Autism: Meet Great Athletes in World Sports

The world is the same, but perception is further away. For those who have Autism spectrum disorder (tea), appearance requires more refinement and care. In the World Autism Awareness DayCelebrated today, April 2 Northeast Diaries It brings together names from international sports, all of whom have autism.

On the list, there is no handicap, the fights go beyond the limits of sport, the limits of reason. Paralympic games or not, people with autism communicate, compete, and above all, win. Far from any fanaticism. The history also serves as a form of respect for many working to create new treatment standards for autism spectrum disorder.

First, it should be noted that there are different levels of autism. But the most common feature is difficulty with social interaction and communication as well. In Brazil, it is estimated that there is one person with autism for every 367 people – according to a 2008 study in the state of São Paulo.

Check out the big names

Diego Vivaldo

One of the main names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the athlete discovered Asperger's Syndrome, a type of autism, only in 2019. On his resume, he won the South American title in 2015 and the World Cup in the sport in 2017.

Diego has a life dedicated to sports and is the father of one-year-old Danilo. The diagnosis was accompanied by a history of difficulties concentrating during family gatherings.

Tommy Des Brissays

The 29-year-old athlete is one of Canada's biggest sports stars. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, he was monitored from an early age and became a professional athlete.

In addition to tests, it is also known for YouTube channel “Lookyus”Where he shares his routine, trips and adventures with his guide dog, Abel. His story has already inspired two documentaries and a book, when he got lost in Iceland during a bout of stress.

James Eisenreich

James, a former baseball player, played in the Major League for 15 years, accumulating stints with clubs such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Florida Marlins, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

After being diagnosed with autism due to excessive anxiety, at the age of 28, he accessed a voluntary retirement plan in 1987. Three years later he was the first player in the country's history to win the Tony Conigliaro Award, given annually to a player. Who has overcome a major obstacle in life. Today, he runs the foundation under his name to help children with autism spectrum disorder.

Jessica Jane Applegate

Jessica, a Paralympic swimmer from England, started swimming after being diagnosed with autism, when her parents took her to swimming lessons. Early on, she was accepted into a UK sports talent programme, and at the age of 13, she set regional records in the country.

Specializing in freestyle and the S14 backstroke, he won the Olympic gold medal in 2012, on home soil, at the London Games. He also represented his country at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. At the age of 23, her greatest achievement came in 2013, when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services.

David Campion

Extreme sports emerged as a “form of freedom.” This is how Australian David describes the relationship with skiing and snow. He was selected for the country's national team in 2017, and won a silver medal in the Special Olympics, the largest international competition for people with mental disorders. At the local level, he was a multiple champion among regional events.

With his humble family, he is one of the sports icons for asking for help on social media and continuing to compete. The beginning of his career was driven by his mother, who supported him in his decision to compete.