Neurodivergent youth in motion – exploring autistic and ADHD stories of sport and movement

Sport and movement contexts are not always inclusive spaces for young autists and ADHD:ers. Research also shows that neurodivergent youth are less physically active than neurotypical. However, we know little about how young autists and ADHD:ers themselves experience different forms of physical activities. Only in a few studies have young neurodivergent people been consulted in order to identify their own views.

As in much research about autism and ADHD the medical paradigm, where neurodivergence is conceptualised in terms of biologically derived functional deficits, is the dominating framework. This perspective has been criticised for its lack of community authorship and negative messaging of autism and ADHD, having negative effects on neurodivergent peoples mental health. The neurodiversity perspective, where autism and ADHD are seen as variations in the ways brains work and those variations are embraced, is lately suggested as a potential alternative approach. A neurodiversity perspective also stresses the importance of autists and ADHD:ers own voices and involvement, as well as the questioning of neurotypical norms.

The aim of the project is to explore how young autists and ADHD:ers in Sweden experience sports and movement from a neurodiversity perspective. Stories from young (15-29 years) autists and ADHD:ers about sports and movement will be generated and analysed. Recruitment of participants will take place through digital advertising and in dialogue with the neurodivergent community.

The analysis is inspired by thematic analysis and creative analytical practices. Knowledge about young neurodivergent people’s experiences of sport and movement, and a problematizing of neurotypical norms, is crucial to create accessible and inclusive sport- and movement contexts for all. It can also benefit the neurodivergent community, since reflecting on others stories can lead to identification, new thoughts, increased self-awareness and ability to give and receive neuroaffirmative support.

I projektet utforskas unga autisters och ADHD:ares berättelser om idrott och rörelse från ett neurodiversitetsperspektiv. Ett perspektiv som utgår från att människors hjärnor har olika sätt att fungera, och dessa olikheter omfamnas. Kvantitativa studier visar att unga på NPF-spektrat är mindre fysiskt aktiva än neurotypiska unga. Hur unga autister och ADHD:are själva upplever idrott och rörelse vet vi betydligt mindre om. I befintlig forskning är det också en medicinskt präglad bild, där NPF beskrivs i termer av problem, som dominerar. Ökad kunskap om unga autisters och ADHD:ares upplevelser av idrott och rörelse, liksom ett problematiserande av neurotypiska normer, är avgörande för att skapa mer inkluderande idrottsmiljöer. Det kan också vara av värde för autism och ADHD-communityn.