Autistic High Schooler Qualifies for NXN

Great story

Going from non-verbal, close to being institutionalized to giving that winning interview to the NXNNYNE crowd.

Imagine how proud parents were at that moment.

In fact- hope there were equally as proud of themselves, as this story would not have happened without parents that go the extra extra extra mile - so to speak.

I shared this story with my college classmates yesterday since we're in a pediatrics class & learning about autism. We were all inspired & reminded of the potential in kids with autism.

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

Absolutely awesome story about the power of running and the impact it can have on people's lives.

LetsRun.com Addition: Sub-4 Miler Liam Boylan Pett has written a more extensive story on Brannigan here:

Wow, great story. Looked up his times and he's not bad on the track either. Sub 4:20 mile and sub 1:58 800m. Crazy!

Indeed a great kid and super runner as I found out back in August of 2012 when I was in a race that he won by a half minute over a not too shabby field. Talking with him afterwards I learned that he doesn't really understand standard XC humor, which is probably a good thing and is an element of autism. But really inquisitive and talkative, and it was plain then as a rising sophomore that he would be a big force in NY running. All the Northport parents love him, which is always a good marker for a kid on a team.

Can't say I stuck with for 600m in the race up at Pawling, but I wasn't that far behind at the 6 meter mark.

running = ASD

Elf in the Box wrote:

dsfasdfsdfasfsdf wrote:

Man, he's a little cocky. But in an honest and accurate way.

The guy is autistic. Look it up, homie.

I know that. I mean, the title of the thread indicated that. Use your head.

Man, that is an awesome story. Sometimes I think we look too hard for feel good stories that don't really have much to them, but this one is the real deal. What a great story.

Wow. Awesome. Has he been running this well all season? That time on that course is really exciting.

>> He never lies, or manipulates or shows any guile or maliciousness ever. He would never hurt anyone, ever.

I don't doubt anything you just said. Mikey and the Northport crew are definitely some of the hardest workers in the county and you guys earned your way to Portland. I honestly can't fathom how much Mikey's had to learn and practice to get where he's at now but I tip my hat to him. He keeps it real plus he's a nice kid. THAT is a great combo.

I currently run with 2 of his former HS teammates in college now, and, as far as I've heard (and now read), he's earned everything so far. Sounds like a great kid and I'm sure he'll continue to have a great deal of support behind him. I wish him the best of luck at NXNs, cant wait to see Northport kick some ass

I've raced against him a few times this year and saw a few over the past 3 years. The kid is an animal. It's like he can't feel pain.

Might be the coolest thing I've read/seen all year. There was an autistic kid on my cc team in HS who was kind of bada$$ runner when he wanted to be. This guy reminds me of him.

I know who you are.

Porthnort Fan wrote:

I currently run with 2 of his former HS teammates in college now, and, as far as I've heard (and now read), he's earned everything so far. Sounds like a great kid and I'm sure he'll continue to have a great deal of support behind him. I wish him the best of luck at NXNs, cant wait to see Northport kick some ass

I was at the NXN NY race and was blown away by this kids run! I had no idea that he was autistic until I read about it later in the week. This is truly inspiring. I am going to follow Mike's career going forward. 15:29 on Bowdoin is just a monster performance. This kid is going to be fun to watch. Go get them in Portland Mikey!

boss wrote:

I know who you are.

Porthnort Fan wrote:

I currently run with 2 of his former HS teammates in college now, and, as far as I've heard (and now read), he's earned everything so far. Sounds like a great kid and I'm sure he'll continue to have a great deal of support behind him. I wish him the best of luck at NXNs, cant wait to see Northport kick some ass

Y' know, eh, that's great. I'm just glad to see Mikey doing well, regardless of who I am.

I love you.

Porthnort Fan wrote:

boss wrote:

I know who you are.

Y' know, eh, that's great. I'm just glad to see Mikey doing well, regardless of who I am.

one of the top 800/1600/3200 runners from Indiana last year has autism, Robert Murphy. he is in his freshman year at Vincennes I believe