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wow.... that really is a moving story... i seriously almost cryed

You always hear about people with handicaps - and somehow, almost supernaturally, other senses, other strengths, other skills become heightened almost to make up for their deficits.

I had a neighbor across the street from me when I was a child. She was "retarded", as my parents had told me... she was a bit older than me, so I never really talked to her. But occasionally she'd walk by and we'd be in the yard, and she'd come over to say hello - very nice, but obviously mentally challenged in some way. A little slow, but still a spark of sharpness you simply don't see in 'retarded' people's eyes.

So I'm guessing that wasn't her exact affliction - but she wasn't all there really.

But, years later I ran into her, and was amazed - she apparantly had a fascination for nature, animals, and anything outdoors, because she was a walking encyclopedia. She had managed to learn, and retain, and be able to recall on demand - I swear an encyclopedia. I was so impressed, I was immediately thinking about how interesting it would be to have her and a world-famous PH.D. level expert competing head to head on an educational basis - it was fascinating.

I don't imagine this kid was much different... probably lived, breathed basketball... understood it well beyond any level of the other "normal" kids there...
In fact, does anyone remember the study of "mental preparation" that was done.. back in the 70's if I recall?
Essentially, they took two teams of basketball players, and one of the teams they had performing mental exercises... essentially visualizing themselves practicing, running drills - in their heads.
And after this period of "no basketball - just mental" preparation, they were as fresh as when they had been physically practicing.

I'm guessing that's exactly what's up with this kid...
...and shame on the school for not playing him earlier. Shame on the coach, probably nothing could be more embarassing than that unbelievable display of skill and preparedness, from the kid that he'd kept off the court.

Good for the kid.

I saw that story and highlights of the game on the news the other night. It was great to see how excited the students and players were when he went into the game. Everyone was standing when he shot and then he made all those 3 pointers. After each one the crowd was jumping like it was a last second victory. That place was rockin' and everyone was so excited.

I used to care for 2 autistic boys as one of my jobs in college and I was always amazed at some of their abilities, despite having such profound deficits. Of couse they were not nearly as high-functioning as this kid, but I often saw glimmers of hope and uniqueness.

I heard that on the radio, that's an awesome story.

I found this link on another forum. I thought you guys might get as big a kick out of it as I did. Be prepared to well up inside...


www.wimp.com/autistic