What an awesome story!!! 

Autism is a very common subject of research where I work…. stories like that one just ROCK the heart!!  Thanks for sharing it!

Very inspiring story.  I love how his teammates rally around him.  Because one coach had the courage and desire to let him on the team, so many kids were taught to see the value in another human being - even one who’s different.  Great story, Jon.  Thanks for sharing.

Happy tears! Thank you for sharing Jon. Loved it so much I had to link to it.

Teresa and I were just discussing the “power of positive thinking” that was potentially taking place there. Play with me a bit…. I know these autistic children to be VERY spiritually and energetically gifted through therapeutic riding work that I have done with them in the past. Thus, it wouldn’t suprise me if McElwain’s desire to play was so strong that the coach “picked up on it” and put him in the game. Then once there, his belief in himself (and possibly the culmination of many past visualizations of doing well) along with the collective consciousness of the group (obviously wanting him to succeed as apparent by the video) all combined to make such an overwhelmingly positve finish.

Or not. Either way, it was lovely!

Wow!  An amazing story!  I love the fact that the kid missed his first two shots, actually air balling his first shot, and still had the courage to continue shooting.  What an important lesson for all of us!

Actually, I read an article aobut this last week - his autism MAKES him FEARLESS…it is one of the positive things about  his Autism……he doesn’t know how to beat himself up for “failing” from what I understand….he is truely “in the moment”.

I was very moved by the love his team showed him, and the ability of the coach to look beyond the game (and taking a chance of losing the game) to allow this boy to achieve his dreams… If only ALL High School coaches could be so compassionate to the “less talented/confident/whatever” students who love their chosen sport…