Sam Bankman-Fried’s Neurodivergence Disorders Impacted Trial, Doctors Say

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Ruholamin Haqshanas is a contributing crypto writer for CryptoNews. He is a crypto and finance journalist with over four years of experience. Ruholamin has been featured in several high-profile crypto...

Sam Bankman-Fried’s criminal trial may have been significantly affected by his neurodivergence disorders, according to a group of doctors who submitted an amicus brief in support of his appeal.

The FTX co-founder, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), faced “serious challenges” during the court proceedings, the doctors told the Second Circuit Appeals Court.

The brief, signed by eight doctors specializing in neurodivergence, highlighted that several rulings during the trial were detrimental to Bankman-Fried due to his conditions.

A key concern was the Manhattan district court’s decision to allow government prosecutors to cross-examine Bankman-Fried without a jury present before he took the stand in front of jurors.

This ruling, they argued, had “potentially profound effects” on his ability to communicate effectively during the trial.

The doctors noted that the judge repeatedly criticized Bankman-Fried for his lengthy answers and attempts to clarify or rephrase questions, behaviors that are common in individuals with ASD, who often interpret language literally.