ESPN profiles young surfer with Asperger's

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ESPN profiled 20-year-old surfer Clay Marzo, who has Asperger's, on the most recent episode of their <i>E:60</i> program. It aired on 4 August. Here's a link to the video: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=437804 ... id=3060647


It was very positive.

"Surfer Clay Marzo refuses to let his disease keep him from his dreams"

Positive, you say? I didn't watch the video because my connection isn't very fast. Does the video refer to AS as a "disease"???

I am not diseased, I'm socially handicapped!! !! There's a big, bloody difference.

Modality, thank you very much for that link.
I agree with you; I think that video was very well done without being patronizing.
They really tried to portray AS as a positive, if not necessary, part of this guy's life and work.
Quite inspiring.

The idea of AS being a disease or not is a separate discussion. It's too weighted with individual interpretations of what a "disease" actually is. It's a neurological condition. Debate that however you want. I thought the video was great. Good for ESPN.

One of my passions is surfing. I never knew any other surfer had aspergers until Tonka another wrongplanet member recommended Clay Marzo's Quicksilver movie to me Just Add Water. Its a great movie I would highly recommend it so you can get a better picture of Clay and how amazing he surfs even if you dont surf you will still appreciate and relate to Clay. Thanks for posting that video!

I don't like the term "disease" that was used on the description---I view myself as a "difference." But as for the video---I liked it. There was a lot in it that sounded like me---the hair twirling (back when I was in junior high school I was damaging my hair), my hand rubbing (still do it---and finger flapping, etc.) And, I can't take very long at a social event either. I especially liked Clay Marzo's analogy of his social cup overflowing. Yes, that's me. I can only take so much too. It showed in a positive light how we with AS are---such as with our special intense interests/talents. But at the same time---yes, we can struggle socially. I have been to therapy too. I so appreciate my parents for not making me conform to the social norm...I spent hours locked in my room, "my world", at the organ/music, with roller coaster books, and house plans. Today, at 44 years old, in my music room, you will find a bunch of house plans/blueprints on the organ bench that I move every time I play the organ, and a large bag full of roller coaster blueprints beside my piano. I think most of us with AS can relate to Clay Marzo.

The video is well done - Clay is admirable & really talented.

Sure, at the bottom of the video display is written the word 'disease,' and that's wrong. But disregard since the the video, and Clay, are awesome. Clay's mother and others show their admiration of his abilities - even stating he's that success (in his surfing, in this instance) not in spite of his AS, but BECAUSE of it - and that's what counts. I imagine someday Clay will be that renowned surfer - the best in the world. He's almost there already.

Lab Pet is fluidic with science forms/math, and art - and I do think my 'disorder' (???) is WHY.

*Actually, CockneyRebel, I sure don't think you're 'socially handicapped!' You're on the coolest I've known What's handicapped about that?

Disease? Umm...maybe we're all contagious

I like the video because it was sooo realistic and I can relate to everything he said about interacting with people. I am soooo glad they didn't gloss over how difficult it is. They actually showed the problems with social interaction and communicating, the blankness of mind that interfers with talking to people. This is very real.

Very good portrayal. I can relate to the social cup but he seems more zoned out than I would think is usually the case.

Probably the best Aspergers related video I've seen so far...though I only caught one shot of him smiling as an adult (scene with him hanging out with his friends).

But at least his mom didn't say she wanted to drive off a cliff or anything Very cool.

Very good film, one of the best about AS I've seen

that was great. Thank you for posting

I thought it was a great video (just ignore the caption). And I definitely relate to the social cup metaphor.

I don't see AS as a medical condition, I see it as a mental condition.

the video it self was great, though some silly web editor had to put disease in the caption. It was positive and the analogy that Clay came up with the bucket and cup for social interaction I can really identify with as well.

thanks for posting that link. clay's a legend.

i only wish i could surf half as good as him

if you'd like to see more i highly recommend checking out his dvd - 'just add water'

he fully blows up in the surf!

also support the great work of Surfer's Healing