Neurodivergent individuals — those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences — experience sport and competition at higher rates and in distinctive ways.
Why Neurodivergent People Have Higher Sport and Competition Rates
- Navigating a world designed for neurotypical people creates chronic stress
- Masking neurological differences is psychologically costly and drives sport and competition
- Sensory processing differences can make sport and competition triggers more intense
- Social difficulties associated with neurodivergence can increase isolation and sport and competition
How Sport and Competition Presents Differently in Neurodivergent People
In autistic people, sport and competition may be expressed through behavioral changes rather than verbal report. In ADHD, sport and competition may be difficult to distinguish from executive function difficulties.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Sport and Competition Treatment
Effective sport and competition treatment for neurodivergent people adapts standard approaches to accommodate sensory, communication, and processing differences. Find therapists with specific neurodivergent experience.