NBA player discusses being diagnosed with autism as an adult

Snell's son was tested and diagnosed after he and his wife noticed that he didn't communicate verbally by the time he was 18 months old. Melvin asked Snell about what compelled him to get tested himself. Snell said:

"I was always independent growing up, always been alone, I just couldn't connect with people on the personal side of things. And I'm like, 'you know what? If he's diagnosed, then I think I am too.' So that gave me the courage to go get checked out."

As of 2020, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and is nearly four times more common in boys than girls. Furthermore, a 2017 study conducted by the CDC states that over 5.4 million adults in the United States - 2.2% of all American adults - are autistic. 

Testing for ASD is more prevalent among children than adults as medical professionals have largely followed developmental markers in babies, toddlers and young children for potential hints of autism.

Upon learning that he was autistic, Snell told Melvin that "I was not surprised because I always felt different. I was just relieved, like, this is why I am the way I am. It just made my whole life, everything about my life, make so much sense." He also spoke of how ASD isn't as discussed within the Black community, one that has historically been underdiagnosed for autism.

Snell, who has played on six NBA teams since being drafted from the University of New Mexico, spent the 2022-23 season in the G League with the Maine Celtics.