Autism Soccer: Autism in Guiness Records

Autism knows no limitations in the search of improvement

Some people know no limits, and in these cases, that has proven to be the key to success.

People on the autistic spectrum have been deprived on countless occasions of opportunities for study, work, and competition, under the false (now denied) pretext that their abilities, skills, and aptness are inferior to those of the average man. Sometimes these people have not only proven that those who think this are wrong, but have set a precedent and an example for future generations to overcome all stigmas and break none other than a Guinness World Record.

Here at Autism Soccer, we like to acknowledge all sorts of accomplishments made by members of this very special community. Let’s know some of the illustrious people within the spectrum that have broken some Guinness Records.

Naming Most Capital Cities in 60 Seconds

Johann Mendes broke the Guinness World Record for naming the most capital cities in 60 seconds. The 18-year-old broke the record after naming 52 capital cities in one minute, beating the previous record-holder, Robert Clarke (from the UK), who named 50.

Johann, who is labeled a genius for his amazing memory (a common trait among those living with autism) that has allowed him to memorize the entire calendar from the 20th to the 22nd century, was awarded the Guinness World Record certificate in June of 2014 at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

Johann’s mother, Judy Mendes, said it all started around 10 years ago when Johann, was causing some trouble on the bus. «The bus driver, Khalid Khan, started asking him about the capital cities of the world to keep him distracted from causing any mischief».

Judy believes that because of the quizzing, he got hooked on to the atlas and, if it wasn’t for the bus driver, he might not have got this talent.

«I didn’t think I would win. I have been practicing for months and I never got above 50 capital cities in one minute. So, when I was told that I got 52 on the actual thing, I was surprised. I said, oh my God, I broke the record!». Johann said, baffled and overflowing with joy.

Dr. Mahshid Salehi, director of the Dubai Centre for Special Needs, commended Johann’s achievement at the award ceremony saying he’s not only a record-holder but an excellent student and a source of pride for the center. And, although he likes the fame and attention that comes with being a record-holder, Johann, who is in the ninth grade, said his education will always come first.

«I still don’t forget about my board exams because they are more important for my life. I was thinking about becoming a flight attendant, but now I want to become a pilot or work in traffic control. It all depends on my grades».

Johann now plans on breaking a second record, the most flags named in one minute! (We hope he makes it). He said he has memorized around 80, and he needs to name more than 77 flags in one minute to succeed.

As for the message that he hopes to send out to his community by winning, Johann said: «People should never think that they are not capable of accomplishing their dreams. Every person is capable, all they have to do is practise».

As you can see, we are all capable to accomplish some great feats. So, the next time you propose something to yourself, trust your instincts, cultivate your mind and prepare yourself for the task ahead, because if you believe in it, you can make it.