Was Steve Jobs Autistic?
Steve Jobs was an iconic American business leader, entrepreneur, and innovator. He built one of the most successful companies in the world – Apple Inc. While Jobs was without a doubt amazing, was he also autistic?
Reactions to Steve Jobs’ Behaviors
Many people who interacted with Jobs noted his unique behaviors and speech mannerisms. His temperamental outbursts, his liking for certain foods, his propensity for refusing to follow conventional rules of behavior and what some considered as awkward social interactions evoked reactions suggesting he may have had an autism spectrum disorder.
Speculations Based on Symptoms
Based on his behaviors and some other signs, there have been speculations that Jobs may have been on the autism spectrum:
- Solitary Habits: Jobs was obsessed with refining and perfecting his products and those of other Apple products. He preferred to work alone rather than collaborate with others, which is a behavior of those on the autism spectrum.
- Obsessive Interests: Jobs was obsessive about details, maintaining a black turtleneck, blue jeans and sneakers wardrobe as well as a strict vegan diet – both of which are traits often associated with autism.
- Focus on Structure: Jobs was known to have a very structured way of working, something that is often found in those with autism.
The Verdict?
Jobs was never formally diagnosed with autism and there’s no real way to definitively answer the question of whether Jobs was autistic or not. Experts who work with autism, however, have voiced suspicions that Jobs’ behavior may have been a result of being on the autism spectrum. Therefore, it’s likely that Jobs was at least somewhat autistic.
In conclusion, there’s no definitive answer as to whether Steve Jobs was autistic or not. But based on the behavioral and other signs – as well as experts’ suspicions – it’s likely he could have been on the autism spectrum.
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