Health
Bill Gates likely had autism as a child, he reveals: ‘Wasn’t widely understood’
Bill Gates said he believes he would have been diagnosed with autism if he were growing up today.
The Microsoft co-founder and tech billionaire, 69, made the revelation in his upcoming memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings.”
In an excerpt of the book, which was published in The Wall Street Journal, Gates wrote about how his parents “struggled with their complicated son” during his childhood in Washington State.
“If I were growing up today, I probably would be diagnosed on the autism spectrum,” Gates wrote.
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“During my childhood, the fact that some people’s brains process information differently from others wasn’t widely understood.”
Bill Gates said he believes he would have been diagnosed with autism if he were growing up today, as written in his upcoming memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings.” (Reuters)
The term “neurodivergent,” which is widely used today, had not yet been coined while he was growing up, Gates noted.
“My parents had no guideposts or textbooks to help them grasp why their son became so obsessed with certain projects, missed social cues and could be rude and inappropriate without seeming to notice his effect on others,” he went on.
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Gates wrote about how his parents, Bill and Mary Gates, gave him the “precise blend of support and pressure” he needed to develop his social skills.
“Even with their influence, my social side would be slow to develop, as would my awareness of the impact I can have on other people,” he wrote. “But that has come with age, with experience, with children, and I’m better for it.”
“I wish it had come sooner, even if I wouldn’t trade the brain I was given for anything.”
Signs of autism disorder
The hallmark signs of autism are challenges with social communication skills and restricted and repetitive behaviors, according to Andy Shih, chief science officer at Autism Speaks in New York City.
The term “neurodivergent,” which is widely used today, had not yet been coined while he was growing up, Gates noted in the memoir. ( Justin Tallis – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“This could look like avoidance of eye contact, delayed language development, difficulty understanding other people’s feelings, repeating words or phrases, hand flapping, or having very intense and specific interests,” he told Fox News Digital.
“I wouldn’t trade the brain I was given for anything.”
On the behavioral side, autism spectrum disorder can also manifest as a “rigid reliance on routines, an intense focus on specific topics or sensory sensitivities,” according to Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in New York City.
Autism is a spectrum, Alpert noted, which means symptoms can vary significantly in type and severity.
Off the radar
Alpert confirmed that autism “wasn’t on peoples’ radar” as much when Gates was a child as it is today.
“Autism wasn’t widely recognized or understood decades ago,” he said. “Back then, the diagnostic criteria were much narrower, and awareness was limited even among healthcare professionals.”
The hallmark signs of autism are challenges with social communication skills and restricted and repetitive behaviors, one expert noted. (iStock)
What is now known as the autism spectrum was categorized differently or overlooked entirely, Alpert noted.
“As a result, many individuals who would meet today’s criteria for autism went undiagnosed.”
Shih agreed that autism diagnoses were much less common when Gates was growing up in the 50s and 60s.
“Autism was first described by Leo Kanner in 1943, and while awareness grew slowly in the following decades, it wasn’t until the 80s and 90s that autism spectrum disorder was introduced into the DSM (the diagnostic manual used in the U.S.) and became widely recognized and diagnosed at higher rates,” he told Fox News Digital.
Reasons for rising cases
One in 45 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, Shih noted — more than ever before.
“Autism prevalence has risen due to increased public and professional awareness of autism, broader diagnostic criteria for autism, improved screening tools like the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), and standardized screening processes,” he stated.
“Autism wasn’t widely recognized or understood decades ago,” one psychotherapist said. “Back then, the diagnostic criteria were much narrower, and awareness was limited even among healthcare professionals.” (iStock)
“These factors have led to earlier detection and more diagnoses.”
The growing prevalence of autism is a highly debated topic, Alpert noted.
“Much of the increase in autism diagnoses can likely be attributed to improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria and better access to healthcare services,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Autism wasn’t widely recognized or understood decades ago.”
Other factors, however — such as environmental exposures and genetic predispositions — are also being studied as potential contributors.
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“While it’s essential to identify and support those with legitimate diagnoses, there’s also concern that over-diagnosis — potentially influenced by societal trends or misinterpretations by less experienced therapists — can trivialize the condition and undermine those truly in need of support,” Alpert cautioned.
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Despite the growth in diagnoses, there are still missed diagnoses, Shih noted.
The expert said, “While society is much more aware of autism today than ever before thanks to improved public health outreach and increased screening, advocacy and awareness efforts, there are still likely many adults with autism who never received a diagnosis or were misdiagnosed.”
Bill Gates’ memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings,” will be published on Feb. 4 by Knopf.
