THE WHAT & THE WHY .

Neurodiversity in Sport:

What It Means and Why It Matters

Exploring the current landscape of neurodiversity in sport — and why change is needed now.

What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that describes the natural differences in how people’s brains work. Every human has a unique neurological makeup, so in that sense, we are all neurodiverse.

Within this broader idea, neurodivergence refers to brain function and behavioural traits that differ from what is typically expected by societal norms. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

Rather than viewing these differences as problems to be fixed, the neurodiversity paradigm sees them as natural variations in how people think, learn, and interact with the world. It challenges the idea of a “normal” brain and instead values the diverse ways people experience and respond to life.

Advocates of this perspective emphasise the importance of recognising both the strengths and the support needs of neurodivergent individuals — and designing environments that enable everyone to thrive.

Glossary of Terms

The Landscape of Sport Today

The Urgency of Our Mission

Prevalence and Systemic Gaps

15–20% of the population is neurodivergent — yet most sports systems aren’t designed to support their differences. Environments often rely on rigid norms, one-size-fits-all coaching, and narrow definitions of talent.
Early Disengagement and Health Impact

Many neurodivergent people have negative experiences in school sport, where their needs aren’t recognised or supported. This often leads to early disengagement, poorer health outcomes, and wasted potential.
Employment and Mental Health Disparities

Only 20% of autistic adults are in employment, and people with ADHD are 30% more likely to face challenges at work. Suicide risk is also significantly higher — yet sport can be a vital lifeline, highlighting the urgency of our mission.
Co-occurrence and Support Limitations

70–80% of neurodivergent people have traits linked to more than one diagnosis — yet most support pathways focus on single labels, if they offer support at all, overlooking the complexity of real, lived experience in and beyond sport.
Compounding Intersectional Barriers

Black individuals are five times less likely to be diagnosed as neurodivergent than white peers, and females are three times less likely than males — layers of inequality that compound existing barriers to support and sport.
Thriving Through Specialised Strengths

An estimated 40–60% of elite athletes may be neurodivergent. When traits like focus, routine, and creativity are supported, they become powerful assets — revealing what’s possible when individuals are empowered.
You Can Be Part of the Change Today

Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with awareness, action, and allyship. Perhaps a conversation — or simply listening to someone who rarely feels heard. Let’s empower tomorrow’s role models, together.

It’s About Real People Facing Real Difficulties .

It’s easy to get lost in the numbers when talking about inclusion — but behind every statistic is a real person with a story, a struggle, and potential. This movement is, and always has been, about people first.

"Before anyone understood I was neurodivergent, I was labelled difficult — too intense, too blunt, always doing things differently. My focus was seen as obsession, my need for routine as inflexible. I knew I had talent, but I was always hitting walls.

I felt so misunderstood.

Everything changed when a coach recognised what was really going on. With the right support, I didn’t have to hide anymore. My traits became strengths — attention to detail, commitment, creativity. I found confidence, connection, and a team that got me. For the first time, I felt like I belonged."

— Sam, Neurodivergent, cyclist

"At school, I was always in trouble — for talking too much, for zoning out, for getting frustrated when things didn’t make sense. No one saw that I was trying my hardest. Sport was my escape, but even there, I was told to calm down or focus more.

I felt like such a failure.

It wasn’t until I got identified with ADHD that things started making sense. Instead of being punished for my energy, it was channelled. I learned how I learn, and so did my coach. Now, I’m thriving — not just surviving — and using my experience to support others like me."

— Daniel, ADHD, football coach

"I was the quiet one. Always watching, always planning — but people took it as disinterest or being antisocial. I masked so well that no one noticed how much I was struggling to fit in. I loved my sport, but I didn’t feel seen. I was surrounded by friends, but I was so lonely.

Getting an autism diagnosis changed everything. My coach started adapting sessions, and suddenly I wasn’t just coping — I was excelling. My strategic thinking, my calm under pressure, my loyalty to the team — all the things that set me apart now set me up to succeed. I finally feel valued for who I am."

— Ella, Autistic, netball player

What We’re Doing About It .

Neurodiverse Sport was founded to change the game for neurodivergent people in sport. We offer training, resources, and co-designed interventions that challenge one-size-fits-all systems and create lasting inclusion.

Led by lived experience and backed by research, we work with organisations to empower individuals and transform environments — driving system-wide change from grassroots to elite sport and beyond.