Gaming Ben Askren Opens Up About Autism Spectrum Traits, Says He's Never Been Formally Diagnosed By Brian Mazique ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011. Follow Author Jul 15, 2026, 01:42am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Ben Askren, a two-time NCAA champion and Olympian, is making an inspirational return to competitive wrestling on July 18 at Real American Freestyle Wrestling 11 in Milwaukee. This comeback is remarkable as it occurs roughly a year after he nearly died from necrotizing pneumonia, requiring a double lung transplant. Adding another layer to his story, Askren recently shared his belief that he may be on the autism spectrum, a self-assessment he connects to his intense focus, tolerance for repetition, and unique, unorthodox wrestling style that brought him significant success. Though not formally diagnosed, he views this as self-knowledge, advocating for self-acceptance and honesty about personal challenges. His participation against Belal Muhammad on his 42nd birthday is seen as a triumph, regardless of the outcome, highlighting his incredible resilience.
Ben Askren (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Getty Images Ben Askren's story seemingly gets more inspirational by the day. Askren, who nearly died just over a year ago after suffering necrotizing pneumonia from a severe staph infection, is returning to competitive wrestling on July 18 when he clashes with Belal Muhammad at Real American Freestyle Wrestling 11 in Milwaukee.
The event is taking place on Askren's 42nd birthday. If that wasn't amazing enough, I spoke with Askren ahead of the event and he mentioned to me he believes he might be on the autism spectrum. It's a remarkable realization and one that could be an even deeper inspiration. Let's talk wrestling.
Askren told me the idea started with his wife. Years ago, she pointed out that he matched almost every marker on a list of Asperger's traits, and it stuck with him. He said he checked the box on nine out of ten.
He has never been formally diagnosed, and he was careful to say so. In the full conversation , he framed it less as a label and more as self-knowledge, offering that on some level "all human beings are a little bit different."
Asperger's, as a standalone diagnosis, was folded into autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 years ago, which is part of why his account is a personal read rather than a clinical one.
In any case, it made the conversation all the more refreshing.
He connects the traits directly to how he competed. Askren said many high-level performers likely sit somewhere on the spectrum, pointing to intense focus, a tolerance for endless repetition, and a habit of tuning out what everyone else thinks.
That last part, he said, is why his style looked like nobody else's. He ignored the conventional wisdom about how to wrestle and built something unorthodox, and it carried him to two NCAA titles and the 2008 Olympics.
He was also honest that the same wiring has a cost, admitting the quick problem-solving that helps him can make him blunt with people, something his wife flagged and he actively works on.
I have several loved ones and friends who are on the spectrum, and because of my experience caring for and loving those individuals, it's…