Neurodiverse Sport Speaker Programme: Bringing Lived Experience, Expertise, and Authenticity to the Sector

Introduction

Neurodiverse Sport is excited to highlight the ongoing development of our Speaker Programme, designed to bring lived experience, expert knowledge, and practical insights on neurodiversity in sport to audiences across the sector.

With demand for our services at an all-time high, organisations are looking for more than just awareness—they want authentic voices, practical tools, and inspiring stories that create lasting impact. Our Speaker Programme responds to this need, offering a unique balance of lived experience, expertise, authenticity, and engagement. Unlike traditional bureaus that list speakers without deeper involvement, every individual featured here is genuinely integrated into our mission and contributes meaningfully to our everyday work.

Whether through workshops, webinars, panels, or keynote speeches, our speakers are equipped to deliver engaging and thought-provoking content tailored to your needs. With a focus on fostering neuroinclusive practices, promoting understanding, and inspiring change, the Speaker Programme aims to raise awareness, drive action, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals in sport.

Caragh McMurtry and Mikey Mottram speaking at our Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 event. Credit: @LloydLudgrove

Our Directors as Speakers

Our leadership team is not only driving Neurodiverse Sport strategically but also stands at the forefront of storytelling, advocacy, and lived experience. Each director brings a distinctive perspective, demonstrating the depth and diversity of our collective voice.

• Caragh McMurtry
  Co-founder and director of Neurodiverse Sport Caragh is a former GB rower, who was diagnosed with Autism later in life, after a previous misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder and with suspected ADHD traits. She speaks passionately about the risks of relying too heavily on labels and one-size-fits-all approaches in sport. Caragh challenges common misconceptions, particularly around women and girls, and champions recognition of both the strengths and struggles of neurodivergent athletes. Her advocacy blends personal story with systemic insight, making her a sought-after keynote speaker.

• Mikey Mottram
  Co-founder and director of Neurodiverse Sport, Mikey shares his candid journey from feeling overwhelmed by ADHD, dyslexic, and dyspraxic traits to being empowered by them. A professional cyclist and co-founder of Neurodiverse Sport, Mikey champions self-awareness, inclusion, and the celebration of neurodivergent strengths. His talks inspire audiences by showing how difference can become a source of performance, resilience, and innovation.

• Paul Burrows
  Director of Neurodiverse Sport, Paul draws from his experiences as an autistic and dyslexic police superintendent, former athlete, and writer for our blog. His speaking emphasises the importance of building neuroinclusive coaching and organisational systems, while also highlighting the intersection of mental health and neurodivergence. Paul’s lived insight resonates strongly with coaches and leaders seeking to embed understanding into everyday practice.

• Charles Freeman
  Director of Neurodiverse Sport, and former Sport England manager, Charles speaks powerfully about how sport became a transformative protective factor in his life as a neurodivergent person. He highlights the confidence, connection, and resilience sport can provide, reinforcing its role in mental health and belonging.

• Zoe-Jane Littlewood
  Director of Neurodiverse Sport, former sports therapist, and proud dyslexic advocate, Zoe-Jane uses her lived experiences to speak about embracing dyslexia as a strength and the often-overlooked intersection of race and neurodivergence. She empowers audiences to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusion, and unlock the unique potential of dyslexic individuals.

• Aurelia Deflandre
  Director of Neurodiverse Sport, and neurodiversity lead at Google Ireland, Aurelia is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman with over 15 years’ experience in the tech industry. She has worked internationally across the UK, Netherlands, and Finland, and now collaborates with corporations, charities, and neuro-minority communities to increase awareness, advocacy, and systemic support. Aurelia’s talks explore the importance of both lived experience and policy-level change to secure a better future for neurodivergent people and their families.

Visit our team page to explore our wider team.

Courtney Buchner, hosting our Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024 event. Credit: @Jade.Sellick

Featured Speakers

Alongside our directors, we are proud to feature a diverse range of collaborators whose voices enrich the programme. Each brings unique lived experience and professional insight, ensuring sessions are both relatable and transformative.

• Courtney Buchner
  A content creator, comedian, and panel host, Courtney uses humour and sharp commentary to make conversations on sport and neurodiversity accessible and engaging. With a strong social media presence and work alongside major brands, she advocates for inclusion while connecting authentically with audiences of all backgrounds.

• Dan Smith
  A veteran dog handler in commando and special forces units, Dan lives with dyslexia, ADHD, and Tourette’s syndrome. He speaks candidly about neurodivergence in the workplace, weaving humour, humility, and lived lessons into his storytelling. His grounded, practical approach commands respect and makes his message both memorable and actionable.

• Shauna Clune
  Shanuna, an Assistant Psychologist working for CAMHS, speaks to the transformative role of neuroinclusive practices in sport, showing how they boost self-esteem, reduce isolation, and create belonging for neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the ripple effect of inclusion—not just on individuals, but on communities and systems striving for equity.

• Ishmael Burdeau
  An autistic ultrarunner and coach, Ishmael challenges the “superpower” narrative while still recognising the strengths his neurodivergence affords him. His endurance in both sport and business highlights perseverance, focus, and resilience. Ishmael’s down-to-earth honesty resonates with audiences tired of stereotypes and searching for authentic representation.

Rhiannon Cooper, Not So Typical Fitness

Collaborator

• Rhiannon Cooper
  Heading up the Neurodiverse Sport social media, Rhiannon is a Personal Trainer, Podcast Host, Content Creator, and Founder of Not So Typical Fitness. As a late-diagnosed AuDHDer, she understands the lifelong challenges of feeling different and excluded. Her advocacy spans gym floors, online platforms, and international stages—including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Rhiannon brings energy, empathy, and actionable strategies to help fitness and sporting spaces become truly inclusive.

“Here’s the thing; I don’t believe in forcing yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of fitness. I believe in adapting fitness to fit you. This is the essence of neurodivergent-friendly workouts: they’re flexible, inclusive, and tailored to your own needs.” - Rhi

Visit our team page to explore our wider team.

Could we help engage your team?

The strength of this programme lies not in listing names but in genuine integration. Every speaker is actively involved in our mission: shaping projects, contributing to strategy, and influencing how we embed neuroinclusion across sport. This ensures their contributions are authentic, relevant, and aligned with the bigger picture.

By booking a Neurodiverse Sport speaker, you’re not just securing a speaker—you’re investing in a movement that is reshaping sport for the better.

To enquire about booking a speaker or tailoring an event to your needs, get in touch with the Neurodiverse Sport team.