Anthony Ianni on Autism, Basketball, and Breaking Barriers

Anthony Ianni is a national motivational speaker and autism self‑advocate, and the first known NCAA Division I men’s basketball player with an autism diagnosis. He played for the Michigan State Spartans, earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Michigan State, and is the author of Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete’s Dreams. He’s also a husband and dad to two sons, Knox and Nash.

Host Tim Villegas opens with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s plain‑language definition of autism, then talks with Anthony Ianni about his late‑disclosed diagnosis, his journey to (and through) Michigan State basketball, and how he came to embrace his autistic identity. The conversation centers on high expectations, support, and the message Anthony shares with young autistic people: you define your future

Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/anthony-ianni-autism-basketball-and-one-athletes-dream/