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.

Age Rule Ends Special Athlete's Career

SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. -- One special high school athlete's true love is being taken away from him. Brett Bowden will no longer be able to play football because of his age, and no exception is going to be made despite his incredible story.
Hobbton High School in Sampson County is steeped in football tradition, but one player has held special significance the past couple of seasons. Brett Bowden is a 19-year-old junior at Hobbton. He was born with Down's Syndrome, but in no way does that describe him as a person.

CSU Player Tackles Asperger's on Grid Iron

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- At 6-foot-5 and roughly 300 pounds, Justin Hansen physically is imposing.
Football opponents can't help but fear his size and strength.
Hansen, though, can't see their fear. He suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism that prevents him from reading the nonverbal cues that most of us take for granted.
People with Asperger's typically struggle to communicate and are socially awkward. Hansen, though, shows few outward signs of the disorder and, other than occasionally tapping his foot; he appeared focused and candid during a 30-minute interview last week outside the CSU football offices.