As the star of Quiksilver’s new film Just Add Water, Clay Marzo is bringing more attention to a form of autism called Aspergers. It’s also opening eyes to just what is possible for others with the condition.
More than a movie about a rising young star, however, it details Clay’s aptitude and unique personality, and his life with Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder that can make school and social situations challenging but also allows him to hyperfocus and exhibit exceptional talent in a specific arena.
Clay’s mother Jill Marzo wasn’t sure the movie at first:
“I was really nervous,” she admits. “I didn’t want to expose it. I worried that people would treat him differently or that he would be embarrassed by it.” Instead, the film and an extensive article in Surfer Magazine yielded e-mails from others inspired by Clay’s unique pursuit of his passion. That, she says, made the journey worthwhile.
[Link: Honolulu Star-Bulletin]
is there anyway Clay could speak to another 19 year old dealing with Aspbergers. a 19 yr old with this disability entering college is hard enough. Reading about Clay makes me wonder if there is anything that can be said for a young man who sees the world as a struggle not because of his disability but because of expectations the world has of him. He has taken those expectations to a level of expecting to be a Bill Gates or a Clay Marzo overnight. his Mother has difficult time getting him to realize that hard work goes into any success for any person at any time. His Mother is trying everything she knows to get her son out of a depression as he enters college.
his Mom, like Clay’s Mom, adores her son, sees the need for her son to be himself and flourish with the goodness that is her son Leo. She has tried everything, the only thing Leo hasn’t experienced was talking to another his age with the same disability. is there a group or organization that Clay may have been in contact with over the years that a boy on the east coast with similar social adaptation issues could contact to realize he has endless possibilities ?
he is depressed due to his Aspergers or at least his idea of being inferior.
Please contact by cell 215-280-0761 or return a response to my email.
my Name is Steve.
Thank you for taking the time to read this note. Any help or guidance from anyone at this point would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Steve
Hi Steve,
You might be surprised by what I can answer (and what I can not). I am the Information Coordinator for Autism New Zealand Incorporated in our nation’s Capitol City (Greater Wellington) and the Principal Officer of Asperger’s Syndrome New Zealand.
I have Asperger’s Syndrome, as does my Dad, Mom, Son, brother and Sister 13 other relatives. So, as you might guess, I was considered typical where I came from! Reckon that often gives me a significant edge when fathoming a few things out about ASD’s.
Fire any questions you like at me. The only conditions I would stipulate are:
a) if you receive any suggestions or advice to follow-up with from me, that you exercise a good parent’s healthy skepticism as well as not try to get ahead of quality professional medical and psychological advice if my lay opinions jut into their territory as they often do, and
b) if after taking professional advice and exercising the parental caveat you still find anything I say of use, that you seek to take that portion and publish it somewhere and somehow such that at least ten other parent’s have the opportunity to read it and replicate your efforts to spread what you’ve found to be true around for you and your son.
c) You tolerate my comorbid condition of hyperlexia which makes me write in a long-winded style.
As you will note, this is good advice for every parent to follow concerning anything helpful they learn that is not widely spread already… you may even be doing that now. Autism really needs a caring-sharing community, and it took the Down’s Syndrome community 70 years to develop one… too long to wait for Auties and Aspies in my opinion.
John
P.S. I am not only a Clay Marzo/Surfer’s Healing Fan… I am a fan of the bulk of us Aspies who are quiet and quite ordinary, with mixed fluencies and failings too. We have just got 5 days funding for our summer to allow ordinary children with Autism and Asperger’s to go for repeat rides with an expert surfer trainer (who has a son with Autism) on his special long-board and experience a moment anything but ordinary in their life.
My e-address is asnzgroup(at)yahoo.com by the way.
Dear John,
I have just read your response dated Oct 23rd, 2008 at 2:19 am. Since you seem to have a lot experience as an Aspie, I would like to ask you your opinion.
My son has been diagnosed with ADHD, but is suspected to have Asperger traits. He is in the 6th grade in German Gymnasium (Grammer School). He is struggling in this school due to his social issues. Although he is very intelligent, his social issues (doesn’t intergrate with his classmates, etc.) has negatively effected his grades. And he seems to be secluding himself more and more.
We may have the opportunity to place him in a private grammer school designed to accomodate kids like him, providing not only an education, but the tools needed to integrate himself in groups. The only problem is that it would mean he would have to board at the school Monday thru Friday.
As an Aspie, do you think this kind of situation would benefit an Aspie? If so, how? If not, why?
Thank you for your time! And I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, Patsy
Clay is one incredible and a wonderful indivdual. My nephew has asperger’s as well. Justin is 10 years old and is struggling so much to be accepted by peers. Clay you give my family & especially my sister-in-law hope. You are awesome Clay!!!!! Thank you for being you, Gale Daddona
Patsy,
I have it myself as a college student (22 years old, senior) so I can imagine how tough it would be on your son; to this day, I feel like I don’t belong except on stage. If I may, maybe I can help.
