Football Helps Child Tackle Asperger's

SALISBURY, N.C. — Zachary Owen talks slowly and directly.
His actions are measured, like the hits he delivers on a football field, even at age 12.
This week, Owen has been attending activities and practices connected with the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, a nationally televised showcase of 80 high school seniors.
No, he isn’t playing against high school seniors yet, but he will be competing in the similarly designed Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl with peers his own size.
During the week, he’ll get to play two games, including one in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Zachary is a Carolina Panthers fan, by the way.
Football means a lot to Robby and Barbara Owen, because it has helped Zachary deal with his Asperger’s syndrome — a high-functioning autism that has challenged him since birth.