First person diagnosed with autism dies 89

The autism community has lost a truly significant figure. Donald Triplett, widely recognised as the first person ever diagnosed with autism, has passed away at the age of 89. In this episode of The Aspie World Podcast, we reflect on his incredible life, his diagnosis journey, and how his story shaped the world’s understanding of autism spectrum conditions.

Donald’s life represents more than just history — it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come in autism awareness, advocacy, and research, and how much further we still need to go to support autistic adults and children worldwide.

• Who Donald Triplett was and why his story is historically important

• How the first official autism diagnosis helped shape modern research

• What his life teaches us about autistic strengths and resilience

• How understanding autism has evolved since the 1940s

• Why continued awareness, acceptance, and advocacy still matter today

Donald’s legacy is a powerful reminder that autistic voices deserve to be heard, celebrated, and supported — not just diagnosed.

• Autistic adults wanting to learn more about autism history

• Parents looking for insight into how autism diagnosis and support have evolved

• Teachers, researchers, and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of autism

• Anyone curious about the pioneering story behind the world’s first autism diagnosis

If you’ve ever wondered how far autism understanding has come — and where it’s headed — this episode offers both reflection and hope.

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Donald Triplett’s story paved the way for millions of autistic people worldwide. His life reminds us that autism is not a limitation — it’s a different way of experiencing the world. 💙

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
So 2023, the world's oldest living person with the term
Aspergers as a diagnosis actually died at age 89.
Guys, welcome back to the Asperyworld.
What's going on? My name is Dan, I have autism
and I make weekly videos all about this stuff.
So if you're new around here andyou want to learn more, remember
to hit the subscribe button by click the notification bell down
below. And if you're new around here
and you haven't already downloaded my Life Hacks PDF

(00:22):
book for autism, you can do autismhacks.net.
Guys, what's going on? I came across this article,
right? And I think it was in the mail
and, and the guy's name is Donald Triplet.
I think his name is now, he was the first person ever diagnosed
with autism. He's from Mississippi in
America. And he was diagnosed in that
state in 1938. He just died recently,

(00:45):
unfortunately, at the age of 89,which is a grand old age.
And I, you know, think he lived a pretty amazing life.
And the thing about it was that in 1938 or someone heard about
that a long diagnosed I mean, itwas basically widely not
understood and fast on to be diagnosed back then was pretty
amazing. The importance in the
recognition of what he, you know, what he stood for was that

(01:07):
the historical context of autismand the achievements of such as
somebody room until 89 is quite interesting because he lived a
longer time than what is expected to somebody with autism
diagnosis. But also having this one link
back that far in history to knowthings like what was schooling
like? What was, you know, growing up
like? What was your issues as a kid?

(01:28):
What was your issues with your parents and your family and your
friends and things like that. That whole idea was fascinating.
And I think that, you know, people really did capture the
moment well, they could. And this brilliant guy has has
passed away and, and left us, which is a shame, but it's, it's
interesting. So we can all reflect on the
achievements of, you know, what's been made and

(01:49):
understanding autism and this person's contribution to the
autism community and the research over the years.
And yeah, if anything, we can bring us together to make us
more supportive for each other. So I just wanted to update you
guys on that. So yeah.
Here is to Donald Triplet. We're also.
All right, guys. Thanks.