NBA star Tony Snell opens up for first time about autism diagnosis

Tony Snell has had a lot of success in his career. Then, last year at the age of 31, he was diagnosed with autism. Now for the first time, he’s sharing his story and opening up about the disorder with TODAY’s Craig Melvin.

About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.

Connect with TODAY Online!

About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.

#autism #basketball #sports

[jman]

That’s cool of him to talk so openly about him and his son’s diagnosis. Helping to break down the stigma.

[MultiAmbivalent]

I recall an interview Tony's college teammate Cam Bairstow gave when he was drafted the same year where he made a joke about how quiet Tony was in college. He said he was so quiet that if he actually spoke up his teammates would laugh and joke about it. I can only imagine this made him feel even more isolated and anxious. Very courageous to speak so openly.

[adriancampos]

I really appreciate what he said about being diagnosed as an adult vs a child regarding to him being in the NBA. It’s the truth. Awareness is vitale, but that awareness shouldn’t disrupt potential.

[LGrian]

He’s a real one for this. He led with love instead of ego and embraced his son, and himself, as they are. He realized his differences make him strong, and that’s beautiful.

[Gyc]

This is a real man. Facing it with his son.

[dee]

He’s right, if he was diagnosed at a young age, the world would have limited his opportunities. Especially public schools.

[jakep]

And yet Tony Snell seems to have the kind of loving family most people without limitation aspire to have. Kudos to Tony for getting there.

[rokutime]

Kudos to him. Tony Snell made it to the top of his profession all while having an invisible illness. Really inspirational stuff.

[someguyjohn]

wishing him the best. Took a lot of courage to reveal something like this publicly.

[cedrichaggerty]

This story should go viral just for how he still lived his life and became what a lot of people dream of becoming so great, thanks Tony Snell

[YehoshuaD]

He's a beautiful man, amazing athlete, and has a kind soul. His wife also seems like a great person.

[joseyeastwood]

You would be surprise how many of us are on the spectrum Tony is a cool guy respect to him and his family for having the courage to openly talk about it.

[rainpatch]

He felt that great relief after all these years and that's good. 👍

[butskiiueepp]

Let’s go! I’m diagnosed myself and I run a successful business. Married and about to buy a house. The sky’s the limit for those on the spectrum. The key is to not let it define who you are— rather you define your unique “disability” by doing great things

[claymac]

Seems like a really great man and great family. His wife seems very intelligent also.

[ritamariealan]

It's always a breath of relief to get answers to something you knew was wrong. There's so many times you think you're losing it or making things up until you get a diagnosis. So happy for him ❤

[lizmad]

Tony has my respect and admiration. What an amazing human being.

[CPI]

As somebody with adhd I'm glad he's speaking up and encouraging others. that feeling of knowing you're different but appear that nothing is wrong can be hard. Every successful neurodivergent person is climbing that mountain and putting their flag in the ground showing how far they came

[MsYooToob]

God bless him for being brave enough to take that step to find out why he felt so different 🙏🏽

[tanchengkeat]

This guy never missed a free throw in his last 3 nba seasons