First, is there anything that your son does extraordinarily well? Aspies are said to have one or two things that they focus on and so get really good at. You could nurture that talent (for example, my niche is acting) and encourage him to explore his talents.
Second, if you believe that it is in his best interest, then it might be beneficial for him to do the boarding option. With him entering middle school, it’s going to be difficult for him to relate to his peers, and there will unfortunately be the people who will judge, especially at that age. However, it might also be beneficial for him to try public school because it would open his eyes, and he can grow emotionally and spiritually. Above all, I say listen to him, because that’s what many Aspies want in the long run- sit him down and lay out the options, and see how he reacts.
Finally, I will say that as long as he has love from you and his family, he will be on the right track to success. All he wants is to be understood.
Good luck.
Eric
Dear Eric:I work at a residential school for youth 13to 22 years old. Many of these young people have Asperger’s. If you do not mind my asking, I was wondering if you would speak more on your college experience. Also, anyone reading this please let me know if there is a preferred college or university that Aspies aspire to attend. Thank-you, Gwen
I also have Aspergers and relate to Clay’s and everyones struggles. My passion is snowboarding and photography. Please contact me if anyone wants to talk about their struggles or their childrens struggles. I did not find out I had Aspergers until later in life. The diagnosise helped me understand that their was a reason I was the way I am. We may be different but are just as human as the rest of us.
I also now know i have Asbergers. Struggling with physco doctors, therapists not being able to understand me, they cant figure out why i couldnt work anymore…cuz i look normal…just too much social over stimulation. Self acceptance really important, and being content in who & what you are.
~Life Is Never Greener On The Other Side~
I started Bodyboarding on http://www.surfgrandhaven.com when i was 15 & was able to drive to the beach at 16 & still going at it, even outta state.
Yeah tho i can be very hyperfocused on something and be quite incredable at it…but not one to be consistant.
Clay Marzo with Asburgers…such an Inspiration…and i can truely relate watching him on videos, etc.
Its challanging tho having friends & looking normal not being able to function normally in Life…usually always misunderstood.
I have many interests in life…but gotta have WaTeR…i am too more comfortable & can breathe better being in WaTeR.
But got me a Dog = Chihuahua Pug Mix….shes my Angel/Best Friend/Daughter & just turned 6 years 10/16/09
dog – god
~Water = Life = Heaven~
~A Dog Doesnt Care If Your Rich Or Poor,
Give Em Your Heart & It Will Give You Their Heart~
p.s. glad to read the comments by others here. :o)
17 yo daughter, who is Aspie. She too loves the water. No real special focus, just seems at such peace with such gracefullness. She seems to become one with the water. She loves animals, & they seem to respond to her. She doesn’t have ‘friends’, but is liked to a degree. There’s just no invites, etc. She’s content with that. She’s a beautiful girl with a lost look on her face until she smiles:). She never complains. Attends HS of 2800 students. Impresses us daily with her abilities in school. She has taught us more than we will ever teach her. Always wonder if I’m doing enough, pushing enough, waiting long enough, listening enough, etc. So hard. We only get one try at this. Since she’s content, she’s not pushing for more. That’s where I get confused with myself. Do I continue to push for more for her?? Where will she fit after HS? Will college be any different for her? Would greatly appreciate any insight or advice. Just trying to keep it simple, but not too simple~ proud mom
Tess,
Understand what you are saying. I’m a dad to a 28 year old that we believe is aspie. Always questioning if we have done enough, or done the right things. He didn’t go to college, – struggled with school, but has the most perserverence as anyone I have ever met. We made up a saying that winners always try. Our son has always tried. He has worked at a local grocery store since HS. He likes it, but I always question if we should have pushed more, as you stated that you question. Our number one goal has been that he be happy. He is happy and a caring person, spending alot (all) of his time with family when not working his 12 hours a week. I guess that is an important thing – being a happy, kind person.
Sounds like your daughter is content and isn’t that the most important thing?
A proud Dad.
John
Hi I just saw Clay’s story on TV. Amazing! There has been some breakthrough science regarding all forms of Autism. I am working with many physicians and would love to be able to share this information that is just coming to light. I believe it may help Clay as it has me. If you know how I can reach his mother please let me know. I am a mother of 4 myself. My email address is 100wattmax@sbcglobal.net. Blessings.
This kid has more talent than most his age. He needs to break through on the contest side and then watch out. For him to be doing this with what he has is awesome story. He brother is Cheyne Magnusson.
Jill, I’m the parent of a child on the spectrum and I am in awe of your grace and acceptance of your situation. My husband introduced me to clay. The amazing man that he is! I hope some time my daughter will shake his had and learn a quiet little secret from him. And I from you! All my love to you and your family! xoxo
just found out about clay. awesome! as a mum of a 30 year young son with aspergers feel like any “normal” person it takes awhile for us to find the niche happiness in life and when we can help them fulfil their dreams and what makes them happy then we as parents can take a step back to enjoy our lives a whole lot more
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