Neurodiverse Sport articles
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Two Sides of the Same Coin: Understanding Sam Smith’s Tennis Journey Through a Neurodivergent Lens
Sam Smith, a former British No. 1 tennis player and now a leading broadcaster, opens up about navigating elite sport as an undiagnosed autistic person. In this powerful blog by Olivia Rae, Sam’s story unfolds as a series of contrasting truths: discipline and disruption, calm and chaos, structure and overwhelm. Her journey reminds us that what’s often seen as “difficult” can in fact be the root of brilliance—when understood through a neurodivergent lens.
Coaching with Compassion: Kyle Gookins on Ego, Inclusion, and Emotional Intelligence in Sport
In this powerful and heartfelt interview, former NCAA football coach Kyle Gookins shares how becoming a parent to an Autistic son transformed not only his life, but also his coaching philosophy. From high-performance pressure to person-centred practice, Kyle speaks with honesty about ego, emotional intelligence, and the practical shifts coaches can make to better support neurodivergent athletes. A must-read for anyone passionate about inclusive sport.
'The Unique Privilege of Working with an Athlete with Diagnosed or Suspected Autism Spectrum Condition'
In this insightful blog, Dr Caz Nahman—child and adolescent psychiatrist and teaching lead at Oxford University—shares a composite case study based on her real-world experience supporting Autistic athletes. Through the story of Katie, a national-level swimmer navigating university life, we see how missed communication, misunderstanding, and well-intentioned coaching can impact a neurodivergent athlete’s wellbeing and performance. The blog offers practical guidance on building trust, improving communication, and creating inclusive environments where Autistic athletes can thrive.
Coaching With Curiosity and Care: Creating Neuroinclusive Environments
Abi Chamberlain, former England Women’s Rugby 7s Captain and current London Irish Women’s Coach, doesn’t label herself a neuroinclusive coach—yet her impact speaks volumes. Her approach, rooted in curiosity and care, creates a psychologically safe environment where all athletes can thrive. In this blog, Abi shares her coaching philosophy, reflects on what it means to unlock performance across diverse minds and bodies, and offers practical insight into making sport more inclusive—without overcomplication. Whether you're an elite coach or a community volunteer, her story reminds us that good coaching is about listening, adapting, and always learning.