аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

35 Famous Athletes With Autism

Originally published  by Ronny in September 2023 and Updated by Ian S in May 2024

The astounding performances of notable autistic athletes and athletes with autism show that autism is not a barrier to athletic ability.

Through their determination, tenacity, and amazing ability, these individuals have broken stereotypes and inspired millions. In this article, we will look at the lives of these famous autistic athletes, highlighting their successes and the effect they have made in their respective sports, establishing their place as famous autistic athletes and athletes with autism. Let’s get started;

1. Jason McElwain 

Coach Jim Johnson, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

McElwain rose to prominence in international news in 2006, when he stunned the globe by scoring twenty points in the final few minutes of a high school basketball game.

He improved his game and became one of the best basketballers in the world today. Jason is a high-functioning autistic American amateur basketball and marathon athlete and public speaker.

Jason, who has autism, has become one of the best public speakers and an evangelist for autism. McElwain travels around the world mostly in the United States to help raise funds for autism research as well as make media appearances.

2. Clay Marzo

Clay Marzo is a mystery to the majority of the surfing world. He’s extremely gifted, but he doesn’t get caught up in the rat race of tournaments, content production, and pursuing sponsors like most sportsmen do.

His approach to each wave in any circumstance is incredibly distinctive and innovative, but the quantity of highlights is rarely enough to match our desire. And this only adds to the mystery.

Marzo has always been open about his Asperger Syndrome diagnosis, a disability known to exacerbate social interaction difficulties as well as push individuals to extreme focus and mastery in topics that stimulate their interest.

In Clay’s case, both sides of the coin contribute to our understanding and appreciation of how he became a world-class surfer we can never get enough of.

Read 35 Things to Know About Autism

3. Anthony Lanni

“Autism does not define me, I define who I am!”

Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) when he was four years old. Doctors and doctors predicted that Anthony would barely finish high school, be an athlete, and never attend college. But, more significantly, he is here today to share with you a message about how to not only go out and be the change you want to see in the world but also to go out and make the change you want to see in the world.

He certainly is. Anthony worked hard and never gave up in the face of adversity and severe personal obstacles. He not only has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Michigan State University, but he is also the first athlete with autism to play NCAA Division One College Basketball.

4. Mikey Brannigan

Brannigan has unquestionably established himself as the man to beat in men’s T20 middle-distance racing.

Mikey, an American, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old and currently competes in the T20 class for mentally handicapped athletes, having started running at the age of eight through the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program in New York, USA.

5. Matt Savage

Let’s look at Matt Savage, the legendary American autistic savant musician. Savage was a bright infant who learned to walk and read before the age of 18 months. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder, a type of autism.

During his childhood, he was not fond of noises or music. Despite his early age, autism, and lack of formal musical composition training, Savage is an exceptional musician and composer. He has twelve CDs to his credit as a solo artist, as the leader of the Matt Savage Trio, and as the leader of various-sized ensembles.

6. Scotty James

Scott James, an Australian snowboarder, and four-time Olympian, is well-known for his performances and achievements. He was Australia’s flag carrier at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in the halfpipe.

He is one of the athletes who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This, however, has not prevented him from achieving greater heights in his profession.

James was the first snowboarder to receive the VIS Award of Excellence in 2018. However, it has not been easy. Scotty has a disorder that causes his knee to dislocate at random, which is not ideal for a competitive snowboarder.

When you consider that he competed in the 2010 Winter Games while suffering from a shattered wrist, it’s easy to see why nothing has stopped him from attaining his goals.

7. Jared Blank

Jared Blank, a marathon runner, was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was five years old. As he progressed through school, he realized that academic achievement would require hard work and endurance on his part. Working with tutors taught him that activities that took someone else an hour could take him three.

8. Evan Moffic

Evan Moffic is an autistic man who has received notoriety for his achievements as a Special Olympics tennis player. The Special Olympics is an international organization that offers sports instruction and competition to persons with intellectual and developmental challenges, such as autism. The organization’s mission is to promote inclusion, empowerment, and physical activity for people with exceptional needs.

9. Tommy Des Brisay

The long-distance marathoner has always been in the spotlight, not only for his performance but also for the prognosis made by physicians due to the disorder after being diagnosed with Autism. Tommy Des Brisay was diagnosed with autism at a young age, but that hasn’t stopped him from winning numerous racing medals and running a half-marathon in 1:14:55.

Aged 5, his parents, MaryAnn Given and Peter Des Brisay were told that he might never be able to talk.

