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Neurodivergent, Not Untouchable • Azia Martin How to becomes really unpopular with everyone

Bill Maher, in a 2023 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, while discussing Musk's behavior on Twitter, Maher said: “Elon Musk is like a Bond villain who read Atlas Shrugged and decided it was a how-to manual.” Atlas Shrugged promotes an extreme idea of individualism and glorifies the elite few who supposedly “ keep the world running.” While humorous, this jab plays into the image of Musk as cold, hyper-rational, and socially detached, traits often associated stereotypically with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is part of a larger trend of left-leaning commentators who mock Musk for his policies, politics, and behavioral quirks sparked by his neurodivergence.  One of the most hated figures in today's media is Elon Musk, owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, and now senior advisor to United States President Donald Trump and the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This rich and powerful man now holds much power.

Elon Musk has been criticized for his recent behavior in the media. There have been instances like the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, his behavior included jumping up and down and what the media interpreted as the “nazi salute”.  I noticed that even his most prominent critics do not use Musk's diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome as an excuse for his behavior. Asperger's Syndrome is a type of autism that affects communication skills and causes repetitive and restricted behaviors. His critics describe him as immature and having poor taste in personal connections. His diagnosis provides a window into understanding not only how his mind works but also how it might shape his recent, often headline-grabbing behavior. Musk's reflections align with these traits; he has acknowledged difficulties with social cues and a tendency to take things literally, coming from his Asperger's diagnosis.

His recent behavior has caught the attention of thousands worldwide, one crucial time in particular, at the Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. After dancing, Musk placed his hand over his heart and extended it with his palm facing down. He repeated this motion to the crowd behind him, all while repeating, "My heart goes out to you”, he was immediately accused of performing a Nazi Salute. What was supposed to be a heartwarming gesture after an exciting ceremony turned evil by the media. Writers in the New York Times, The Guardian, and the Washington Post reported that the gesture has ill intent. Elon Musk spoke out about the gesture, which George Wright covered in BBC News "The billionaire says his critics "need better dirty tricks" after a gesture likened to a Nazi salute." Feelings were high, and everyone was excited; this could explain his behavior and overjoyed actions while on stage.

While doing further research on Asperger's, I found that sensory overload, changes in routine, social situations, and even mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can trigger things such as outbursts and the actions I have listed previously. The media's formulation of Elon Musk's gesture at the Inauguration is a prime example of how particular narratives can shape public opinion. While Musk's actions were intended to be heartfelt, the coverage of his actions flooded the media, quickly spiraling into accusations of fascist symbolism, which was just not true. Many presidents and media figures have made the intended “my heart goes out to you” gesture throughout history, but did the mistake in which he did it make it evil?

In contrast, neurotypical politicians and celebrities often benefit from the doubt, with questionable behavior excused as humor or taken as harmless slip-ups. Social media only intensifies this discrepancy; detached from the context, brief clips can go viral that can structure lasting opinions before facts are clarified. For someone like Musk, whose communication style already stems from the norm due to Asperger's, the internet's rush to judgment is especially harmful. It raises the question: are we judging the action itself or the person behind it based on already existing bias?

Although Musk is considered high-functioning compared to others with the condition, it is not debatable whether or not he has it. If other people with Asperger's are excused for their actions, then why is Musk under a magnifying glass? If he were not on Donald Trump's team, would he be ridiculed the way he has? Musk's direct communication style is one characteristic we have seen change recently. Musk's communication is seen to be straightforward, lacking the variation that is typical in social exchanges. About four years ago, Elon Musk was mainly seen as a quirky but brilliant entrepreneur. The bizarre mind behind Tesla and SpaceX charmed audiences on Saturday Night Live while revealing his Asperger’s diagnosis. His odd behavior was often brushed off as part of his genius. Now, however, the tone has shifted dramatically. As a senior advisor in the Trump administration and head of DOGE, Musk has become a deeply controversial figure. His same behaviors, bluntness, social awkwardness, and emotional outbursts are no longer seen with understanding but with suspicion and mockery.

