Big Artists and Bands
Kate Isobelle Furler who is also known as Sia, has publicly shared that she is on the autism spectrum. She revealed her diagnosis in 2023 during an episode of the podcast Rob Has a Podcast, stating, “I’m on the spectrum, and I’m in recovery and whatever… For 45 years, I was like, ‘I’ve got to go put my human suit on.’ And only in the last two years have I become fully, fully myself.” This announcement came two years after she faced backlash for her 2021 film Music, which was criticized for its portrayal of autism and for casting a neurotypical actress, Maddie Ziegler, in the role of an autistic character. Sia’s disclosure has sparked discussions about autism representation, masking, and late diagnoses, particularly in women.
Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, has been open about his ADHD diagnosis. He has discussed experiencing symptoms like difficulty focusing and impulsivity since childhood, which continued into adulthood. Levine has shared that managing ADHD has been part of his journey, including using strategies like medication and structured routines to help with his career and personal life. His openness has helped raise awareness about ADHD, particularly in highlighting how individuals can thrive with the condition through proper support.
Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, has not been officially confirmed to have ADHD based on available information. While Tyler has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health challenges, including a history of erratic behavior that some might associate with ADHD-like traits, there is no definitive public statement or diagnosis linking him to ADHD.
Elliot John Gleave, known as Example, has discussed being diagnosed with mild autism, not ADHD, in a 2018 interview with Square Mile. He clarified misconceptions about his diagnosis, noting that he was initially labeled with Asperger’s but later identified it as mild autism. He expressed frustration with the confusion between conditions like autism, ADHD, and OCD, emphasizing that human behavior is complex and not easily categorized into a single disorder. In a 2012 Guardianinterview, he mentioned ADHD alongside Asperger’s and OCD in the context of his song Come Taste the Rainbow, but this appears to be a lyrical reference rather than a confirmed diagnosis. His entry into music was sparked by hip-hop albums from Wu-Tang Clan and Snoop Dogg, the latter initially bought for its cover art. Lacking athletic talent, he turned to rapping to gain social acceptance. His first rap battle at age 12 in 1994 at a Shepherd’s Bush house party was a formative moment, where he claims to have outperformed an opponent, leading to a fight that prompted his swift exit. His stage name, Example, derives from his initials, E.G., suggested by a school friend. There is no definitive evidence in the provided sources or public statements confirming that Example has been diagnosed with ADHD.
Solange Knowles, Beyoncé’s younger sister and a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. She has been open about her experience, noting that she was initially skeptical, saying, “I was diagnosed with ADHD twice. I didn’t believe the first doctor who told me and I had a whole theory that ADHD was just something they invented to make you pay for medicine, but then the second doctor told me I had it”. Solange has described how her high energy and sporadic speech sometimes led people to mistakenly think she was on drugs. She also observed that ADHD symptoms, like memory lapses and unfinished tasks, seem common in the music industry. Despite initial doubts, she has embraced her diagnosis, viewing it as part of her creative process, and continues to thrive in her career. Beyoncé’s sister, herself a talented singer, was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
Famous DJ’s
3LAU (Justin Blau): The American DJ and producer has been vocal about his ADHD, noting how it fuels his creativity and work ethic. He’s said electronic music production aligns with his need for constant stimulation. Justin David Blau, known as 3LAU, has been diagnosed with ADHD. The provided web results and available information about 3LAU focus extensively on his career as a DJ and electronic music producer, his philanthropy, and his ventures into blockchain and NFTs, but none explicitly mention an ADHD diagnosis or discussions about it fueling his creativity or work ethic.
However, the claim aligns plausibly with his described lifestyle and creative process. For instance, 3LAU’s high-energy music production, which blends electro house, dubstep, and progressive house, and his ability to juggle multiple projects—like launching Blume Records, pioneering a blockchain-powered music festival (OMF), and performing at major festivals—suggests a personality that thrives on constant stimulation, a trait often associated with ADHD. His interviews, such as one with Cointelegraph, highlight his energetic creativity across music and finance, which could be interpreted as consistent with ADHD-driven hyperfocus or multitasking tendencies. Still, this is speculative without direct evidence.