He was overweight by the time he was 14 years old as a result of the medication he was taking, and his parents wanted to find an interest for him to pursue.

10. Jack Thomas Leiter

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Jack Thomas Leiter is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Texas Rangers. He was drafted by the Rangers with the second overall choice in the 2021 MLB draft after playing collegiate baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

The baseballer is one of the athletes who has had Autism since childhood and has managed to cope with it. Leiter, as many people know him took part in the 2018 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game in July of 2018.

In December, he was a member of the USA Baseball 18U National Team in Panama City for the 2018 COPABE Pan-American Championships, where he helped Team USA earn gold. Despite the disorder, he has remained relevant to his career.

You can also Read 25 Most Famous People with Autism

11. David Campion

 Campion, an Australian champion snowboarder, represented his country at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

David, like many other young people, became captivated by the concept of snowboarding, but he confesses it took him some time to get the hang of it. But once he found it out, he declared that there would be no stopping him. His mother, perhaps his biggest supporter, spotted potential in his snowboarding abilities and urged him to join Disabled Winter Sport Australia.

12. Jessica-Jane Applegate

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Jessica-Jane Applegate, a British swimmer, is a distinguished athlete who has won 24 gold medals in Paralympic sports. She owns 11 British records as well as a world record in the 100-meter butterfly.

Jessica-Jane’s early diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome did not deter her from following her passion for swimming. He had already achieved numerous regional records by the age of 13, and a few years later, she was chosen for a UK sporting talent program and established the second fastest world record for her 200-meter freestyle.

At the 2012 Paralympics, she became the first British athlete from the intellectually handicapped category to win gold. Following a spate of broken records, she was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013.

13. Jim Eisenreich

In 1982, Jim Eisenreich was a Major League Baseball standout with the Minnesota Twins. Uncontrollable tics caused by Tourette’s Syndrome, along with a later diagnosis of Asperger’s, eventually led to his retirement from the MLB in 1984.
However, medication, combined with a better knowledge of his difficulties, enabled him to return to the game he loved in 1986.

Jim was named Kansas City Royals Player of the Year in 1989 and went on to have a 15-year career.

14. Tony Snell

He made waves when he revealed that he and his son were both diagnosed with autism. Many in the NBA world who had become accustomed to watching Snell play were taken aback by the revelation.

Despite this, it didn’t surprise Snell, who stated that he had always felt unusual in some manner. As the NBA community continues to show its support for the journeyman guard, he is one of the NBA players with autism, among many of whom have become tremendous advocates.

15. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Mahmoud is one of the most known NBA players diagnosed with autism.  Abdul-Rauf has subsequently become a champion for athletes with ASD even after being diagnosed with ASD at an adult age. 

Abdul-Rauf, the third overall choice in the 1990 draft, spent nine NBA seasons. In two seasons, he averaged a career-high 19.2 points per game.

Abdul-Rauf was diagnosed with a mild form of Tourette syndrome at the age of 17, but he was still twice an All-American in high school before going on to shine for the LSU Tigers.

In his only two seasons at LSU, he was a two-time All-American and two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, averaging 29.0 points per game. In 2020, the school will retire his No. 35 jersey.

16. Royce White

Not only do some have this Autism disorder but also mental illness. It is a surprise how they have been able to cope with such critical conditions of their health yet become the best of the best in their field.

Royce White, a basketball player with autism, has been an advocate not only for NBA players with autism but also for mental health. White made news after being picked 16th in 2012 for being one of the first players to push for mental health resources.

As a rookie, he went so far as to sit out until the league gave players mental health resources, causing a historic shift.

17. Gary Neal

Gary Neal is one of the most renowned NBA players with autism because, unlike Tony Snell, he was diagnosed at an early age. Despite this, he enjoyed a lengthy professional basketball career from 2007 to 2019, including time in the NBA from 2010 to 2017.

He transitioned to coaching after retiring from basketball in 2019, serving as an assistant coach for the NCAA Division I Towson Tigers.

18. Lisa Llorens

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Female athletes are also among those who have been diagnosed with and reported to have autism. Lisa Llorens an Australian runner, is one of the female athletes with the disorder.

She specializes in Paralympic high jumping, long jumping, and sprinting, and she competes in autism-specific sports. Llorens, nicknamed “the Cheetah” for her amazing speed, competed in the Summer Paralympics in Atlanta in 1996, earning gold and bronze medals in track and field events.

She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her gold medal in 1996. During her four long leaps, she smashed the Paralympic world record three times. She was recognized in the ACT Sport Hall of Fame in November 2015.

