1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, however that number is likely to be greater due to a lack of diagnoses. Neurodiversity celebrates the rich spectrum of how our brain works, and in the world of sport and physical activity, this diversity is proving to be a real game-changer.
This week, it’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week; a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by recognising the many skills and talents of being neurodivergent, to create more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
Neurodiversity is gradually gaining recognition as an important topic in the world of sport, and more recently, elite athletes are becoming more transparent in sharing their struggles, and successes, of being neurodivergent in their chosen field. British Ironman Triathlete Sam Holness, became the Guinness World Record holder for being the first autistic person ever to complete the Ironman World Championships in 2022. Jessica-Jane Applegate, British Paralympic Swimmer diagnosed with Aspergers, has broken records and won gold medals, through her incredible talent and determination in the pool. And seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Lewis Hamilton has openly spoken about how ADHD has impacted his life both on and off the race track. These athletes are not only paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity in sport, but also inspiring others just like them to embrace their own unique strengths.
Sian Cleary, Active Essex Foundation Sport and Youth Mental Health Project Officer, is a true advocate for neurodiversity and has been very open in talking about how ADHD affects her day-to-day life. Diagnosed at the age of 24, Sian stated that she had always felt different and found certain tasks difficult that would seem so easy for others, but discovered that physical activity was her outlet to help create structure, focus and release excess energy.
“Physical activity is everything to me. I began using physical activity to support my mental health after I lost my dad at the age of 14. I enjoyed running and lacrosse, but more recently I have been bodybuilding, which has become a true passion of mine. Anxiety is a huge symptom of my ADHD, but I’ve found that either lifting heavy weights or getting my heart rate up during Stairmaster cardio sessions, helps to keep me grounded, release emotions and form structure and routine, which is pivotal in being able to cope with day-to-day activities, such as going to work.”
“Training in the morning is the most important thing for me, as it sets me up for the day and my brain cognition is so much better. I’ve found that it enables me to spend longer at my desk without needing to move or become distracted, however taking regular short breaks where I move, allows me to remain focused and manage my day job.”
Aside from working for the Active Essex Foundation, Sian is also a Personal Trainer and Online Coach. Empowering other females and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves, is what Sian is passionate about, but selfishly also gives her another means to channel her energy and manage her ADHD. She has found that being around other like-minded individuals who find therapy in physical activity has helped develop her friendship circle, and being disciplined and organised, has improved her confidence in other aspects of life.
Similarly, her own coach has adapted his approaches to ensure that rest and recovery is built into Sian’s plan, when she constantly feels on the go. Being able to have those open conversations about her ADHD with her coach, without judgement and stigmatism, has led her to excel and compete in bodybuilding competitions, however, she knows this isn’t the case for a lot of neurodivergent people. When asked if she thought there were any misconceptions about ADHD and physical activity, Sian commented;
“I think there are two sides to this; the first being ADHD can cause you to have big crashes, whereas some people perceive this as laziness when you struggle to get on with ‘normal’ day-to-day tasks. This can be the case with getting active, but the key is to be consistent even when you have days where you feel unmotivated and fatigued – a simple light walk in the fresh air can help wake you up and regain focus. However, on the flip side, many people think ADHD is all about being high energy. I find that exercise for me, helps to create a sense of calm and releases anxious thoughts, rather than an explosion of energy. It’s just all about finding what works for you.”
Neurodivergence is deeply personal and for many, physical activity can play an important role in managing symptoms, however the experience is far from universal. While some find a release and focus through movement, others may encounter obstacles such as sensory overloads and feelings of low self-esteem. Recognising these traits and promoting inclusivity can not only empower individuals to engage with exercise in ways that feel comfortable to them, but also help broaden society’s awareness and acceptance of the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals.
Sian reflected; “It would be great if people were more aware of neurodivergence, as sometimes it can be incredibly overwhelming. For example, my sensory overload can be triggered when I’m in the gym, if the music is too loud or if people are too close to me. Something that small might not mean anything to some people, but it can really throw me off focus and have a huge impact on my session. I would love to see schools promoting non-traditional sport, for those who may not be as confident or who are neurodivergent, and showing that simple movements can really help you to focus and remain energised.”
Unlocking the potential of neurodiversity in sport and physical activity requires both awareness and action. By recognising the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Celebrating the success stories of neurodivergent athletes demonstrates the transformative power of physical activity—not only as a tool for personal growth and mental wellbeing, but also as a way to challenge misconceptions and build understanding. Through collaboration and compassion, we can harness the superpower of neurodiversity and inspire positive change across the world of sport and physical activity.
