WINDHAM – This is not the season the Windham High boys’ basketball team hoped to enjoy: The Eagles are 3-9 with no chance of making the Western Class A tournament. But lessening the impact of a losing season has been the presence of James Blanchard.

Blanchard has autism, a neural development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication. The symptoms of autism begin before a child is 3 years old.

While Blanchard cannot express his love for the game in words, he shows it in countless other ways.

At a recent practice where Blanchard was the designated foul shooter for a team fast-break drill, his smiles were constant. Blanchard would shoot the foul shot before running to the sideline to be next to his father, Donald, who attends every practice and sits on the bench during games.

Blanchard is happiest during basketball season. It shows in his demeanor and in class, said Coach Kevin Millington.

And Blanchard’s love for the game is infectious.

“James does better in school during basketball season,” said Millington.

On Jan. 17, Windham lost to Bonny Eagle 46-28 and while you might figure the bus ride back to school would be quiet, that wasn’t the case.

“We were talking, laughing, having a good time,” said Millington. “James lifted our spirits.”

GROWING WITH TEAMMATES

Blanchard gets to play at the end of games when the outcome has been decided.

Millington makes arrangements with the referees and the other team beforehand. Blanchard played against Bonny Eagle, scoring two layups, then hit three layups against Cheverus three nights later.

Blanchard’s senior classmates on the team pay special attention to him. When Blanchard stepped onto the floor against Bonny Eagle, guard Mitch Hodge made sure he was in the right position.

Hodge and the other seniors have developed a bond with Blanchard, having been together since their freshman season.

“I’ve seen him grown as a person and a player,” said Hodge. “James is more mature and confident now. He’s an inspiration to us all.”

Hodge said that in past school years, whenever Blanchard saw one of the team members or Coach Millington in the hall between classes, he would be shy and maybe lower his head.

Now he waits for his friends to greet him. A quick “Hi” and a smile follow.

“James always puts a smile on my face,” said senior teammate Aaron Murray. “It’s great to see he’s having a good time.”

A LOVE FOR THE GAME

Blanchard’s father said his son was diagnosed with autism before he was 2.

“When James was 11/2, he had infantile spasms,” said Donald Blanchard. “His eyes started rolling backwards. It was an involuntary reaction. That progressed into seizures. We were focused on stopping the seizures. Once we got those under control, he was diagnosed with autism.”

One thing that was undeniable from an early age was Blanchard’s love for basketball.

“Whenever a basketball game was on television when James was little, he would jump up and down watching it,” said his father. “If a game is on TV and he’s home, he’ll watch it. He loves basketball.”

With that in mind, his father wanted to get James involved with basketball in high school. In James’ first year, he joined the freshman team. He moved on to the junior varsity team and now is in his first year on varsity.

“Playing basketball has motivated James in school,” said his father. “It’s helped him immensely. He’s much more social and much more self-confident. In a way, James is a lot like other children. He knows he’s not typical. If he doesn’t feel comfortable in a setting. he’ll retreat.”

In a lot of ways, that’s pretty typical. Who doesn’t take a step or two back when feeling uncomfortable in a situation?

In a list of submitted questions he answered with his father, Blanchard was asked how his teammates have helped him.

“They help me feel like I’m part of the team,” he said.

Basketball has been good for Blanchard and for the Eagles, even if they don’t have a winning record.

Millington said he can see the joy in the players’ faces when they interact with their teammate.

“It really puts things into perspective,” said Millington.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH