Ex-Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks player Tony Snell opens up about autism diagnosis
- George Dempsey
- 17 June 2023
Ex-Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks player Tony Snell, currently playing in the G-League, has opened up on being diagnosed with autism at the age of 31.
Ex-NBA player Tony Snell has opened up about being diagnosed with autism at the age of 31.
Snell recently joined Maine Celtics in the G-League but has enjoyed a 10-year career in the NBA with Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks among others.
Snell's two-year-old son, Karter, was recently diagnosed with autism, which can be genetic. His diagnosis led to the former NBA star being tested himself.
Around one in 100 children are diagnosed with autism and up to 30% all of people have at least one autistic trait.
Speaking to Today in America, Snell said "I was not surprised, because I always felt different".
He continued, "I was just relieved… This is why I am the way I am. It just made my whole life, everything about my life, make so much sense. It was like clarity, like putting some 3-D glasses on."
Autism is a developmental disability present at birth that can cause people to struggle with social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviours.
Speaking about his childhood, Snell said he could remember spending lots of time alone. "I just couldn't connect with people on the personal side of things."
