Research shows that one in every 150 people are diagnosed with autism.
There's no cure for the illness, but Saturday, two all-star professional athletes played for some local kids who've been diagnosed with the brain disorder.
To some, Orlando Hudson is the Major League Baseball veteran who's a three-time Golden Glove winner, but to people in his hometown of Darlington, he's still "O-dawg," a popular high school student.
And, he still has a big heart for certain students.
"When I was in high school here at Darlington High, I would always look at kids and was like, I said to myself, you know, they sit in one classroom all day, not taking field trips, you know, don't go to lunch with everybody else, it was kind of sad to see that," said Orlando Hudson.
So, the Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman started C.A.T.C.H (Curing Autism Through Change and Hope), a charity for kids with autism.
On Saturday, he and friend, Atlanta Falcons' defensive end, John Abraham from Timmonsville, coached a basketball tournament to benefit that charity.
Abraham said his friend's passion inspired him to help.
"He's been around the world to see different places, but he always comes back home to show his heart," Abraham told NewsChannel 15.
The baseball player's former coach said, even in high school, Hudson was a role model to those around him.
"Full of energy, mouth runs all the time, just like it still does, and very outgoing, well-liked by everybody...he made everybody around him better," said Coach Ken Howle.
Hudson is just thankful he can give back.
"I've been blessed, it's just a blessing, so it's good," said Hudson.
Hudson said he hopes to bring some teachers that work with children with autism from Arizona to Darlington to work with special education teachers at his former high school.
