April is World Autism Awareness, a month that calls for awareness, education, and advocacy. This year, I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of just talking about autism, I want to amplify and highlight neurodiverse voices. Welcome to my new series I’m calling Spectrum of Success. Too often, narratives around neurodiversity focus on limitations, rather I want to focus on the brilliance, innovation, and creativity of individuals who are neurodiverse. They aren’t inspirational because they are neurodivergent. They are powerful because of who they are as a whole, and neurodivergence is simply one meaningful part of that.

Clay Marzo is a professional Hawaiian surfer from Maui, known for his innovative surfing techniques and one-of-a-kind style. He began surfing at a young age. At the early age of 10, he won the 200-meter freestyle at the Hawaii State Swimming Championship. A year later placed third at the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) National competition. At only 15, he became the first surfer to receive two perfect 10s in NSSA history. Today, he has dozens of sponsors, including companies like Skullcandy and Rockstar Energy.

The Ocean Speaks His Language

Towards the end of 2007, Marzo was diagnosed with Asperger’s, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1. Like others with the diagnosis, his behavior was often misunderstood. He didn’t play by the rules at surf competitions, and he is quite brutally honest. In interviews he often avoids eye contact and prefers minimal small talk.

But in the ocean, Clay doesn’t have to speak.

For Clay, the ocean was the ultimate outlet, and he was obsessed. He moves through the water with such grace that it’s almost like it’s an instinct. He can be described as a person with an intuitive connection with the waves. In an interview, Jill Marzo said, in the water “he was comfortable in his skin. Out of the water, he is not comfortable… in the water, it’s like he can breathe.”

Rather than trying to fit into a mold, Clay carved his own path. His story is a powerful reminder that when we embrace neurodiverse ways of thinking and being, we expand our understanding of what success looks like.

If you’d like to learn more about Clay’s experiences, there is a 2008 documentary titled, “Clay Marzo: Just Add Water,” which discusses his perspective as a surfer and a person with Asperger Syndrome. I have yet to watch the documentary, but I look forward to watching it myself.