Llorens was inducted into the International Sports Federation for People with Intellectual Disabilities Hall of Fame in 2016.

19. Max Park

Max Park couldn’t even unscrew the cap of a water bottle as a preteen, let alone solve a Rubik’s cube. He lacked fine motor skills, which was an indication of his autism.

Max can now solve a Rubik’s cube in less time than it takes to read this text at the age of 21.On June 11, at a tournament in Southern California, the Cerritos, Calif., native set a new world record for the fastest 3x3x3 Rubik’s cube time, with 3.13 seconds.

He astounded the speedcubing community, which competes to solve the twisting puzzles as soon as possible.

20. Samuel Von Einem

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Samuel “Sam” Von Einem is a Paralympic table tennis player from Australia. Since 2011, Von Einem has represented Australia in table tennis.

Before moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE in 2003, S Einem was an active tennis player. Because of the heat, his parents kept a table tennis table inside their house, and he started playing table tennis instead.

He competed for Australia in the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, winning silver medals in the Men’s Class 11. He became Australia’s first male table tennis medallist since Terry Biggs won gold in 1984 at the Rio Paralympics.

21. Armani Williams

Armani Williams, who was born in Michigan, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was two years old.

He was nonverbal in his early years, as are many youngsters with autism. On the track, he has continued to show incredible talent, first in go-karts, then in bandolero-type cars, late models, the ARCA Truck Pro Series, and the NASCAR Driver for Diversity Combine. Armani has over 18 wins and two championships to his credit.

Armani is now a professional driver in NASCAR Canada, driving the #28 Race4Autism Dodge for CBRT MotorSports after numerous years of success and perseverance.

Armani’s dream of winning the major NASCAR races in the United States is well within his grasp.

22. Cody Ware

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Ware said in February 2018 that he suffers from depression and anxiety. He declared on Facebook three months later that he had Asperger syndrome.

Ware disclosed in May 2021 that during his adolescence, a group of pals lured him to the woods only to douse him in gasoline and set him on fire, resulting in severe burns on the back of his legs.

Ware is a professional motor racing driver from the United States. He is the son of NASCAR team owner Rick Ware and a third-generation driver with expertise in stock cars, sports cars, and open-wheel racing. He most recently drove the No. 51 Ford Mustang for family team Rick Ware Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

With Rick Ware Racing, Ware won the Asian Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro-Am championship in 2019-20.

23. Todd Hodgetts

Todd is an autistic Australian athlete who won a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, as well as competing in the 2020 Summer Paralympics. He suffers from autistic spectrum disorder. He also participates in weightlifting and other sports.

24. Ulysse Delsaux

Delsaux was diagnosed with high-functioning autism when he was a child. As a child, he struggled to communicate with people and was unable to speak until he was five years old.

He is still required to see a doctor in Paris on a regular basis as of 2017. He has stated that his racing ambitions “show that there is no obstacle you cannot overcome with hard work, passion, and a strong will to succeed.” Jeff Gordon and Jim Clark were among his early inspirations.

He is a French professional racing driver who currently competes in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series in both the EuroNASCAR PRO and EuroNASCAR 2 classes, driving the No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro for RDV Competition.

25. John ‘Doomsday’ Howard

John ‘Doomsday’ Howard is a professional MMA fighter from the United States. Howard has a 28-16-1 professional record and hasn’t competed since 2016. He concluded his career in the World Series of Fighting but spent the majority of it in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is one of the world’s most experienced welterweights yet was not diagnosed with Asperger’s until he was 33 years old.

His diagnosis came as a result of a battery of neurological testing needed from experienced boxers. Howard’s youth was next discussed, during which he recalled difficulty in school, difficulties with communication, and difficulties in developing connections. Autism has been clinically diagnosed.

Read 15 Inspirational Autistic Women We Should All Know About

26. Lionel Messi

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Lionel Messi, widely recognized as one of the best soccer players of all time, has also been candid about his Asperger’s disease diagnosis. Despite his challenges with social connection and communication, the Argentine great has led his team to multiple victories and won numerous individual awards.

27. Christopher Nowinski

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Christopher Nowinski, a former professional wrestler and football player, is another autistic athlete who has earned a name for himself. As an adult, Nowinski was diagnosed with Asperger’s autism and has been outspoken about his battles with post-concussion syndrome. He co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation, which strives to raise awareness of sports-related brain injuries.

28. Haley Moss

Another outstanding athlete with autism is Haley Moss. She is a marathon and triathlon who was diagnosed with autism when she was three years old.

