Phoebe Gates Inadvertently Discloses Her Father, Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates, Has Asperger’s Syndrome

NEW YORK, NY – During a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Phoebe Gates, daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, revealed that her father has Asperger’s syndrome. This marks the first time a family member has publicly disclosed this information.

Bill Gates, 69, has previously acknowledged exhibiting traits associated with the autism spectrum. In his 2025 memoir, “Source Code,” he reflected on his childhood behaviors, noting intense focus on specific interests and challenges with social interactions. Gates mentioned that if he were growing up today, he would likely be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Phoebe’s casual mention of her father’s condition during the podcast has garnered significant attention on social media platforms, sparking discussions about neurodiversity and the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Asperger’s syndrome, now classified under the broader category of ASD, is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Individuals with ASD often have average to above-average intelligence and may exhibit exceptional skills or talents in specific areas.

“Call Her Daddy” is a popular podcast originally launched in 2018 by Alexandra Cooper and Sofia Franklyn. It began as a sex- and relationship-focused show aimed at young adult audiences, quickly gaining viral popularity for its candid, often explicit conversations. The podcast was picked up by Barstool Sports and later transitioned exclusively to Spotify in a reported $60 million deal in 2021, with Cooper as the sole host after a public split with Franklyn.

Over time, the podcast has evolved to include broader topics like mental health, celebrity interviews, and personal growth. Cooper has hosted high-profile guests including Hailey Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and now Phoebe Gates, positioning the show as a major platform for pop culture commentary and intimate celebrity revelations.

Bill Gates has not issued a public response to his daughter’s comments.

Top 10 Questions About Phoebe Gates and Bill Gates’ Asperger’s Disclosure

1. Did Bill Gates ever publicly confirm he has Asperger’s Syndrome?
   No, Bill Gates has not officially confirmed any diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome.
2. How did Phoebe Gates reveal that her father may have Asperger’s?
   The disclosure came during a public conversation or media appearance where she referred to traits that align with Asperger’s, sparking speculation.
3. What is Asperger’s Syndrome, and how does it affect people?
   Asperger’s is a developmental condition on the autism spectrum characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, often alongside above-average intelligence.
4. Has Bill Gates ever spoken about being on the autism spectrum?
   While Gates has spoken about being introverted and intensely focused, he has not made any direct claims about being on the autism spectrum.
5. How have people reacted to Phoebe Gates’ comments?
   Reactions have been mixed, ranging from supportive curiosity to debate over whether it was appropriate to mention a possible diagnosis.
6. Why does it matter if Bill Gates has Asperger’s?
   For some, it humanizes a highly influential public figure and raises awareness about neurodiversity in leadership and innovation.
7. Was the comment intentional or accidental?
   It appears the disclosure was unintentional, based on the casual and unscripted nature of the discussion.
8. What are some traits of Bill Gates that align with Asperger’s?
   Traits such as deep focus, preference for routine, social awkwardness, and intense interest in specific subjects have been noted by observers.
9. How does this affect public understanding of Asperger’s or autism?
   It may help reduce stigma and spark broader conversations about how people with neurodivergent traits can excel in high-pressure roles.
10. Could this lead to more public figures opening up about being on the spectrum?
    Possibly. High-profile discussions like this often encourage others to share their experiences or pursue better understanding and diagnosis.