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The “Richest Autistic People” List: Sensational or Just Plain Wrong?
Why the “Richest Autistic People” list spreads misinformation, lacks scientific backing, and irresponsibly labels public figures.

It seems like everyone loves a juicy list — especially when it involves fame, fortune, and a little bit of controversy. But when a recent magazine article rolled out a “definitive” list of the wealthiest autistic people in the world, it didn’t take long for eyebrows to raise.
The lineup boasted high-profile names like Elon Musk, Satoshi Tajiri, Temple Grandin, Chris Packham, Dan Aykroyd, Anthony Hopkins, and Greta Thunberg, all of whom have publicly discussed their autism diagnoses or traits. But then came the eyebrow-raising additions: Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Richard Branson — none of whom have ever confirmed they are on the spectrum.
So, what’s the deal? Are these moguls secretly autistic? Or is this just another case of the media taking wild guesses to make a headline pop? Let’s dive into the drama, the ethics, and the straight-up misinformation behind this clickbait-worthy list.
Diagnosis or Just a Guess?
The biggest problem? Not everyone on the list has actually been diagnosed. Sure…