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25 Famous Athletes With Autism

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

The astounding performances of athletes on the autism spectrum demonstrate that autism is not a barrier to athletic ability.

Through their determination, tenacity, and amazing ability, these individuals have shattered stereotypes and inspired millions. In this article, we will explore the lives of these influential athletes, highlighting their successes and the impact they have made in their respective sports, solidifying their legacy as pioneers in the athletic world. 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 international prominence in 2006, when he stunned the globe by scoring twenty points in the final few minutes of a high school basketball game.

He has since improved his skills and became one of the best basketballers in the world today. Jason McElwain is an American athlete with autism, excelling in both basketball and marathons, as well as a passionate public speaker.

Jason has become a prominent advocate for autism awareness, using his platform to raise funds for autism research and to make media appearances, particularly in the United States, where he travels frequently.

2. Clay Marzo

Clay Marzo is somewhat of a mystery to the enigma 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.

Known for his unique “double-jointed” style of turns and spins, his approach to every wave is highly innovative and distinctive. However, the scarcity of highlights only seems to fuel our curiosity, adding to the mystery surrounding him.

Marzo has been open about his diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism known to make social interactions challenging but also allows for intense focus and expertise in areas that captivate the individual.

In Clay’s case, both aspects of his experience have contributed to his development as a world-class surfer—one whose work 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), a condition on the autism spectrum, when he was four years old. Doctors at the time predicted that Anthony would struggle to finish high school, never become an athlete, and would likely not attend college.

But Anthony proved them wrong. Today, he is here to share a powerful message: not only can you be the change you want to see in the world, but you also have the power to create that change.

Through hard work, determination and overcoming significant personal challenges, Anthony earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Michigan State University. He also made history as 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 athlete, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. He competes in the T20 classification for athletes with intellectual disabilities and began running at the age of eight through the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program in New York, USA.

5. Matt Savage

Let’s take a look at Matt Savage, the legendary American musician and autistic savant. Savage was an exceptionally bright child, learning to walk and read before the age of 18 months.  Yes, you read that correctly—18 months. At the age of three, he was diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder, a condition on the autism spectrum.

Although he initially disliked noise and music in his early years, Savage has defied expectations. Despite his young age, autism, and lack of formal training in musical composition, he has released twelve CDs both as a solo artist and as the leader of the Matt Savage Trio and various other ensembles, establishing himself as an extraordinary musician and composer.

6. 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 idea 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.

7. Jessica-Jane Applegate

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

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at an early age, Jessica-Jane didn’t let this deter her from following her passion for swimming. By the age of 13, she had already set numerous regional records, and just a few years later, she was selected for a UK sporting talent program. She also set the second-fastest world record in the 200-meter freestyle.

At the 2012 Paralympics, she became the first British athlete from the intellectually disabled 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.

8. Jim Eisenreich

In 1982, Jim Eisenreich was a standout player for the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball. However, uncontrollable tics caused by Tourette’s Syndrome, along with a later diagnosis of Asperger’s, led to his early retirement from the MLB in 1984.

Thanks to medication and a deeper understanding of his challenges, Jim was able to return to the game he loved in 1986.

In 1989, he was named Kansas City Royals Player of the Year and went on to have a successful 15-year career in baseball.

You can also Read 25 Most Famous People with Autism

9. Tony Snell

He made headlines when he revealed that both he and his son had been diagnosed with autism. Many in the NBA world, who were used to watching Snell play, were surprised by the revelation.

However, Snell wasn’t shocked by the diagnosis, explaining that he had always felt different in some way. As the NBA community continues to support him, he joins a growing number of players with autism, many of whom have become strong advocates for the autism community.

10. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

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Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is one of the most well-known NBA players diagnosed with autism. Despite being diagnosed with autism as an adult, he has become a powerful advocate for athletes with ASD.

Abdul-Rauf, selected as the third overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, spent nine seasons in the league. During his career, he averaged a career-high 19.2 points per game over two seasons.

It was at the age of 17, where Abdul-Rauf was diagnosed with a mild form of Tourette Syndrome, yet he has continued to excel in high school, earning two All-American honors before joining the LSU Tigers.

In his two seasons at LSU, he was a two-time All-American and a two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, averaging 29.0 points per game. In 2020, the university honored his legacy by retiring his No. 35 jersey.

