Unlock the power of

Neurodiversity in Sports

With Inclusive Change

Empower your teams, break barriers & create inclusive environments that enable every individual thrive.

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Neurodiversity in Sports - Did You Know?

➡️ 15% of the UK population is neurodivergent. That's 1 in 7 people, yet most sports programs fail to

accommodate their needs.

➡️ Physical inactivity rates among neurodivergent and disabled individuals are almost double the

average.

➡️ Social and Emotional Barriers, alongside inaccessible facilities, lack of understanding and untrained

staff limit opportunities.

➡️Lack of awareness about reasonable adjustments to Environmental and Sensory challenges, restrict

opportunity for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.

Inclusion Drives Participation and Excellence

➡️Inspire broader community engagement and open opportunities for all.

➡️Harness diverse talents like hyper-focus and creativity that neurodivergent athletes bring.
➡️Cultivate a culture of understanding and collaboration.

➡️Improve individual, team and club dynamics and performance.

➡️Enhance emotional intelligence and leadership.

➡️Promote holistic development.

Barriers

Barriers such as lack of understanding, inaccessible environments, and untrained staff significantly reduce opportunities for participation in sports. For example, many ND individuals face difficulties due to poorly designed facilities or programs that fail to consider diverse needs, limiting their access to inclusive activities

Being Active

Sport England recognises that participation in physical activity remains lower among neurodivergent individuals. For example, disabled adults, a group that often overlaps with neurodivergence, are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (40.8% compared to 20.7% for non-disabled individuals).

Accessibility

Three-quarters (76%) of disabled individuals, including those with neurodivergence, express a desire to be more active, according to Sport England. However, many face obstacles such as inaccessible opportunities or limited support, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive initiatives in all sports.

The Power of Inclusive Sports for Neurodiverse Individuals & Teams

Encouraging neurodiverse participation in sports goes beyond physical activity - it supports growth, health, and inclusion. Here’s how;

Physical Health Benefits

Improved Motor Skills: Boost coordination and strength, addressing common challenges.

Obesity Prevention: Stay active to reduce the higher obesity risk in neurodivergent individuals.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise promotes a healthy heart and overall well-being

Mental Health Benefits

Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Exercise provides a calming outlet for sensory and emotional regulation.

Boosted Mood: Endorphins from physical activity can uplift spirits and reduce depression symptoms

Improved Sleep Quality: Regular physical activity can help regulate sleep patterns, which are often disrupted in neurodivergent individuals, leading to better overall mental health and energy levels

Social and Communication Skills

Enhanced Social Interactions: Team sports offer a structured, supportive space to practice social skills.

Improved Communication: Engage with teammates and coaches to foster collaboration and confidence

Cognitive Benefits

Improved Focus and Attention: Sports help channel energy productively, especially for individuals with ADHD.

Skill Building: Strategic games and drills encourage problem-solving and planning.

Personal Growth and Confidence

Increased Self-Esteem: Achieving sports milestones builds confidence and self-belief.

Sense of Belonging: Inclusive environments create a community of acceptance and support

Challenging Stigmas: Inclusive sports promote understanding and break stereotypes about neurodivergence

Life Skills Development

Resilience and Perseverance: Overcome challenges to build mental resilience and problem-solving abilities.

Time Management and Routine: Regular sports activities encourage structure and discipline

Leadership Opportunities: Neurodivergent individuals excel in leadership roles, bringing unique perspectives to the team.

Nicola Adams - Boxer

Nicola Adams is a record holding boxer: 2017 to 2019 undefeated professional boxer. Diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager, she maintains her hyper-focus definitely helped her boxing.

James Haskell - Rugby Player

James Haskell is an English former rugby star, a DJ, a podcaster and an author. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 8 years old.

Claire Rafferty - Footballer

Claire Lauren Rafferty is an English pundit and retired footballer, playing for Chelsea, West Ham and England. She has spoken about having ADHD, which she describes as being her 'superpower'.

How can Inclusive Change Provide Support?

Transform Your Sporting Organisation with Expert Training and Consultancy

Our organisation is dedicated to empowering workplaces through innovative training and strategic consulting, focusing on Neurodiversity and Disability Awareness. We work with organisations to break down barriers, creating inclusive environments where diversity thrives, and everyone has the opportunity to excel. Together, we can create and celebrate individual strengths, whilst unlocking the potential for all.

Start the Conversation - Understanding and empowering neurodiversity in sport

60 minute, online, interactive session delivered by industry experts with lived experience. This training sessions highlights the essential insights, strategies, and practical tools to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone involved in your Sporting organisation.

Designed to raise awareness throughout your organisation. A place where Coaches, Welfare Officers, Management and Support Team can gain knowledge and understanding about Neurodiversity in Sport.

Highlights of the session include

☑️ What is neurodiversity?

☑️ How does neurodiversity exist in Sport?

☑️ Discover strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive club culture & environment.

☑️ Explore the benefits of neurodiversity in sport, teams, and organisations.

☑️ Gain confidence in communicating with neurodivergent players and making practical adjustments.

£499 plus VAT

Book a CallLet's discuss how we can help your organisation

Start the Conversation is only one of our training solutions. We can deliver face to face or online, for intimate or large audiences, or longer sessions with greater depth and working groups.

Other awareness workshops:
Reasonable adjustment in Sport

Safeguarding Neurodivergent Girls in Sport

Creating Inclusive and Safe Spaces

Building a Neurodiversity Champion Network

We believe in providing the right support tailored to your organisation's specific needs. That’s why we encourage you to discuss your requirements with one of our team members before purchasing any of our training packages.

What is neurodiversity?

When we use the term neurodiversity, what are we talking about? There are lots of different terminologies that you may hear or read when discussing disability or neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity describes the diversity of human minds. Our businesses, organisations, and teams are all made up of diverse minds and thinkers. But...some of us are neurodivergent.

Neurodivergent is the umbrella term for a range of differences in the way we think and experience the world. Those conditions include (but aren't limited to) Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette's.