SPORT - A Super-Power for Neurodivergent Kids

Helping children and young people build confidence, belonging, connection and wellbeing through inclusive community sport.

Sport Is About More Than Competition

Across the Northern Rivers and wider Northern NSW region, more families, schools and community organisations are recognising the powerful role sport and physical activity can play in supporting neurodivergent children and young people.

For children living with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, anxiety, social communication differences, or other neurodivergent experiences, inclusive sporting environments can become places of confidence, friendship, emotional regulation and belonging.

How Inclusive Sport Can Help

Inclusive sport can support children and young people to:

Build confidence and self-esteem
By giving children opportunities to experience success in a safe and encouraging environment.

Create friendships and social connection
Through shared activity, teamwork and positive group experiences.

Support emotional regulation and wellbeing
Movement, routine and physical activity can help children manage energy, anxiety and stress.

Develop communication and teamwork skills
Sport encourages children to listen, respond, share, cooperate and problem-solve.

Reduce feelings of isolation
Inclusive programs help children and families feel part of something welcoming and supportive.

Feel safe, valued and included
Every child deserves to participate in a way that works for them.

“Sport provides more. It is a powerful tool for connection, confidence and community.”
— Sport Inclusion Australia

Local Northern NSW Initiatives

Programs across Northern NSW are already demonstrating how inclusive sport and recreation can positively impact children and families throughout the region.

Community initiatives such as Pathways to Play, coordinated through Social Futures, are helping children and young people with disability access inclusive sport and recreation opportunities across communities including Lismore, Tweed, Grafton, Yamba and surrounding regions.

These initiatives recognise that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in environments that are welcoming, adaptable and supportive.

Why Neuroinclusive Delivery Matters

Many neurodivergent children succeed when sport is adapted around the child — rather than expecting the child to adapt to rigid sporting systems.

Simple changes can make a big difference, including:

  • smaller group sizes
  • calm and supportive coaching
  • modified activities
  • visual instruction
  • flexible participation
  • sensory-aware environments
  • clear routines and expectations
  • encouragement over performance

These approaches not only support neurodivergent children, but often improve the experience for all children involved.

"Autism was critical to her success as an elite athlete."

Looking back on her sporting career, Caragh now understands that autism was critical to her success as an elite athlete.

Qualities like her "obsessiveness, hyperfocus, attention to detail and pattern recognition" worked in her favour.

"To be an elite athlete, you need a spiky profile, you need to be extreme in some way," Caragh says.

Erin Hoare, a psychologist and researcher with expertise in neurodiversity, argues that people with ADHD and autism may have an edge in elite sport.

"The examples we often talk about are a preference for repetitive routines, the ability to hyperfocus on a goal and rapid reaction to stimuli — for example when there's minimal time allowed for decision-making," Dr Hoare says.

"Their strengths could ultimately lead to a competitive advantage."

Caragh McMurtry was selected to race for Great Britain's rowing team at the Tokyo Olympics.

Her spot was just reward for a glittering career that produced multiple World Cup and World Championship medals.

Story by Kate O'Halloran- ABC News- Thu 20 Mar 2025

What Sports Society Believes

At Sports Society, we believe community sport should be welcoming, supportive and accessible for all children and families.

We aim to create positive sporting experiences that focus on participation, encouragement, connection and enjoyment — helping children feel safe, valued and included regardless of their background, ability or personal challenges.

Try. Play. Belong.

Want To Learn More?

If you would like to learn more about inclusive sporting opportunities, school programs, community partnerships or future Sports Society initiatives, we would love to hear from you.

In a study by the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) in 2024, it was found that 74% of Autistic children and 69% of Autistic adults would like to participate in more organised physical activities than they currently were. The research identified many barriers including a lack of training for coaches.

I let the coach know that my middle son, James, is Autistic, and the coach asked me what he could do to accommodate him. I told him that James was going to find some things difficult, and he may find some situations stressful and get anxious. Let him have a calm moment, be encouraging, be supportive of him.

Lucy Steen, parent of Autistic child in sport

“I think one issue is that many coaches are volunteers and try their best, but they have never received any training or been given any support in how to adapt what they do to make it more inclusive” said 

Aspect Executive Manager Tom Tutton

What is Autism and neurodiversity?

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Autistic people experience differences in the way they process information and interact with their environment compared to non-Autistic people.

This means the way that Autistic people communicate, connect with others, and engage with aspects of day-to-day life are different to those of non-Autistic people.

Neurodiversity is a non-medical term that describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. 

Neurodivergent people are not always autistic; the term neurodivergent can refer to people with ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, or mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This page references information and community inclusion initiatives from:

  • Social Futures – Pathways to Play

  • Pathways to Play Northern NSW Resource Guide

  • Sport Inclusion Australia

  • AEIOU Foundation – Inclusive Sport Rules

Images used throughout this page should represent inclusive community sport participation, encouragement, accessibility and belonging.