11. Lisa Llorens

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Female athletes have also been diagnosed with autism, and Lisa Llorens, an Australian runner, is one of the many who have shared their experience with the disorder.

Specializing in Paralympic high jumping, long jumping, and sprinting, Llorens competes in autism-specific sports events. Known by her nickname, “the Cheetah,” for her incredible speed, she competed in the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, where she won both gold and bronze medals in track and field events.

For her achievements, Llorens was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1996. During her long jumps, she broke the Paralympic world record three times. In November 2015, she was inducted into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame.

In 2016, Llorens was also honored with induction into the International Sports Federation for People with Intellectual Disabilities Hall of Fame.

12. Max Park

As a preteen, Max Park couldn’t even unscrew the cap of a water bottle, let alone solve a Rubik’s cube. He struggled with fine motor skills, which was a key indicator of his autism.

At the age of 22, Max can now solve a Rubik’s cube faster than it takes to read this text – impressive, right? On June 11, at a tournament in Southern California, the Cerritos, Calif., Max set a new world record for the fastest 3x3x3 Rubik’s cube solve, completing it in just 3.13 seconds.

He stunned the speedcubing community, which competes to solve the twisting puzzles as quickly as possible.

13. Samuel Von Einem

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Samuel “Sam” Von Einem is a Paralympic table tennis player from Australia who has represented his country in the sport since 2011.

Originally an active tennis player, Von Einem moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2003. Due to the extreme heat, his parents set up a table tennis table inside their house, which sparked his interest in the sport.

He competed for Australia in both the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, winning silver medals in the Men’s Class 11 event. At the Rio Paralympics, he made history as Australia’s first male table tennis medalist since Terry Biggs won gold in 1984.

14. Armani Williams

Armani Williams, who was born in Michigan, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was two years old. As a child, he was nonverbal, which is common among many children with autism.

Despite these early challenges, Armani has shown remarkable talent on the track. He started in go-karts, then progressed to bandolero-type cars, late models, the ARCA Truck Pro Series, and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine. With over 18 wins and two championships, his achievements speak for themselves.

Today, Armani is a professional driver in NASCAR Canada, piloting the #28 Race4Autism Dodge for CBRT Motorsports. His career is a testament to years of hard work, perseverance, and success.

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

15. Todd Hodgetts

Todd is an Australian athlete with autism who won a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He also competed in the 2020 Summer Paralympics.

In addition to his success in para-athletics, Todd participates in weightlifting and other sports, showcasing his versatility and determination.

16. Ulysse Delsaux

Delsaux was diagnosed with high-functioning autism as a child. He faced significant challenges in communication and was nonverbal until the age of five.

As of 2017, he continues to receive regular medical care in Â鶹APP. Delsaux has spoken about how his racing ambitions demonstrate that “there is no obstacle you cannot overcome with hard work, passion, and a strong will to succeed.” Early inspirations for his career included racing legends Jeff Gordon and Jim Clark.

Currently, Delsaux is a French professional racing driver competing in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, where he drives the No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro for RDV Competition in both the EuroNASCAR PRO and EuroNASCAR 2 classes.

17. John ‘Doomsday’ Howard

John “Doomsday” Howard is a professional MMA fighter from the United States with a career record of 28-16-1. Though he hasn’t competed since 2016, he spent the majority of his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), concluding his professional fighting tenure in the World Series of Fighting.

Despite being one of the most experienced welterweights in the world, Howard was not diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome until he was 33 years old. His diagnosis came after a series of neurological tests required for experienced boxers.

Reflecting on his youth, Howard has spoken about the challenges he faced in school, particularly with communication and forming connections. These difficulties ultimately led to his autism diagnosis.

Read 15 Inspirational Autistic Women We Should All Know About.

18. Haley Moss

Haley Moss is an outstanding athlete and advocate with autism. Diagnosed at the age of three, she has excelled in marathons and triathlons, using her platform to raise awareness about autism and mental health.

Moss has completed numerous marathons and Ironman races, and she is also a renowned visual artist. As an author, she wrote Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About and A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About.

In addition to her athletic and artistic achievements, Haley is a sought-after speaker, addressing topics such as autism, diversity and inclusion, neurodiversity in the workplace, self-advocacy, acceptance, and women on the spectrum.