Moss has completed a number of marathons and Ironman races and utilizes her platform to raise awareness about autism and mental health issues.

29. Super Sam

Sam, an only kid, was diagnosed with autism when he was about four years old. Sam had the distinct advantage of being able to swim before we realized he was autistic.

However, he was diagnosed with autism since his speech was delayed. Sam has been involved in sports since he was a child. He learned to swim at the age of three and it is now his favorite sport.

He considers his autism to be a superpower that has helped him achieve his sporting ambitions.

30. Kerri Einarson

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Einarson, a Canadian curler, rounds out our lengthy list. She’s also a key athlete who was diagnosed with the disease at a young age. This, however, did not deter her from attempting to go far and excel in her game.

In summary, he is a Canadian Métis curler from the Rural Municipality of Gimli in Camp Morton, Manitoba. Einarson is the reigning women’s national curling champion, having led her team to win in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Her previous silver medal came in 2018. Einarson has won the 2016 Boost National, the 2019 Players’ Championship, the 2021 Players’ Championship, the 2022 Champions Cup, and the 2022 Masters.

31. John O’Kane

John O’Kane is an inspiring figure among athletes who have courageously shared their journey with autism. As a former professional footballer, O’Kane’s determination shone through a career that spanned top clubs like Manchester United, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, and Blackpool.

Despite the challenges of being on the autism spectrum, his passion for the game drove him to persevere, retiring only after injuries ultimately sidelined him in 2006 following a stint with Hyde United.

O’Kane’s openness about his autism diagnosis has made him a pioneering voice, empowering others through his book “Bursting The Bubble-Autism and Me” and work in the care sector. His story underscores the incredible potential of autistic individuals in sports and beyond.

32. Joe Barksdale

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Joseph Barksdale is a trailblazer, an athlete who has courageously shared his autism journey while defying limitations on and off the field. This former NFL offensive tackle, who protected quarterbacks for the Raiders, Rams, Chargers, and Cardinals after starring at LSU, has shown incredible resilience.

Barksdale’s openness about his autism diagnosis in 2022, after previously discussing battles with depression, has made him a beacon of inspiration. Beyond football, his talents shine as a singer-songwriter and electric guitarist, showcasing the multi-faceted abilities of autistic individuals.

Barksdale’s transparency empowers others while his diverse pursuits shatter stereotypes, cementing his status as a true role model in the autism and athletic communities.

33. Justin Hansen

Justin Hansen is a remarkable athlete, defying the challenges of Asperger’s to emerge as an inspirational force on the gridiron. Once a nonverbal child who struggled with eye contact, this defensive linesman who once played for Colorado State University has harnessed football’s power to overcome his condition’s symptoms remarkably.

Hansen’s journey began with initial disdain for the sport, pushed by his father yet ostracized by coaches who viewed his Asperger’s as a burden. However, his raw talent and physicality made him a standout, channelling pent-up emotions into explosive play. Football became a transformative outlet, fostering socialization and camaraderie despite his solitary childhood.

 From the locker room to the field, Hansen blossomed hence becoming an inspirational tale of an autistic athlete conquering adversity through sheer determination and passion.

34. Anthony Ianni 

Anthony Ianni is among athletes diagnosed with Autism, defying expectations and achieving his dream of playing college basketball. After learning of his Pervasive Developmental Disorder diagnosis at age 4, he found solace in sports, especially basketball. 

Despite challenges with communication and sensory overload, he excelled at Okemos High School and earned a scholarship to Grand Valley State. Transferring to Michigan State, he became the first Division I player with Autism, joining Coach Izzo’s team.

Pushing through doubts and bullying, Ianni graduated from MSU, proving naysayers wrong. His memoir chronicles his inspirational underdog journey, offering hope and highlighting his remarkable perseverance.

35. Tom Stoltman

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Tom Stoltman is among athletes diagnosed with Autism, yet he has soared to remarkable heights. The Scottish strongman, nicknamed “The Albatross,” has etched his name in the record books, winning the prestigious World’s Strongest Man title three times in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Holding multiple world records, including the heaviest Atlas Stone lift, Stoltman’s prowess with these iconic stones is unmatched. Alongside his brother Luke, he has inspired many with his incredible strength and determination, overcoming challenges to become a dominant force in his sport.

Stoltman’s journey is a testament to the limitless potential of individuals on the autism spectrum.

These sportsmen serve as role models for autistic people who want to thrive in sports or other aspects of their lives. Their accomplishments show that anything is achievable with hard effort, persistence, and the support of others, regardless of one’s diagnosis.