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Elon Musk hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL), where the tech billionaire revealed he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.
"I don't always have a lot of intonation or variation in how I speak, which I'm told makes for great comedy," he said, before adding, "I'm actually making history tonight as the first person with Asperger's to host SNL. Or at least the first person to admit it."
Actually, former "SNL" cast member Dan Akroyd also had the disorder.
Critics ripped Musk for not apologizing for comments he made about the Covid-19 vaccine or transgenders.
Despite the criticism, over 3 million people viewed a YouTube video of his monologue over the weekend.
What is Asperger's syndrome?
Asperger's syndrome -- also known as high-functioning autism -- is a developmental disability that affects many people in many different ways. In fact, many adults with Asperger's are never diagnosed.
Some adults are only diagnosed with Asperger's when their symptoms interfere with their personal and work relationships.
"People with Asperger syndrome see, hear and feel the world differently to other people," according to the British National Autistic Society.
"Look, I know I sometimes say or post strange things, but that's just how my brain works," Musk said during the SNL episode.
High functioning autism (HFA) generally refers to autistic people who have significantly developed language and independent living skills. They may seem normal because they tend to be highly intelligent, very successful in life, or have a special talent that sets then apart from others.
However, as children they are obsessed with a particular subject or activity, and become upset when that activity is interrupted.
Doctors and parents miss the signs and symptoms of HFA in childhood because the child seems normal except for their obsession with a particular subject or activity. Many HFA children channel their obsessions into successful careers.
Those with Asperger's may also find it difficult to express their feelings, but can be more empathetic or emotionally aware than non-autistic people.
Autism is diagnosed in toddlers and adolescents who have difficulty with interpersonal and communications skills.
Starting in the 1990s, milder forms of autism were recognized in adults, including high-functioning autism.
Signs and Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism
Below are some of the signs and symptoms of high-functioning autism (this is not a complete list).
1. Socially awkward
2. Hyper sensitive to bright lights or certain noises (loud music)
3. Depression or anxiety
4. Repetitive actions or behaviors
5. Easily upset when a task is interrupted in the middle
6. Can't handle even minor changes
7. Prefer to be alone
8. Mood swings
9. 70% surveyed say they are LGBT+
10. Repeats words or phrases during conversations
11. Intensely focused on specific interests (gaming, social media, etc.)
12. Have a talent or gift (art, music, writing, etc.)
13. Have a tough time interacting with others
14. Have trouble maintaining eye contact
15. Staring disorder
You sometimes stare without realizing it (until someone tells you or reacts negatively)