19. John O’Kane

John O’Kane is an inspiring figure among athletes who have openly shared their journey with autism. A former professional footballer, O’Kane’s determination was evident throughout a career that included stints at top clubs like Manchester United, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, and Blackpool.

Despite the challenges of being on the autism spectrum, his passion for the game fueled his perseverance, and he continued playing until injuries ultimately forced his retirement in 2006 after a final season 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 his work in the care sector. His story highlights the incredible potential of autistic individuals, both in sports and beyond.

20. Joe Barksdale

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Joseph Barksdale is a trailblazer who has courageously shared his autism journey while defying limitations both on and off the field. A former NFL offensive tackle, Barksdale protected quarterbacks for the Raiders, Rams, Chargers, and Cardinals after a standout career at LSU, demonstrating incredible resilience throughout his career.

His openness about his autism diagnosis in 2022—following his earlier discussions about struggles with depression—has made him a beacon of inspiration. Beyond football, Barksdale shines as a singer-songwriter and electric guitarist, showcasing the diverse talents of autistic individuals.

Barksdale’s transparency empowers others, and his wide-ranging pursuits shatter stereotypes, cementing his place as a true role model in both the autism and athletic communities.

21. Justin Hansen

Justin Hansen is a remarkable athlete who has defied the challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome to become an inspirational force on the gridiron. Once a nonverbal child who struggled with eye contact, this former defensive lineman for Colorado State University has harnessed the power of football to overcome the symptoms of his condition in extraordinary ways.

Hansen’s journey began with an initial disdain for the sport, pushed by his father but ostracized by coaches who saw his Asperger’s as a burden. Despite these challenges, his raw talent and physicality quickly set him apart, channeling pent-up emotions into explosive play. Football became a transformative outlet, fostering socialization and camaraderie where there had been isolation during his childhood.

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

22. Anthony Ianni 

Anthony Ianni is a remarkable athlete who, despite being diagnosed with autism, defied expectations and achieved his dream of playing college basketball. Diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder at age 4, Ianni found solace in sports, particularly basketball.

Although he faced challenges with communication and sensory overload, Ianni excelled at Okemos High School, earning a scholarship to Grand Valley State. He later transferred to Michigan State University, where he made history as the first Division I basketball player with autism, joining Coach Tom Izzo’s team.

Despite facing doubts and bullying, Ianni pushed through and graduated from MSU, proving his critics wrong. His memoir chronicles this inspirational underdog journey, offering hope and showcasing his remarkable perseverance.

23. Tom Stoltman

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Tom Stoltman, a Scottish strongman diagnosed with autism, has defied expectations to reach extraordinary heights in his sport. Known as “The Albatross,” Stoltman has etched his name in the record books, winning the prestigious World’s Strongest Man title three times—in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

With multiple world records to his name, including the heaviest Atlas Stone lift, Stoltman’s dominance in this iconic event is unmatched. Alongside his brother Luke, he has become an inspiration to many, showcasing incredible strength and determination while overcoming obstacles to become a force in strongman competitions.

Stoltman’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless potential of individuals on the autism spectrum.

24. Billy Mayfair

Billy Mayfair, a successful professional golfer, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of 53, well after building a career on the PGA Tour. His accomplishments include a 1995 win at the Verizon Classic and numerous top-10 finishes in major tournaments.

But despite his achievements, social interactions and communication often posed challenges for him throughout his career. In 2018, Mayfair publicly shared his autism diagnosis, offering clarity on his intense focus and need for routine, which had always defined his approach to golf. He explained how the diagnosis helped him understand past struggles with social connections and interactions, adding a new layer of self-awareness to his life and career.

25. Satoshi Shimizu

Satoshi Shimizu, a former Japanese professional boxer, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at a young age. He has openly discussed how he was diagnosed with autism in his early childhood.

He  gained significant attention at the 2012 London Olympic Games. He competed in the bantamweight division and earned a bronze medal. This was a major achievement, as it marked Japan’s first Olympic boxing medal since 1964, when the Olympics were held in Tokyo.

Shimizu has become an inspirational figure in Japan, helping to raise awareness about autism and showing that individuals with ASD can achieve great things, despite facing unique challenges.

These athletes, including Stoltman, are role models for others with autism, demonstrating that with hard work, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible. Their accomplishments highlight that no dream is too big to achieve, regardless of one’s diagnosis.