Have you ever heard the stereotypes around sports & autism? Oftentimes, teens on the autism spectrum find themselves battling shortsighted assumptions and preconceived notions that place limits on their capabilities. Some parents may hesitate to get their student involved in sports due to the behavioral, cognitive and emotional differences that define autism. However, there is a growing number of athletes with autism who have made a name for themselves. 

We want to encourage people to see past the label and focus on the able. A reason why teens with autism don’t hold a place on the world stage of athletics might actually be because teens with ASDs have not been allowed to participate. Let’s stop placing limitations based on society’s stereotypes and start fostering the real athletic talent that might just be waiting to be uncovered.  

Even if your teen doesn’t have a future in athletics, exercise benefits teens by sharpening their social skills, coordination, cardiovascular health, and understanding verbal and non-verbal communication. There’s really no reason not to get them involved in physical activities!

Without further ado, we present to you four athletes with autism who have bucked the stereotypes! 

Clay Marzo 

Clay Marzo began competitively surfing and swimming from the age of 10 on the island where he would spend most of his childhood and still calls home, Hawaii. Signing his first professional contract at just 11 with Quiksilver and becoming the first surfer to score full marks twice in a row at National Competitions, he quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the world. Through his "double-jointed" style, he made himself unique, performing spins and twists that blew his competitors out of the water. 

His life on land proved more complicated. He struggled to connect with his peers, didn't always follow social rules, and was described as "brutally honest." He was finally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2007. His diagnosis has not stopped him from fulfilling his dreams, and he even set up a foundation to help teens with exceptionalities become confident swimmers. The unique style he created attracted the attention of filmmakers, and he has appeared in many Hollywood films and documentaries. In the book he co-wrote about his life, he says, "I hope the book will help other people who are similar to me. And if not them, then to their families so they can get a better understanding of what it can be like."

Tommy Dis Brisay 

Tommy Dis Brisay is a para-athlete from Ottawa, Canada. Born in 1991, he was diagnosed with autism at age 2 and was non-verbal until seven. He began to learn how to speak from Disney films, and he continues to use them as comfort when he is stressed. After trying different medications for his autism that led to weight gain, he went on a jog with his father to try some exercise. This jog would change his life. He became obsessed with running from then on, saying, "I run every day, every week, every month, every year." and frequently won the competitions he signed up for. 

He has featured in Runner's World Magazine documentaries and even runs his own Youtube Channel. Now considered a celebrity runner, he is determined to help others like him transform their lives through exercise. 

Anthony Ianni 

Anthony Ianni is a former college basketball star and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the US. His glittering basketball career and success both on and off the court didn't seem likely initially. Diagnosed with autism at age 4, his parents were told that he might finish high school with a lot of assistance, but that college was too ambitious a dream. Doctors also advised that he would never live independently and seek out group housing when he turned 18. His parents decided that, despite what doctors said, they would help their son pursue his dreams no matter what.

He went on to study at Michigan State University and play basketball alongside future NBA Allstars. Winning several awards for his craft and meeting his wife while studying there, his future career as a motivational speaker came at a stroke of luck as his degree was ending. Inspired by his strength and bravery, a coach asked him to be a keynote speaker at an Autism Gala in Michigan. The ten-minute standing ovation he received afterward convinced him that he was on the right track. He has inspired thousands, created an anti-bullying initiative, and is the father of two children. Of his diagnosis, he says "Autism doesn't define me, I define who I am." 

David Campion

David Campion is a true champion. He is an Australian snowboarder, who participated in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games, and was only one of two people who have been selected to represent Australia in the winter games! At a young age, he became obsessed with snowboarding, although admittedly, it took some time to get the hang of it. 

Once he learned how, he was unstoppable. “I’d start getting frustrated with it. Then it kind of came to me, kind of switched on; like riding a pushbike.” His mother was his biggest cheerleader, seeing potential in his ability and encouraging him to get involved in sports. 

What would you start doing if you believed that anything is possible?  At PS Academy, we are big advocates of exercise and encourage all of our students to get active whenever possible. 

This year, for the very first time, PS Academy has a boy’s basketball team that participates in the Canyon Athletic Association, a competitive athletic league for public, charter and private schools.  PS Academy is one of the first, if not THE first, to field a team of players who all have autism.  The PS Bulldogs have played their hearts out this season, learning skills and showing other teams that teens with autism are fully capable of competing against their neuro-typical peers.  Below is a picture of this amazing group of young men! 

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