The idea of Martha Stewart being autistic is not a new topic of conversation among fans; in fact, it has been widely discussed by several online communities over the years, especially on Reddit. Following the release of her latest Netflix documentary titled ‘Martha’ which hit the streaming platform on October 30, the curiosity surrounding her potential autism, as well as health queries, has risen more than ever.
So, is Martha Stewart genuinely autistic, or is it just speculation? We’re inclined to lean towards the former. Let’s point out potential signs or traits that resonate with characteristics commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Martha Stewart Is Likely Autistic—Here’s Why!
Martha Stewart is known for her meticulous, perfectionist approach to everything she does, whether it’s putting together the perfect tablescape, showing off complex recipes, or running a massive media empire. Her intense focus on detail and her formal, structured way of communicating has led some people to wonder if she might have autistic traits.
Her passion for things like cooking, gardening, and home decorating is so deep and focused that it can resemble the “special interests” often seen in autism. Plus, her strong emphasis on rules and order—like making sure a garden follows specific design principles—has been seen as reflecting a preference for routine and structure that’s sometimes associated with autism.
People have also picked up on Martha Stewart’s somewhat reserved demeanor, which can sometimes come across as aloof or emotionally distant. She often seems more focused on getting things done or diving into activities rather than engaging in deep emotional conversations, making some wonder if she struggles a bit with the subtle give-and-take of social dynamics. In interviews, she’s known for her straightforward, even blunt way of speaking, a quality that some believe could reflect a communication style common in autism.
Internet Is Convinced Martha Stewart Is on the Autism Spectrum After Netflix Documentary Release
Reddit, Twitter, Threads, basically every social media platform is filled with speculations about Martha Stewart potentially being autistic after watching her latest Netflix documentary, ‘Martha.’ Some don’t even need to finish the doc to be convinced she’s on the spectrum and is the “OG neurodivergent influencer.” One Twitter user wrote,
I’m like 20 minutes into the Martha doc, and what I’ve gathered so far is Martha an autistic woman who was traumatized into perfectionism.
One of the replies read, “Yeah that woman can compartmentalize like no one else.” Another user related to the experiences of Stewart, 83, writing:
when martha stewart said the reason why she doesn’t have many personal relationships with men is because she doesn’t care about their feelings… i felt that
In several discussions, the majority of the online community couldn’t help but love the Netflix doc, while expressing how obvious her neurodivergence was. Viewers noted Stewart’s intense focus on her hobbies and her direct, fact-based observations, which others often misinterpreted as rudeness. Likewise, her dry wit and stoic handling of heartache turned her into a resilient figure many can relate to.
Some users shared their realization of Stewart’s autism and connected with their own experiences, particularly regarding emotional expression and hypersexuality, questioning whether these traits reflect autism or simply the complexities of being a woman.
One user wrote,
martha stewart being an unapologetic emotionally cold WASP who hosts immaculate parties and takes things like thread count and flower arrangements incredibly seriously is so important to me
Not everyone was a fan of Martha Stewart, however. Some claim she is undeniably a dedicated and exceptionally skilled individual, but she can come across as quite unlikable. With her ESTJ personality traits, she prioritizes work and perfection over emotional connections, often leading to a strict and orderly lifestyle. Her roles as a mother and wife have faced criticism, as many feel she neglected her family in pursuit of her ambitions. However, her experiences with prison and the passage of time appear to have mellowed her somewhat.
The common criticism among many appears to be the fact that Martha Stewart often comes off as lacking empathy while being fiercely driven. Some pointed out that it’s interesting how such a combination is often praised in men in the business world, yet when a woman exhibits the same traits, she’s critiqued for it. It feels like she played by the rules that were set by men, and instead of being celebrated, she’s judged for it.
Thanks to the critically acclaimed ‘Martha’ documentary, it has become obvious to everyone that she discovered her passion and purpose in life. Yet, some have raised concerns, suggesting she might be struggling with anhedonia or a form of depression. Despite her incredible achievements, there’s a sense that her relentless pursuit of success might have come at the cost of her emotional well-being. One of the fans noted it’s intriguing how someone so accomplished can still grapple with feelings of emptiness.