This change undermines how public acceptance of neurodivergence often depends on political convenience rather than genuine empathy. During his "Saturday Night Live" appearance, he humorously acknowledged this trait, stating, "I do not always have a lot of intonation or variation in how I speak... which I am told makes for great comedy." His transparency can lead to interpretations of his statements as unconventional or blunt. Challenges with social variations have been another change in his behavior. Navigating social cues can be difficult for people diagnosed with Asperger's. Musk's straightforwardness on social media platforms has sometimes resulted in public misunderstandings.

An additional controversial act of Musk's recent behavior involves reports about his use of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic sometimes used off-label for depression. Multiple sources have reported that Musk takes high doses of the drug, with some of his inner circle showing concern about the drug's impact on his mood and behavior in public. While substance use is not associated with Asperger's, it could highlight certain traits such as emotional impulsivity, mood swings, or difficulties with regulating behavior. For someone who already struggles with interpreting social expectations, mind-altering substances could intensify those difficulties in unpredictable ways. Another unforgotten behavior was the chainsaw incident. Musk swung a chainsaw at a rally and was criticized for its symbolism, showing openness to auditing the Federal Reserve. His actions symbolize cutting government waste. He seems to have done this gesture to show Americans he is taking on a “no mercy” approach when it comes to firing federal agents. Many people believed it was a macho, overly masculine action, believing he was trying to appeal to the bros. It then became a viral meme that caused social media users to mock the foolishness of his posture and expression. These reactions often cause discomfort with this effect, which differs from social norms.

Returning to his "Saturday Night Live opening monologue," it is hard to think that someone like Musk was ever on a televised show like SNL. Almost 4 years ago, Elon spoke openly about his condition for the first time on national television in his opening monologue. In the monologue, he states, "I do not always have a lot of intonation or variation in how I speak... which I am told makes for great comedy." he also joked, saying, "I am making history tonight as the first person with Asperger's to host SNL." Following this statement, he received applause from the audience. People seemed to resonate with him, and cast member Kristen Wiig appeared to understand and acknowledge his condition and behaviors.

We are back to the discussion of the double narrative. There is a troubling double standard in how society extends empathy. At the same time, neurodivergent individuals are often met with understanding and support, and empathy disappears when the person in question is wealthy or politically controversial. Elon Musk's relationship with Donald Trump and unfiltered public appearances have made him a moving target for criticism, regardless of his diagnosis. It proposes the question: Is society truly accepting of neurodiversity, or only when it fits a comfortable narrative? True inclusion means extending grace consistently, not selectively, especially when someone's behavior may come from neurological differences.

Society often claims to support neurodiversity, but that support is sometimes conditional, especially when neurodivergent individuals hold positions of influence. Public figures with autism or Asperger's are often embraced when they remain within expected roles, such as advocates, artists, or tech innovators. However, when individuals like Elon Musk step into leadership or political arenas, their abnormal communication styles and behaviors are judged rather than understood. History shows discomfort with leaders who come from neurotypical norms; their actions are more likely to be interpreted as erratic, threatening, or inappropriate. Instead of recognizing the diverse ways leadership can look, society punishes those who do not "perform" social competence in familiar ways. This reveals a long-lasting bias; we may praise neurodivergence in theory but still expect conformity in practice, especially from those in power.

In the end, Elon Musk's story highlights a more profound societal conflict, we claim, as a society, to value neurodiversity. Still, it seems only to be that way when it is convenient. When neurodivergent individuals challenge traditional norms, especially in positions of power, they tend to be scrutinized more harshly, their behaviors misread, and their intentions questioned. Musk is not above critique, nor should his diagnosis shield him from accountability. However, we must ask ourselves: Are we judging him fairly or clinging to a double standard that only accepts neurodiversity on our terms? True inclusion means recognizing that different minds will express themselves differently and that understanding, not scrutiny, is the first step toward absolute acceptance.
© Azia Martin 4.26.25
Azia is a senior degree student at the College of Charleston

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