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Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer
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Kanye West reveals autism diagnosis, questions past bipolar disorder

Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer
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  • Kanye West, now known as Ye, has revealed a new autism diagnosis, refuting his previous bipolar disorder diagnosis from 2018. He shared this news during a podcast episode with internet personality Justin LaBoy.
  • There’s an estimated 1 in 45 adults that have autism, and the number of diagnosed children and adults has increased by 175 percent over the past decade.
  • Late autism diagnoses are becoming more common, often due to autistic traits being misdiagnosed as other conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder, and the process of camouflaging symptoms.

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Kanye West, now known as Ye, said he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. In a recent interview, he revealed that he now believes he is autistic.

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The rapper and fashion mogul made the statement during a podcast with internet personality Justin Laboy. In the episode, Ye questioned his previous diagnosis and claimed that he recently saw a doctor who has worked with Justin Bieber.

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Ye was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018. He publicly embraced the label, even calling it his “superpower.” Over the years, however, he has also spoken about the challenges that came with it.

His struggles with mental health have often played out in the public eye. From social media outbursts to controversial statements, his behavior has sparked concern.

In the podcast, Ye said his wife encouraged him to see a doctor. He explained that she questioned whether his symptoms aligned with bipolar disorder.

Autism diagnoses in adults

Autism diagnoses in adulthood are more common than many realize. According to a study featured in the National Library of Medicine, about 1 in 45 adults are autistic. Autism research organization SPARK reports that nearly half of autistic adults were diagnosed after the age of 17.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it presents differently in different people. Some individuals require substantial support, while others live independently. Late diagnoses often happen because autistic traits can be mistaken for anxiety, bipolar disorder or other conditions.

Some adults go undiagnosed because they mask their symptoms. This is known as camouflaging, where autistic individuals mimic neurotypical behavior, either intentionally or unconsciously, to fit in.

Understanding late autism diagnoses

Ye’s claim has reignited discussions about late autism diagnoses. Many adults who receive a diagnosis later in life describe it as a moment of clarity. It can explain past struggles, improve access to support and lead to better mental health treatment.

Experts said understanding autism as a spectrum is crucial. Two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different behaviors and needs.

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[KENNEDY FELTON]

Kanye West—now known as Ye—is opening up about a new mental health diagnosis he says he recently learned about.

“COME TO FIND OUT, IT’S REALLY A CASE OF AUTISM.”

In a Tuesday podcast episode with internet personality Justin LaBoy, Ye appears to refute his previous bipolar disorder—a condition he was open about after first being diagnosed in 2018.

Ye initially embraced his bipolar diagnosis, even calling it his superpower. But over the years, he has also spoken out about the challenges that came with it. His mental health struggles have often played out in the public eye over the years, from controversial statements to social media outbursts and erratic behavior.

“AYE EVERYONE LISTEN TO THIS PLEASE.” “I GOT LIPOSUCTION BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT Y’ALL TO CALL ME FAT LIKE Y’ALL CALLED ROB AT THE WEDDING.”

But now, he’s revealing who helped him reach a new diagnosis.

“My wife took me to do that cuz she say something about your personality doesn’t feel like it’s bipolar.”

PubMed Central estimates that about 1 in 45 adults have autism, with JAMA Network Open saying the number of children and adults diagnosed with autism has increased by 175 percent over a decade. Meanwhile, autism research company SPARK reports that nearly half of autistic adults were diagnosed after they were 17.

Autism presents differently in both children and adults. As a spectrum disorder, it covers a wide range of characteristics and abilities—meaning some individuals require significant support while others can live independently with fewer challenges.

Due to this wide variability, late autism diagnoses have become more common—often because autistic traits can be misdiagnosed as other conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder. Some people also go undiagnosed because their symptoms are milder or masked—a process known as camouflaging where individuals intentionally or unintentionally mimic neurotypical behaviors to fit in.

Ye’s revelation sparks a bigger conversation about late autism diagnoses—a reminder that neurodiversity can look different in everyone. But receiving the proper diagnosis can be life-changing for some, offering clarity, validation, and access to support.

“THE CONSTANT FEELING OF NOT BEING IN CONTROL SPUN ME OUT OF CONTROL,” YE said.