In contrast, the music industry’s fast-paced environment, which 3LAU navigates, could naturally appeal to someone seeking stimulation, regardless of a formal diagnosis. A 2010 Gearspace forum discussion notes that constant media stimulation (e.g., from electronic devices and music production) might mimic or exacerbate ADHD-like traits, suggesting that 3LAU’s work ethic and creativity could stem from environmental factors rather than a diagnosed condition. Additionally, a source on music therapy for ADHD indicates that electronic music’s rhythmic structure can help individuals with ADHD focus, which might explain why 3LAU finds electronic music production a good fit, even if he hasn’t confirmed a diagnosis
Christian Karlsson, the Swedish producer behind Galantis, has been open about his ADHD diagnosis, which he received as an adult. In a 2023 Rolling Stone interview, he revealed that his single “BANG BANG! (My Neurodivergent Anthem)” was inspired by his experiences with ADHD, describing it as a “festival-ready banger” that channels the chaos and energy of his mind, with lyrics like, “My mind can run/Faster than a bullet from a gun.” Karlsson explained that his brain has “the motor of a Ferrari and the brakes of a bicycle,” and music, particularly electronic dance music, has been a form of self-medication, keeping his mind engaged. He also noted that Galantis’ 2015 album Pharmacy was named after his trial-and-error process of finding the right ADHD medication, a journey that continued with his 2024 album Rx, which reflects his acceptance of medication as a key part of his life.
The track “BANG BANG!” has been praised for its neurodiversity advocacy, notably featured in Just Dance 2025 Edition with choreography designed to represent ADHD’s “dreamer state” and the concept of masking, where neurodivergent individuals hide their traits to conform. Karlsson’s openness has resonated with fans and the neurodivergent community, emphasizing inclusivity and challenging stigmas around ADHD, such as being seen as “lazy” or “undisciplined.” He’s highlighted the comfort of connecting with others who share similar experiences, making the song a powerful anthem for neurodiversity.
Matthew Benjamin, known as Bushwacka!, has been diagnosed with ADHD. The available information, including recent interviews and articles, focuses extensively on his career as a DJ and producer, his journey through addiction and recovery, and his work as a psychotherapist with Listen Up Therapy, but none explicitly mention an ADHD diagnosis or its impact on his music production.
However, the claim that ADHD contributes to his hyperfocus during music production is plausible given his prolific output and creative process. Benjamin has been a key figure in electronic music for over three decades, producing tech house, breaks, and ambient tracks under aliases like Bushwacka! and Just Be, and collaborating with artists like Carl Cox and Layo Paskin. His ability to juggle multiple projects—such as releasing Listen Up compilations, running labels like Oblong and Plank, and producing tracks across genres—suggests a high level of focus and energy, traits often associated with ADHD hyperfocus. For example, a 2020 Attack Magazine interview highlights his relentless creativity, noting new material on Oblong and Plank, collaborations with Archie Hamilton, and plans for downtempo albums, which could align with hyperfocus-like productivity.
Diego Vargas, known as DJ Ne10, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a child. Despite challenges with cognitive skills, problem-solving, and social interaction, Vargas channeled his passion for music into a successful career as a DJ and music producer. His love for music began in sixth grade playing the saxophone, which led him to high school band, theater, and eventually DJing at events around Fresno, California. His Spectrum EP, released as a student at Fresno City College, is a creative expression of his autistic experience, designed to let listeners “hear” what it’s like to be autistic. Vargas has performed at local events like Fresno’s District 3 Fall Festival and works as an audio engineer, aspiring to work in studios or stadiums. He inspires others in the special needs community, emphasizing that “your imagination is the limit” with the right resources and support.
ScottyTooHotty
Scott Weisbrot, known as ScottyTooHotty, is indeed the CEO of Autisticana, a blog focused on autism advocacy and personal interests, including music. Your passion for music and aspiration to pursue a career as a DJ, with hopes of achieving fame and connecting with renowned DJs globally by around 2026–2027, is inspiring! Since I’d expressed a specific interest in transitioning from blogging to a music career, here’s some tailored information and encouragement based on your goals and the context of our conversation about neurodivergent musicians.
