A Story of Strength and Support: Michael Barton’s Journey
Introduction
Michael Barton is a British 30+ bronze medallist in Judo, data analyst, TEDx speaker, author, and autistic advocate. Diagnosed with PDD-NOS at age two and non-verbal until three, he has faced a lifetime of misunderstanding—but never let it define him. From being bullied at school to founding his own Judo club, Michael challenges assumptions about what autistic people can achieve. A vocal advocate for autism acceptance, he’s known for his TEDx talk, appearances at autism events, and books like It’s Raining Cats and Dogs and A Different Kettle of Fish. Now, as an accomplished athlete and speaker, he proves that success comes not from fitting in, but from being understood.
Michael Barton, TEDx Oxford
A Divergent Path to Excellence
Michael exemplifies how, through explicit learning and the right support, those who face early developmental challenges can thrive as adults—with sport and physical activity playing a crucial role in that journey. While most children develop skills like walking, talking, and socialising instinctively, many Autistic children—including Michael—need more structured, explicit instruction. His developmental path may have diverged from the typical, but that divergence ultimately gave him the tools to excel.
Early Challenges, Deep Foundations
Diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) at age 2 and non-verbal until age 3, Michael experienced a range of early difficulties. He described struggling with proprioception, often walking on the balls of his feet; with executive functioning, requiring detailed daily to-do lists; and with obsessive compulsive traits, becoming distressed when things appeared visually “out of place.”
Despite These Challenges
Michael began Judo at age 8, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Encouraged by his family—especially in response to school bullying—Judo became a pivotal part of his life. It not only supported his physical coordination but also helped him regain confidence in himself.
Michael Barton Practicing Judo
Why Judo Worked for Michael
Proprioceptive challenges are often misunderstood. Children may be quickly labelled “clumsy” or “uncoordinated” and have negative early experiences with sport—particularly chaotic or unstructured sports. But Michael is living proof that those difficulties can be addressed in the right environment. For him, that environment was Judo.
Through a structured and supportive approach, Michael was able to:
Learn skills at his own pace
Improve his motor control
Build a sense of routine
Find confidence and connection
When he found his university had no Judo club, he didn’t give up—he created one.
Learning, Resilience, and Achievement
Michael’s story shows the power of early support and opportunity. His journey wasn’t typical, but it was transformative. As an adult, he earned his black belt and most recently won a bronze medal at the national championships (30+ age category).
In Michael’s case, he wasn’t limited by the label of autism—he was enabled by understanding and inclusion. He’s doing things not only seen as “unlikely” for Autistic people, but challenging for anyone. In doing so, he challenges bias and stereotypes in sport.
Michael shared a powerful insight: he “doesn’t see barriers like other people.”
→ That attitude speaks volumes. It reminds us that autistic people often possess attributes—attention to detail, pattern recognition, perseverance—that are not only valuable but often essential to high-level sport. The problem isn’t capability—it’s recognition.
Michael Barton Practicing Judo
Sport as Social Space: Respect Without Small Talk
Michael’s ability to succeed on the mat gave him status and respect—something he didn’t always receive in other areas of life. “Admittedly my ability to make friends is below average,” he told me—an honest and humorous observation, but one that highlights the social value of sport.
Sport creates a level playing field for communication. It allows for non-verbal connection, shared purpose, and mutual respect built on effort rather than social finesse. For many Autistic individuals, this type of interaction can be far more meaningful than traditional conversation.
The Power of the Niche
Michael also reflected on the value of smaller, more specialised sports like Judo. In these environments, individuals spend more time together, and each member is more visible, more valued. This kind of setting fosters deeper connections and person-centred understanding—something harder to achieve in large, mainstream sports.
Final Thoughts
Michael Barton’s journey is a powerful reminder of how the right support and environment can help autistic individuals reach their full potential. Diagnosed with PDD-NOS and non-verbal until age three, Michael faced many early challenges, but he refused to let them define him. From overcoming bullying to founding his own Judo club and winning a national medal, he defies stereotypes about autistic athletes. His story highlights the unique value of smaller, niche sports like Judo, which offer a more personalised and supportive environment where athletes are seen and valued for their individual strengths.
The question is, how can we create and protect these spaces for neurodivergent athletes, and what can other sports learn from this model? It’s about fostering environments where every athlete, regardless of their background or challenges, can thrive and be valued for who they are.
You can also follow Michael on X/Twitter, or visit his website.
Key Takeaways for Neurodivergent Individuals
Your differences are part of your strength
→ Find environments—like Judo for Michael—that recognise and work with your neurotype, not against it.
Structured sport can support regulation
→ Explicit instruction, clear routines, and repetition can provide clarity and build confidence.
Mindset matters
→ Learn to assess coaching advice critically and apply what works for you—you don’t have to accept or reject everything wholesale.
Key Takeaways for Peers, Supporters, and Parents
Encouragement goes a long way
→ Support someone to keep trying new sports or clubs until they find one that fits—it makes all the difference.
Curiosity builds connection
→ Ask questions. Listen actively. Avoid assumptions. It’s not about fixing—it’s about understanding.
Routines can be empowering
→ Helping someone break down a process or schedule can reduce overwhelm and unlock progress.
Key Takeaways for Coaches, Leaders, and Organisations
Instruction should be explicit, not assumed
→ Clear, step-by-step coaching benefits everyone—but especially autistic athletes who may not learn implicitly.
Support should be flexible
→ One-to-one coaching or multiple coaches on the mat can create a safety net for those who process information differently.
Encourage questions
→ This is key to fostering confidence and inclusion, especially for those who process information differently.
This blog post was written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings were added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.
