Inspired by Coaching Young Minds keynote speaker A/Prof Erin Hoare, Manna Institute
In 1997, sociologist Judy Singer introduced the term “neurodiversity” – a concept that beautifully reflects the simple truth that brains are wired in many different ways. From autism and ADHD to dyslexia and dyspraxia, neurodiversity embraces these variations as part of the natural spectrum of human thinking, not as problems to be fixed.
Why Does This Matter in Sport?
Elite sport is a unique environment. It demands focus, routine, and goal-driven behaviour – traits often associated with ADHD and autism. In fact, these very differences might contribute to athletic success. Yet, despite their potential, neurodivergent athletes remain largely invisible in research and underrepresented in sporting systems.
Recent insights suggest that up to 40% of elite athletes may be neurodivergent. But the voices and needs of these athletes are still missing from the conversation.
This gap presents an incredible opportunity: embracing neuroinclusion in sport could not only unlock performance potential but also create mentally healthier, more inclusive sporting environments.
What is Neuroinclusion?
Neuroinclusion means designing environments that accommodate and nurture neurodiverse individuals – recognising differences in sensory needs, communication styles, and ways of learning. It draws from decades of work in education, health, and disability sectors, where neurodiversity is already better understood and supported.
In sport, this could look like:
- Adjusting sensory stimuli (e.g., dimming bright lights, managing noise levels)
- Using visual supports or alternative communication methods
- Creating safe spaces to decompress
- Listening to and involving neurodivergent athletes in decision-making
It’s not about creating separate programs. It’s about making the existing environment better for everyone.
10 Takeaways for Sporting Clubs
- You’ve Already Coached Neurodivergent Young People.
Whether you knew it or not, they’re in your teams. And they deserve to thrive. - If You’ve Made a Young Person Feel They Belong, You’re Already on the Path to Neuroinclusion.
Inclusion begins with connection and understanding. - Neurodiversity is a Fact of Life.
All brains are different. This diversity should be respected, not “fixed.” - Neurodivergence Includes Conditions Like Autism and ADHD.
These differences can affect how someone experiences the world – not due to deficits, but due to environmental mismatches. - Often, the Challenge is the Environment – Not the Individual.
A change in setting (like reducing background noise) can vastly improve a young person’s experience. - Sport is a Natural Fit for Neurodivergent Traits.
It’s time we leverage that by making our environments more inclusive. - Inclusion Has Broader Benefits.
Neuroinclusive sport fosters better mental health, stronger teams, and a culture of belonging. - We Don’t Need to Start from Scratch.
Schools and other sectors have developed many tools and insights that sport can adopt. - Lived Experience Matters.
Listen. Learn. Unlearn. The voices of neurodivergent athletes should shape how we build inclusive spaces. - Helping Young People Thrive in Sport Helps Them Thrive in Life.
Research backs this up. Inclusive sport isn’t just good practice – it’s essential.
Want to Learn More?
Resources for Young Neurodivergent People (and their supporters!)
Amaze (Victoria’s peak autism body)
Offers practical resources, helplines, and school/community inclusion guides for autistic people, families and supporters of autistic young people.
I CAN Network
Online peer mentor / connection group with peers over shared interests
I CAN® – Australia’s Largest Autistic-led Organisation (icannetwork.online) –
Yellow Ladybugs (Victoria-based)
Support and resources created by and for autistic girls and gender-diverse young people.
https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/
Podcasts & Youtubers
ListenABLE
Yellow Ladybugs
How to ADHD
Autism from the inside
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-FpBZR7DbpvNj5UrFN8qUA
Resources for Parents & Families
- Andrew Fuller’s Parent Guides
Free, practical PDFs on ADHD, anxiety, and supporting kids who think differently.
- Amaze (Victoria’s peak autism body)
Offers practical resources, helplines, and school/community inclusion guides for autistic people, families and supporters of autistic young people.
Resources for Sporting Clubs & Coaches
- Neurodiverse Sport (UK but widely applicable)
Practical coaching strategies, visual aids, and sensory-friendly adaptations.
https://www.neurodiversesport.com
- Neurodiversity in Sport (by Lily Morgan)
Coach mentoring, club training, and inclusion audits.