Neurodiversity

As the understanding of neurodiversity has developed, so has the language associated with it. You may have heard the term ‘neurodiversity’ used interchangeably with some of the language below. For ease of understanding, we recommend the following:

·       Neurodiversity: The phenomenon of variability between people in how our brains process information and therefore experience the world.

·       Neurodivergence: Individuals who have a brain that functions differently to the societal norms.

·       Neurotypical: The majority of people who think, learn, and express themselves in ways that are considered ‘normal’ by society.

In recent years greater emphasis has been placed on the difference between women and girls and men and boys. This is for a number of reasons:

• Diagnosis Rates - Many of the diagnostic tools for neurodivergent conditions were modelled on traditionally male behaviours. This means that women and girls may not be diagnosed until later in life, if at all.

• ‘Masking’ - Women and girls are found to ‘mask’ more, meaning that they adapt their natural behaviour to match what they believe is expected of them. This could include rehearsing conversations ahead of having them, hiding behaviour that may be labelled ‘different’ or mirroring the appearance of others.

• Misdiagnosis - Because diagnostic tools haven’t been created with women and girls, many neurodivergent individuals are found to be misdiagnosed. Research suggests that 80% of autistic females remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by the age of 18 (The Daisy Chain Project). Misdiagnosis often relates to mental health issues such as depression.

By remaining mindful of this within a sport with a membership that is 95%+ female, we can recognise that considerations around neurodiversity should start with a focus on women and girls.

In 2022 the National Autistic Society delivered an award winning campaign entitled ‘Now I Know’. It centred on experiences of late diagnosis of autism amongst women and non-binary people. You can view and read about the experiences of those involved and access a range of supporting resources, including how to teach autistic girls, via the image below.

The Neurodiversity Passport is designed to be completed by the neurodivergent person and/or their parent/carer if applicable.

• It is best done with the help of a netball coach to encourage dialogue, better understanding and create an agreed plan.

• It is designed to follow the player from team to team, between coaches. It can be shared with umpires or others as required with the person’s consent.

• It may help to review this after a few months or every season (as necessary and agreed).

You can download a blank copy here:

Open

This factsheets below are not intended to cover every aspect of every condition but to serve as a point of reference.

They are intended to act as an introduction and guide to aid understanding, communication, and enhance enjoyment of netball for all.

Some conditions like dyscalculia, dysgraphia are not included as these are likely to have less impact on netball participation.

• ADOS: the most common type of diagnostic test for autism in the UK (Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule)

• Acquired or Traumatic brain injury: some conditions or neurological differences can arise from an injury

• Asperger's Syndrome: a now outdated term to refer to a form of autism with little or no impairment in language use.

• Comorbidity/Coexistence: the presence of more than one impairment in the same person

• Hyper/Hyposensitivity: an unusually high or low response to a particular stimulus (eg light or noise).

• Neurominority: A group of neurodivergent individuals who share a similar form of neurodivergence. 

• Savant: an individual with specific exceptional skill or talent – eg maths or music

• Stimming (self-stimulation): behaviours often used by some people with autism to assist with calming, concentration or shutting out overwhelming external stimuli. (could be finger clicking, rocking, repetitive noises or other behaviours)

• Time Blindness: Time blindness is used to describe when a person experiences difficulty in knowing what time it is now, how much time is left, and how quickly time is passing.

• Remember, Everyone is different. Just as every woman is different; every child, everyone from a particular religion, race or country is different. Every neurodivergent person is also different.

• One person with autism may experience the world very differently from another, and may present with very different behaviour. One person with ADHD may find things really challenging that another with ADHD may find very easy.

• A neurological difference is not linked to intelligence.

• Some people may be very open about their differences while others may not. Some may be very knowledgeable about it, others may have just been diagnosed or not even know they have a neurological difference.

• Neurodivergent boys and girls, men and women are likely to have different needs and behaviours.

• Stress is likely to exaggerate how a neurological difference appears.

• If in doubt ask. Meeting needs, facilitating a good netball experience, training sessions or match play starts with good communication.

• Don’t assume. You may think you know about a condition but as suggested above, people’s experiences, needs and presentation may be different from someone you are familiar with.

• Some people may want help, others may not.

• If you are dealing with a child or person at risk, it is good practice (if you have the consent of the person and/or their parent/carer) to speak to a parent, carer, a specialist (if one is involved), or their school.

• Consider some additional or specialist training for coaches or volunteers.