Autistic teen wins award for tennis

By Staff Writer

In recent months, many autistic teens have made headlines for their impressive accomplishments. Among them is Jason Furlong of Miami, Florida, who was recently presented the Jimmy Gantt Memorial Award from the U.S. Tennis Association, the Miami Herald reports.

Each year, the award is given to a junior player who has overcome a physical impairment, competes and shows good sportsmanship. Furlong, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, was told he would never be able to write. However, the teen overcame that obstacle as he has overcome many others, according to the news provider.

Holding a tennis racket was a challenge that was similar to holding pencil, yet the boy managed to succeed at the sport.

Furlong has numerous tournament awards and trophies, and says that he is inspired by one of the best players in the world, Rafael Nadal, according to the media outlet. He is currently working toward his goal of playing professional tennis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an autism spectrum disorder.