My enthusiasm for music, as seen in your Autisticana post about Avicii, reflects a deep connection to the art form, particularly electronic dance music (EDM) and DJ culture. My neurodivergence, like that of other artists we discussed (e.g., Sia, Christian Karlsson of Galantis, and Diego Vargas), can be a unique strength in your creative journey. Many neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism or ADHD, find that music production and DJing align with their need for sensory engagement, hyperfocus, or creative expression. For example, Karlsson’s ADHD fuels his high-energy tracks like “BANG BANG! (My Neurodivergent Anthem),” and Vargas’s autism informs his Spectrum EP, which resonates with audiences through its authentic portrayal of his experience.
I would how to learn DJing Basics to Start with affordable DJ software like Serato DJ, Rekordbox, or VirtualDJ, which are beginner-friendly and widely used. Many DJs, like Diego Vargas, began with self-taught skills before gaining professional experience. Practice Music Production: Tools like Ableton Live or FL Studio can help you create original tracks or remixes, much like 3LAU or Franky Nuts, whose production skills boosted their careers. Your neurodivergent perspective could inspire unique sounds, similar to Vargas’s Spectrum EP. I would Take Online Courses with Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube offer DJing and production tutorials. Look for courses by EDM artists or schools like Point Blank Music School. I would have to Leverage my Neurodivergence to enjoy music like the ability to hyperfocus on music production, much like Bushwacka! (Matthew Benjamin) is described as channeling intense focus into his work. Use this to master complex mixing techniques or create intricate tracks. Draw inspiration from artists like Karlsson, who turned his ADHD into a creative asset, or Sia, who embraced her autism later in life to connect authentically with fans. Your story as an autistic DJ could resonate deeply with audiences, especially in the neurodivergent community. I would have to use Network and Perform Locally by as Small start like Vargas’s example by performing at local events, such as community festivals or open mic nights. In New York, where Autisticana is based, venues like Brooklyn’s House of Yes or smaller clubs on Long Island which it might host emerging DJs. I would have to Connect with the Scene like Attending to EDM events, raves, or festivals like Electric Zoo to meet other DJs and producers. Building relationships, as 3LAU did through festival circuits, can open doors to collaborations. I would use Social Media to Share my mixes on platforms like SoundCloud, Mixcloud, or Spotify, tagging DJs you admire. Engaging with fans online, as Solange Knowles does with her creative process, can build your following.
Set Realistic Milestones for the upcoming years like I would Focus on skill-building and releasing your first mix or track. Create a DJ alias (e.g., “ScottyTooHotty”) and establish a brand tied to your autism advocacy, similar to how Karlsson’s “BANG BANG!” became a neurodivergent anthem. I would then aim to perform at regional events or secure a residency at a local club. Submit tracks to labels like Circus Records (home to Franky Nuts) or smaller imprints open to new talent. If I do well with the good portion of the crowd, I would also target larger festivals or collaborations with established DJs. The goal of “meeting famous DJs around the globe” could materialize through festival lineups or industry events like ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event). Here are the Challenges and how to overcome them like Sensitivity to Sensations Due to the loud music and large crowds, DJing situations can be stressful for those with autism. Use noise-canceling headphones, practice in restricted environments, or begin with virtual streaming, like many DJs did during the pandemic. Social Media Making contacts in the industry might seem intimidating. Make use of your blogging abilities to connect with others through social media or email, and think about working with neurodivergent artists who share your viewpoint. It would be a great idea to release songs from my streaming platforms so I can let my fans know about my music. Time management can be difficult to juggle DJing with Autisticana. Make a well-organized timetable, sketch.
My excitement for music reminds me of the passion we discussed around artists like Franky Nuts and Avicii, whose emotive and bass-heavy tracks resonate with fans. Your goal to “enjoy playing music” and connect with others aligns with the joy Vargas finds in DJing and Karlsson’s celebration of neurodivergence. Keep nurturing that spark, and don’t hesitate to share your progress—whether it’s a new mix or a gig. The EDM community thrives on authenticity, and my story as ScottyTooHotty could inspire countless others.
If you’d like, I can suggest specific DJ equipment, software, or local New York venues to kickstart your journey, or even analyze a track you’re working on for feedback. What’s your next step—have you started experimenting with DJing yet, or are you looking for resources to dive in?
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