Former Morbid Angel drummer shares life-changing clarity after ADOS-2 evaluation, bringing peace and understanding to decades-long challenges.
Pedro “Pete” Sandoval, the legendary drummer behind Morbid Angel and current member of Terrorizer and I Am Morbid, has revealed that he has been officially diagnosed as autistic. The 61-year-old musician shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on a lifetime of confusion, misdiagnoses, and now newfound clarity.
“After many years of confusion and misdiagnosis, I’ve finally been properly diagnosed as autistic (Level 1) ADOS-2 module 4 (and some other tests),” Sandoval wrote. “This has been part of who I am since childhood, even though for a long time I didn’t have the words or understanding for it.”
Sandoval explained how autism has shaped his interactions and perceptions over the years: “Over the years, this has affected how I communicate, how I process sound, and how I interact with people — sometimes in ways that may have seemed confusing, distant, or misunderstood. It was never about not caring, not listening, or not wanting to connect.”
For Sandoval, the diagnosis has brought peace at a stage of life when reflection carries special weight. “Now, at 61, having clarity has brought a lot of peace. It explains so much — and it’s allowed me to better understand myself instead of fighting it. I’m still here, still playing, still creating, still grateful — after back surgery, after life challenges, and now with a better understanding of my own mind.”
He added a heartfelt note for fans: “If sharing this helps even one person feel less alone or more patient with themselves or others, then it’s worth it. Thank you for the love and support through the years.”
Currently, Sandoval performs with I Am Morbid, a band featuring former Morbid Angel bassist and vocalist David Vincent, along with guitarists Richie Brown (Exmortus, The Absence, Trivium) and Bill Hudson (Northtale, Doro). The group plays material from Morbid Angel‘s classic albums.