteristics. Gates shared that his behaviors, such as social difficulties and repetitive motions like rocking, would today be recognized under the broader understanding of autism. He credits his non-standard behaviors for his intense focus on math, science, and programming, contributing to his success. Gates noted that the understanding of neurodivergence, including autism, has evolved over the years, and highlighted his parents' supportive yet challenging approach in nurturing his interests. This personal insight adds to the broader dialogue on neurodiversity in the business world, with Gates joining other entrepreneurs like Elon Musk who attribute their success to neurodivergent traits. His memoir, which begins with his childhood and ends with Microsoft's first major deal, is set to launch on February 4.