How can sport benefit ADHD and neurodivergent kids?

In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by special guest Caragh McMurty to discuss the challenges and strengths of neurodivergence in sport. Caragh is a Team GB and Olympic rower, as well as being the co-founder and CEO of Neurodiverse Sport - whose mission is to empower athletes, participants, volunteers, and professionals to create a future where neuroinclusive practice is the norm, not the exception. Caragh speaks passionately about the danger of relying too heavily on labels and is determined to challenge common neurodiversity misconceptions to ensure athletes at all levels feel supported - from grassroots to elite competition. She is passionate about the transformative power in sports to empower neurodivergent individuals to learn, grow and self-regulate.

Caragh kicks off by sharing a raw and honest look at her own journey, beginning with being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, until finally receiving an autism diagnosis in her late 20s and beginning to suspect ADHD. Although she presented a ‘tough as nails’ exterior to avoid being bullied, Caragh felt vulnerable underneath it all - a fact that went unappreciated by peers and coaches alike. She explains how gaining the right diagnosis has since helped her better understand her brain and advocate for herself, particularly in sport. Certain environments in sport can cause sensory overload, which Caragh explains can be mistaken for a lack of motivation to exercise but is actually key for mental health. She also shares insight into some of the stereotypes about neurodiversity in sport and why we need to challenge them to ensure children can thrive.

Claire and Caragh discuss the need for flexible systems in sport to accommodate neurodivergent individuals and the impact of positive reinforcement from coaches, particularly for children with ADHD. Caragh goes on to talk about Neurodiverse Sport’s mission to raise awareness and promote neuroinclusive practices in all sports, to ensure children feel fully understood and supported. She encourages parents to find a supportive community and to play an active role in helping their children thrive in sport.

To find out more about Caragh and Neurodiverse Sport, head to: https://www.neurodiversesport.com/