Could Productivity Be the Best Solution to Neurodivergence?
Most likely.
While every case is unique, most productive people who do what they enjoy are more likely to live a more stable and meaningful life.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, recently stated that if he had grown up in today’s world, he would likely be diagnosed with autism.
In his interview with the Wall Street Journal, Bill Gates said that “… during my childhood, the fact that some people’s brains process information differently from others wasn’t widely understood... [my parents] struggled with their complicated son…”[1]
Gates understood code.
He grasped complex problems and sought the freedom to take risks and develop innovative solutions. His approach often defied conventional rules, making it difficult to categorize him as a typical child.
Gates stated that he often missed social cues and appeared to be somewhat rude with his inappropriate behaviors which made him look insensitive to the predicaments of others[2]. Thus, his parents had to struggle to contain him.
Growing up in an upper-middle-class family, Bill Gates had access to the resources needed for an excellent education and the opportunity to create a business that would unlock his potential.
He attended a private school where he first learned computer programming in 1968, laying the foundation for a deep understanding of coding and human-machine interaction. As a gifted child, he was given the freedom to practice, learn, make mistakes, and grow into the best version of himself.
His entry into the world of computing and the privilege to pursue his interests allowed Gates to perform at his highest potential and develop groundbreaking software. This ultimately led to the creation of Microsoft, a perfect match for his unique talents.
The overarching theme throughout his journey is that Bill Gates stayed focused and engaged. He did what he loved and loved what he did. Far from being labeled as problematic, Gates thrived with the support of his family and excelled in the areas where he was most passionate and gifted.
Neurodivergence & The 21st Century – Diagnoses Doesn’t Always Mean Efficient Management
Humanity has come far in terms of diagnosing and managing neurodivergent cases. However, the expansion of psychological services to more categories of cases has come with critical gaps like inconsistencies in diagnosis, lack of competent staff, sluggish access to early intervention, and limited awareness among parents and society among others[3].
Thus, it is fair to say that society is not inherently better off today than we were in the days of Bill Gates. Creativity, patience, and putting a child on a path to do what they love remain essential elements of raising neurodivergent children.
Inherent disadvantage reflects on the way children are diagnosed and treated for communicative, sensory, and behavioral disorders[4][5]. Children from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to get diagnosed and case management solutions than children from poorer origins. Those living in poverty are likely to live in places where they will be misunderstood and made to undergo difficult circumstances and experiences. This further underlies the importance of physical wellbeing and quality of life enhancement for persons with autism and similar neurodivergent tendencies[6].
We see from these studies that diagnosis alone does not guarantee a superior management of neurodivergent cases in childhood. Rather, the circumstances that allow a neurodivergent person develop their uniqueness plays a role in creating a balanced existence from an early age in life.
Discussions
Neurodivergence does not a child incapable.
Neurodivergence makes a person differently-enabled.
As such, it might be equally or perhaps more important to understand what a neurodivergent child excels in an put them on a path towards developing those abilities and competencies.
Many neurodivergent persons are often highly competent in a specific area of human abilities. It is perhaps as equally important to find the competency area of a neurodivergent person as it is to diagnose them of their psychosocial condition.
Production helps people make meaning.
The alternative to encouraging productivity in neurodivergent persons is to “problematize” them. This kills capability, and contributes to a dysfunctional society.
Some experts opine that parents have a duty to advocate for their children with neurodivergence tendencies by putting their unusual behaviors in context to people around them[7]. A person like Bill Gates got parents and a network of people who could help him meander through this. Such steps can help clarify misunderstandings and tendencies to judge neurodivergent persons on the same level as neurotypical persons of the similar demographic features.
With someone to proactively stand up for a neurodivergent person in a society where they are likely to be misunderstood, they will often find the space they need to excel in the areas they are highly endowed. This was certainly the case of Bill Gates who got introduced to the computer at an early stage.
Other scholars assert that there should be some training on social matter is and functional living for neurodivergent persons, and the earlier it starts, the better[8]. That is because it is easier to train and empower a teenager diagnosed of a neurodivergent tendency than an adult with such a condition.
Other thinkers assert that neurodivergent persons might struggle with the ability to integrate into social settings. However, they still remain highly capable in other areas. As such, the best approach is to allow them to
All in all, acceptance, patience, and space to reflect play major roles in clearing the path for neurodivergent persons to integrate slowly into society[9]. In the process, they can be allowed to do what they excel in the most in a functional manner. This can help them produce and attain greater results.
Thus, some little things can have disproportionately positive impacts on the evolution and development of neurodivergent persons, like well-organized spaces, less distraction, and reinforced routines and expectations for social behavior improvement[10].
Conclusion
Work brings meaning. When we find something meaningful that we love to do, we enjoy it. In many ways, the level of satisfaction from doing what we love to do is higher than any form of therapy. This idea applies to many cases of neurodivergent persons. This article has focused on Bill Gates’ case who was not neurotypical. While our modern era has greater tools to diagnose and label neurodivergent children, the need to put them on a path to a productive and meaningful life remains vital. As such, the management of cases on the “spectrum” will have to balance the development of essential social skills with access to productivity. That is because productivity gives neurodivergent persons meaning. And production often gives them the stability they need to engage efficiently in the society they live in.
[1] Bill Gates. "I Coded While I Hiked as a Teenager. Was I on the Spectrum? Probably." Wall Street Journal. Published: January 24, 2025. Available at: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/bill-gates-memoir-410d7ff5
[2] Shaun Heasley. "Bill Gates Suggests He Would Be Diagnosed With Autism If He Were A Child Now" Disability Scoop. Published: January 28, 2025. Available at: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/01/28/bill-gates-suggests-he-would-be-diagnosed-with-autism-if-he-were-a-child-now/31266/
[3] Vandana Doda, Cheryl Kennedy & Mandeep Kaur. "Policies for Individuals With Autism: Gaps, Research, and Recommendations" Cureus 16 (1) 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.51875
[4] Gabby Sutton-Clark. "Inadequate Healthcare Services Among Individuals with Autism in the United States" Ballard Brief. Published: Fall, 2022. Available at: https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/inadequate-healthcare-services-among-individuals-with-autism-in-the-united-states
[5] Luke P. Grosvenor, Lisa A. Croen & Frances L. Lynch. “Autism Diagnosis Among US Children and Adults, 2011-2022” JAMA Network Open 7 (10) 2024. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825472
[6] Gabby Sutton-Clark. "Inadequate Healthcare Services Among Individuals with Autism in the United States" Ballard Brief. Published: Fall, 2022. Available at: https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/inadequate-healthcare-services-among-individuals-with-autism-in-the-united-states
[7] Whitney Ellenby. "We need to include children with autism in the real world. Here’s what everyone can do to help" PBS News Hour. Published: April 2, 2018. Available at: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/we-need-to-include-children-with-autism-in-the-real-world-heres-what-everyone-can-do-to-help
[8] Jeffrey William Skibitsky. "Helping Children with Autism Grow into Productive Young Adults" ABS Kids. Published: April 25, 2019. Available at: https://blog.abskids.com/helping-children-with-autism-grow-into-productive-young-adults
[9] Allyson Bates. "What I’ve Learned From Working With Autistic Children" NAPA. Published: March 27th, 2024. Available at: https://napacenter.org/what-ive-learned-autistic-children/
[10] The Healing Haven. "The Benefits of Organized Space For Individuals With Autism" Published: November 4, 2024. Available at: https://thehealinghaven.net/benefits-of-organized-space-for-individuals-with-autism/
