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Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has revealed he has Asperger’s syndrome while appearing on the US comedy sketch series Saturday Night Live (SNL).
The 49-year-old told viewers he was “the first person with Asperger’s” to host the long-running programme – to loud cheers from the audience.
People with Asperger’s interpret the environment around them differently to other people.
It is thought to be the first time Mr Musk has spoken about his condition.
The tech boss was guest hosting the sketch show – a coveted role that has been filled by an array of celebrities since SNL’s inception in the 1970s. These include Adele, Chris Rock, Ringo Starr, and Will Ferrell.
“I don’t always have a lot of intonation or variation in how I speak… which I’m told makes for great comedy,” he joked in his opening monologue. “I’m actually making history tonight as the first person with Asperger’s to host SNL.”
His comment prompted a round of applause from the studio audience.
Some people on social media, however, questioned his claim. They pointed out that the comedian Dan Aykroyd, who has spoken publicly about his experience with Tourette’s and Asperger’s syndrome, has previously hosted SNL.
Mr Musk, who has more than 53 million followers on Twitter, also joked about his use of social media. He has faced criticism and even legal threats over his tweets in the past.
“Look, I know I sometimes say or post strange things, but that’s just how my brain works,” he said.
“To anyone who’s been offended, I just want to say I reinvented electric cars, and I’m sending people to Mars in a rocket ship. Did you think I was also going to be a chill, normal dude?”
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
- Asperger’s syndrome is a lifelong disability which affects people in many different ways
- Some may choose to keep using the term, while others may prefer to refer to themselves as autistic or on the autistic spectrum
- Those with the syndrome may have difficulties interpreting verbal and non-verbal language, and may need more time to process information
- They may also have trouble expressing their feelings in a conventional way. But they can be more empathetic or emotionally aware than non-autistic people
- Many people with Asperger’s syndrome have intense and highly focused interests – some channelling them towards a successful career