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Health
Parasitic infection causing ‘explosive’ stomach illness exceeds 1,000 cases in northern state
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Cases of cyclosporiasis infections are rising across America, with more than 1,000 people diagnosed in Michigan and more than 500 in Ohio.
This is the largest outbreak of its kind in Michigan’s history and one of the country’s largest in years, according to the Associated Press.
The parasitic infection can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. The source of the infections has not been identified and no deaths have been reported.
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Michigan officials announced the outbreak last week following the identification of more than 170 cases since June 22 in the southeastern part of the state. Typically, only about 50 cases are identified in Michigan each year, according to AP.
A cyclospora infection often causes watery, “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says. (iStock)
Similar illnesses have been reported in 28 other states, including neighboring Ohio, where diagnoses have popped up across the Michigan border.
Cases have been climbing since the CDC identified an uptick in infections in mid-June, with illnesses now reported in dozens of states.
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Michigan has now reported more than 1,200 cases and at least 40 hospitalizations. In Ohio, northwest counties have identified more than 500 cases, including at least 306 in Lucas County, according to the latest available local figures.
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Texas has reported at least 48 cases, and illnesses have been identified in numerous other states as health officials investigate the source.
The hallmark symptom of a cyclospora infection is watery, often “explosive” diarrhea that can last for weeks or even months if left untreated, the CDC says.
Other symptoms of cyclosporiasis include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss. (iStock)
Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through Aug. 31, a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC.
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While the infection can sometimes clear up on its own, it frequently requires antibiotics. The CDC advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
The CDC, alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials, is actively investigating several multistate clusters, but they have yet to find a cause behind the spread.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before eating, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted. (iStock)
Past infections have reportedly been linked to consuming contamined fruits or vegetables, or being exposed to contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh produce should be washed thoroughly before being eaten, although this may not eliminate the risk of infection, the AP noted.
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Michigan officials recommend purchasing salad mixes or whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce. Remove two to three leaves from the outer layer of the lettuce head before washing and cook vegetables when possible.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
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Washington, DC – GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have become a prevalent part of American healthcare, and the current administration is getting behind the movement.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in the nation’s capital on July 6, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz voiced his support for the use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications, such as Ozempic, for appropriate uses.
“I’m a fan of GLP-1 drugs when used correctly,” he said. “They do help people who are overweight lose weight quite effectively. They’re not a replacement for diet and exercise, but they might jumpstart the system so it’s easier for you to use healthier tactics.”
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This is especially helpful for those who may have trouble moving due to joint pain or are experiencing internal dysfunction, Oz said.
Certain GLP-1 drugs are covered by Medicare for overweight candidates with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and Oz projected the benefits will continue to benefit taxpayers.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured in Washington, D.C., at the Great American State Fair, where he spoke about federal health policy. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
“We believe these are so effective in reducing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes that they’ll actually save money for the federal taxpayer, because [they’re] going to make you healthy enough that you don’t have to consume health services,” Oz said.
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“We think about 70% of all the money we spend on healthcare is caused by chronic conditions, and obesity is the No. 1 driver of all that, so it’s a smart decision.”
Oz recently announced the launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which will allow more seniors to access GLP-1 drugs for only $50 a month if they meet qualifying health criteria and receive prior authorization from a doctor.
The doctor expressed support for broadening affordable access to GLP-1 medications for Americans. (iStock)
“There are a lot of overweight people who don’t have high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, so they don’t get access to the drug normally,” he said. “We want them to have the ability to use it as well.”
Although these access shifts could boost Americans’ overall health — and in some cases could be lifesaving — Oz noted that there is “no silver bullet” when it comes to these medications.
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“I love the fact that the innovation that’s coming out of pharmaceutical companies is allowing us to save lives and make lives better,” he said. “But the real secret to longevity is eating right, exercising, sleeping, dealing with the stress of your life, finding some purpose in your existence [and] realizing you have agency over the future.”
“These are things that your mom would have told you [and that] you don’t need a doctor to be emphasizing.”
Medicating appropriately, combined with eating right, exercising and staying connected with others, can help make health goals attainable, the doctor said. (iStock)
While GLP-1s may not be a fix-all, combining these medications with foundational health practices “makes a lot of sense,” Oz said.
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“I don’t want people being fat-shamed … I don’t want you feeling guilty that you’re gaining weight even though everyone else around you seems to have figured it out,” he said. “It’s not that simple — our set points for hunger are different. We have different things going on in our lives.”
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“But if you realize how precious you are — the temple of the soul is so valuable. It’s the greatest gift your parents ever gave you, and you take advantage of every tool out there to make it work … which includes using medications when appropriate. That, to me, is MAHA.”
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