"Neurodiversity in Sport" Hits the Airwaves – Thank You, BBC 5 Live!
We at Neurodiverse Sport are still buzzing with gratitude after being featured on the BBC 5 Live “All About” podcast—an entire hour dedicated to neurodiversity in elite sport. For a subject that too often exists in the shadows, having this conversation broadcast on a national platform during World Autism Acceptance Month feels like a huge moment. A moment we’re proud to be part of, and one we hope sparks lasting change.
Opening Up the Conversation
Hosted with empathy and genuine curiosity, the episode brought together a range of voices—including our very own Caragh McMurtry, Olympic rower and CEO of Neurodiverse Sport, alongside journalist and media consultant Nick Ransom.
Nick’s passionate and well-informed take helped ground the conversation in lived experience and thoughtful insight. He explained the evolution of the term neurodiversity—how it celebrates the natural variation in how brains work and champions identities like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more as different, not deficient.
We were especially encouraged to hear this conversation highlight the importance of language, the barriers to diagnosis, and the need to design sporting environments that empower everyone.
A Personal Journey in the Spotlight
Caragh shared her own deeply personal story—one that mirrors the reality of many neurodivergent athletes. Misdiagnosed for years, she eventually learned she is autistic. This clarity didn’t just improve her self-understanding—it transformed her ability to communicate, perform, and thrive.
We know her story resonated with many because it reflects a wider truth: so many athletes are playing elite sport while masking, adapting, and often struggling in silence. Her voice on this platform helped bring that truth into the light.
Lucy Bronze: Representation at the Top
To hear England’s Lucy Bronze speak so candidly about her autism and ADHD diagnosis was nothing short of inspiring. Her honesty—about how her brain works, how she sees the game 10 steps ahead, and how she’s now completely comfortable with who she is—was a landmark moment.
Representation at this level matters deeply. When elite athletes speak openly about being neurodivergent, they give permission to the next generation to explore their own identities and needs—without shame.
Her story didn’t just empower listeners. It also deeply moved fellow athlete Safia Middleton-Patel, goalkeeper for Manchester United and Wales. Safia spoke about finding strength in her diagnosis and the practical ways her team and coaches support her—from sensory accommodations to personalised communication styles.
Supportive Coaching, Empowered Athletes
Safia’s relationship with her goalkeeping coach is a beautiful example of what inclusion looks like in action. It’s not about ‘fixing’ someone—it’s about learning how to support them to be their best. Adapting drills, offering non-verbal cues, and understanding emotional intensity are all part of a coaching toolkit rooted in respect.
These are exactly the kinds of practices we champion at Neurodiverse Sport.
Why This Matters
When conversations like this reach national platforms, we see the ripple effect—more awareness, more confidence, and more inclusive environments across all levels of sport.
To the BBC 5 Live team, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. For treating this topic with care, for inviting lived experience into the studio, and for helping move the conversation from the margins to the mainstream.
We are proud to be part of this shift. And we know this is just the beginning.
Let’s keep opening doors, lifting voices, and building a sporting world where neurodivergent athletes aren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated.
– The Neurodiverse Sport Team 💙
