Teen with autism overcomes shyness through football

By Staff Writer

A teenager in Gwinnett County recently told CBS Atlanta that his love for football and his faith helped him overcome his autism. Cortland Hale was diagnosed with the condition when he was three years old. After joining the football team like his brother, Cortland says the team spirit of the game helped him overcome his communication problems and his shyness.

He told the news source that when he started playing, it helped him socially and gave him confidence in himself.

Because of his faith and his passion for the game of football, Cortland said he overcame his obstacles and has been accepted into college.

He said that he was so grateful that he got in, and that he considers it to be a blessing. Cortland added that he wanted to show people that anything is possible and that they should keep fighting because you don't know how far you'll get in life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have an Autism Spectrum Disorder.