In yesterday’s post about the relation that exists between neurodivergency and sport, we approached the topic with a positive lens, as one should. I explained how many of us associate neurodivergency with negativity due to a lack of understanding regarding what exactly encompasses neurodivergence (your brain processes information differently than the average person), but being neurodivergent is not by any means a negative thing. I am neurodivergent, and I consider it an advantage in a lot of contexts, because I contemplate things differently than someone who is neurotypical.
By no means am I trying to stray from the positive tone here, but it is important to acknowledge some of the disadvantages that can exist for neurodivergent individuals in sport. The following information comes from readtheplay.org.
“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,” the web page states.
I can’t help but suspect that if measures were taken to better accommodate neurodivergent athletes, this would isolate them even further in the eyes of others. On the other hand, being more mindful of neurodivergency in sport could prove to be an extremely beneficial outcome for both neurodivergent and neurotypical athletes. I suppose I can speculate as much as I wish and won’t really have an answer until practices are modified to better suit everyone in sport, but I certainly think it’s something to think about.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
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