Navigating Neurodiversity in Elite Sport: Lived Experiences of Neurodivergent Athletes

Wood, Sam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1281-870X, Marshall, Ben ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2557-5399, Kaiseler, Mariana ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7931-4584 and Wood, Greg ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0851-7090 (2025) Navigating Neurodiversity in Elite Sport: Lived Experiences of Neurodivergent Athletes. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health. ISSN 2159-676X

Preview	Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (317kB) | Preview
Preview	Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (791kB) | Preview

Abstract

Most research in sport has typically focused on neurotypical individuals. Although insightful, this means the extant literature neglects the experiences of neurodivergent athletes in sport. The novelty of this work was the exploration of individual’s experiences of training and competing in elite sport as a neurodivergent athlete. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 6 elite athletes (3 male, 3 female) who self-disclosed clinical diagnoses for autism (N=2), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (N=1), or a diagnosis for both (N=1). Two athletes self-identified as having traits of ADHD or Autism. Thematic analysis developed three themes: lack of belonging, overwhelmed and overloaded, and a need for plans. This original work advances our theoretical and conceptual understanding of experiences of neurodivergent athletes in elite sport and provides inclusive applied implications to support sport policy and practice.