Doctors told Anthony’s parents when he was 5 that his autism was so severe he’d one day have to live in a group home.
Anthony Ianni and his parents never wanted that to be his life though. Anthony was one of the first people with autism to ever play Division I Basketball. He started playing Division II basketball before transferring and becoming a walk on to play for The Michigan State Spartans. Tonight I had the opportunity to watch this great piece below that just aired on NBA TV that highlights Anthony’s journey. It was one of the reasons I wanted to show Anthony some love in this spotlight piece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u-XHwqlaK4
I today have the pleasure to call Anthony a friend and during my journey as a professional speaker who is on the autism spectrum have been able to share advice with Anthony on how he can share his message further about his journey to inspire others. If you want to learn more about Anthony you can read the Q&A we did with him here.
I grew up being able to tell you all 30 NBA teams and every single player on those teams. I used that passion to build on some of my fine motor challenges due to autism and as I got older became the high school varsity captain of my basketball team. I believe interests and talents (like leading autism advocate Temple Grandin says) can turn into careers!
Keep it up Anthony!
Via my nonprofit we have a scholarship program to help students with autism with aid for college. You can learn more about how your child can apply here. We just recently highlighted Kalin Bennett’s story as well who was the first person with autism to receive a Division I Basketball Scholarship which you can read more about here.
Follow my journey on Facebook, my Facebook Fan Page, & Instagram!
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education.
Have Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
