Embracing Autistic Strengths: Celebrating Tennis Icon John McEnroe's Neurodiversity

* #ActuallyAutistic podcast hosts Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Kingdon explore how tennis legend John McEnroe exhibited many autistic traits throughout his career and personal life.

* McEnroe utilized his pattern recognition and visualization skills to anticipate the ball's movements, turning the game into a "math equation" – strengths commonly associated with autistic cognition.

* However, his on-court emotional reactions to unfair calls were unjustly portrayed by the media as "brat-like" behavior, rather than a natural response stemming from autistic traits like expectation sensitivity and scripting.

* McEnroe's wife, Patty, believes he is on the autism spectrum based on his routines, math skills, sensory issues, and focus on special interests like art and guitar.

* The podcast hosts argue that with a neurodiversity-affirming lens, McEnroe's meltdowns could have been understood as a reaction to an allistic world demanding conformity over authenticity.

* Now, in his later years, McEnroe embraces his autistic interests and characteristics, channeling them positively into charitable work, art, and voiceover projects.

* The discussion encourages listeners to identify and celebrate the autistic "SPINs" (special interests) they recognize in McEnroe's story, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.

Did you catch all of McEnroe’s Autistic SPINs? In the comments, tell us which Autistic interests you picked up on, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!

* McEnroe’s memoir: But Seriously

* eBook: You Cannot Be Serious : McEnroe, John, Kaplan, James

* Autistic people have big emotions—YouTube video: The Meltdown of all Meltdowns

* Article: John McEnroe: Star not he possibility of being Autistic, ‘I’m somewhere around there’

* Article: Review: In McEnroe, the Tennis Great Reflects on a Career Driven by His Exacting Strategy and Explosive Temper | Third Coast Review

* NPR episode: John McEnroe grapples with his legacy as tennis' bad boy

* Visual: McEnroe’s Warhol painting

* Article: McEnroe’s Charity Work Begins Off Court

* McEnroe’s voice work website

* Article: A Point in Time: McEnroe and the puff of chalk

Listen to next:

McEnroe loves chess and we know why! Episode 31: Chess is Autistic

McEnroe’s looking to break into voice over work and he’ll have plenty of company when he makes it: Episode 32: Animation is Autistic

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