Elon Musk: A Tech Giant With Asperger’s Syndrome

NEW YORK: Earlier this year, Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla and media personality, hosted America’s Saturday Night Live (SNL). And as the show goes, the SpaceX originator revealed some unknown facts as he went through the comedic monologue:

“I don’t have timbre or variation in the way I speak, most of the time. But I’m told that’s what makes for great comedy. And history is being made tonight, as I am the first person to host SNL while having Asperger’s. So, I won’t be making much eye contact with the SNL cast tonight. But don’t worry, I’m great at operating as ‘human’ in simulation mode.”, he opened cheekily, referencing all the ‘cyborg’ jokes made around him on social media.

“Look, I know I post weird things, but that’s just how my brain is. If anyone feels offended? I want to remind you that I reinvented electric automobiles, and I’m sending people in a rocket ship to Mars. Did you honestly think I was also going to be some normal dude?” he asked, clearly having fun.

However, Musk may have been the first SNL host to announce he has Asperger’s, but he is not the first Asperger’s affected host. Jim Belushi, ex SNL alumni, highlighted Dan Aykroyd, fellow cast member, who hosted SNL in 2003 and had been vocal about being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in the 1980s.

What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is in the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) group, hindering individuals’ social and communication skills development. Unlike children with other ASDs, children with Asperger’s syndrome often have well-developed language skills with no delay and normal to above-average intelligence. But they sometimes utilize unusual speech patterns and can have difficulty comprehending humour and sarcasm alongside manners and social cues relevant to a normal conversation.

Many children with Asperger’s syndrome develop a particular interest in specific topics while using elevated vocabulary or complex numbers in conversation to describe them. They may also have delayed motor response which could make them appear as

Those who are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome often also experience depression and could end up developing secondary disorders like Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood and anxiety

How Does It Happen?

Genetics is thought to be the leading proponent in most ASDs, including Asperger’s. However, the mechanism of how it’s passed down is complex. Doctors believe this is because even if a child may have a genetic predisposition to Asperger’s syndrome, other factors in their surroundings can affect how it manifests and the course of the syndrome.

It is also believed that specific genes might be linked to an increased risk for developing Asperger’s syndrome. Still, scientists also focus on understanding how modifications in different genes may influence this risk and what environmental factors can contribute to it.

Is There A Cure?

No, Asperger's Syndrome isn't the kind of disorder that can be cured with simple medicine. Treatment can vary with every individual’s age and needs, though it is widely recommended that the sooner the treatment starts, the better. Many people can learn approaches to manage their symptoms.

The ideal treatment for Asperger’s aligns therapies that focus on the three core symptoms of the disorder: poor communication skills, repetitive routines, and clumsiness. There is no ‘one size fits all’ treatment package for everyone diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, but most specialists agree that intervening early is ideal.

However, more research is required to evaluate treatment options intended to improve outcomes in adulthood. In addition, facilities are crucial to support individuals with ASD to complete their education, find employment, secure housing, proper healthcare, and contribute to their communities.