What is Asperger’s syndrome? All about the condition that Bill Gates has, as per his daughter
Phoebe Gates recently shared that her father, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, has Asperger's syndrome, a condition that falls under the Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During a recent episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, the 22-year-old reflected on her experiences introducing boyfriends to her father, which she described as, "For the guy, terrifying. For me, it's hilarious because my dad's pretty socially awkward."
She went on to tell the host, Alex Cooper, "Like he's said before, he has Asperger's. So like to me, it's so funny."
Her current partner Arthur Donald, 26, is the grandson of Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney.
Although Bill Gates has never been officially diagnosed with ASD, he told NDTV in February that had he grown up in today’s era, he would likely be identified as being on the autism spectrum.
ASD is a complex developmental condition that often involves repetitive behaviors, intense interests, and challenges with communication and social interaction.
In an interview ahead of the release of his 2025 memoir “Source Code: My Beginnings”, Gates explained that in his youth, it wasn’t well understood that people’s brains could work differently. He believes that modern diagnoses help people with ASD better understand themselves and reduce harmful stereotypes.
Gates recalled how, as a child, his parents struggled to understand his intense focus, social awkwardness, and seemingly inappropriate behavior, since there were no resources or frameworks available back then. Though he was never formally diagnosed, a therapist eventually helped him and his parents see his unique mental approach in a more positive light.
Bill Gates shares three children—Phoebe, Rory (25), and Jennifer (29)—with his ex-wife Melinda French Gates. The couple, who married in 1994, divorced in 2021.
