Navigating neurodiversity in elite sport: lived experiences of neurodivergent athletes

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.