NBA Player Tony Snell Details Being Diagnosed With Autism at 31

Nine-year NBA veteran Tony Snell was interviewed by Craig Melvin of the Today show on NBC on Friday and announced his recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Snell went and saw a doctor after his 18-month-old son, Carter, who was missing developmental milestones, was tested for the disorder. Carter’s diagnosis was a lightbulb moment for Snell, who said that he always felt different from others but didn’t know why.

“I was always independent growing up, always been alone,” Snell began. “I just couldn’t connect with people on the personal side of things, and I’m like ‘You know what? If he’s diagnosed, I think I am, too.’ So that gave me the courage to go get checked up.”

At 31, Snell received the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, which did not surprise him in the least.      

“I was not surprised because I always felt different. I was just relieved, like this is why I am the way I am, and it just made my whole life, everything about my life make so much sense. It was like a clarity, like putting some 3D glasses on.”

Snell believes if he was diagnosed with autism at his son’s age, he’s not sure he would have made it to the NBA.

“I think I would have been limited with stuff. I don’t think I would have been in the NBA if I was diagnosed with autism because back then, like, ‘What is autism?’ They’d probably put a limit or a cap on my abilities.”

Snell has now turned to dedicating his time to the Special Olympics to inspire others and show them that the sky’s the limit.

“I want to change some lives and inspire people. I want to make sure my son knows I have his back. When I was a kid, I felt different, but now I can show him that I’m right here with you. We’re gonna ride this thing together. We’re gonna grow together and we’re gonna accomplish a lot of things together.”

Over the course of his career, Snell has averaged 6.1 points and 2.3 rebounds on 43.1% shooting. Snell entered the 2022–23 season as a free agent and spent time in the G League with the Maine Celtics.