Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 - What does neurodiversity mean for sport?
- Lucy Wilson
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
It is estimated that 15% of the population is neurodivergent, and this term encompasses a range of terminology to describe neurodiversity, some more well-known than others. These thinking styles include Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and for some people, a combination of these thinking styles might form a collective neurodiverse way of thinking, such as AudDHD, which is a combination of Autism and ADHD.
The education system, work environments and many other settings are working harder than ever to understand, create awareness and put in place support systems for neurodiversity. However, there is still work to do.
Neurodiversity is often not celebrated but treated with reticence, negativity, or a focus on deficits, rather than on creating a supportive and encouraging environment to recognise what these different minds can achieve.
In sport and sport governance, neurodiversity is no different. Often, a special interest fostered could result in the next Olympian, governance champion or data insight breakthrough. Building a sporting culture that understands and supports neurodiversity is a step forward in celebrating what can be achieved with different thinking styles. This is more than just making sure neurodiversity is part of your policy and procedure writing; it’s about awareness, training and embedding a culture of celebration within your board, senior leadership team, sports coaches, volunteers, athletes, and everyone involved in making sport happen.
There are some incredible examples of efforts being published this week already. Why not check out the following sporting initiatives and organisations to find support:
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit – click here to visit their support page on inclusivity https://thecpsu.org.uk/help-advice/topics/diversity-and-inclusion/
The National Autistic Society - click here to visit their website
The Pony Club – click here to visit their newly launched resources and fact sheets
Youth Sport Trust – click here to read their pamphlet on neurodiversity inclusion
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