
[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.