Neurodiversity In Sport

Question 1

Who is Caragh McMurtry?

Answer 1

An Olympian who wants sport to be more inclusive of neurodiverse people.

Question 2

What does neurodiversity encompass?

Answer 2

Different neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s.

Question 3

What are symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Answer 3

Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, along with difficulties completing tasks, organization, time management, and following instructions.

Question 4

What are characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Answer 4

Difficulties with social communications, repetitive behaviors, need to stick to routines, and sensory difficulties e.g., light and sound.

Question 5

What are some mental health comorbidities associated with neurodevelopmental conditions?

Answer 5

Mood disorders e.g., depression, anxiety disorders e.g., panic disorder, substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.

Question 6

Who is Charley Hull?

Answer 6

An English golfer who revealed her ADHD diagnosis after a return to form.

Question 7

What is a common sentiment expressed by individuals with ADHD in sports?

Answer 7

I’m proud to say I’ve got ADHD - it’s my boxing superpower.

Question 8

What is the topic of the Week 5 lecture?

Answer 8

Record numbers in England taking ADHD medication.

No cara shows Neurodiversity and mental health.

Question 9

What is the position statement about athletes with ADHD?

Answer 9

Position Statement of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

Pujalte, George G.A. MD; Narducci, Dusty Marie MD*; Smith, Michael Seth MD, PharmD; King, Rebecca MD; Logan, Kelsey MD; Callender, Shelley Street MD; Liebman, Catherine A. DO.

Question 10

What are the risks of untreated ADHD?

Answer 10

Untreated ADHD puts individuals at risk of mental health co-morbidities including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

(Putukian et al, 2011)

Question 11

What is a common treatment for ADHD?

Answer 11

Medication is a common treatment for ADHD, which can come with side effects.

There are unique considerations of these side effects in athletes (Putukian et al., 2011; Pujalte et al., 2023).

Question 12

What does the NICE Guideline ING87 recommend for ADHD and autism?

Answer 12

Exercise is recommended for the management of ADHD & autism.

Published: 14 March 2018, Last updated: 13 September 2019.

Question 13

What is a concern for athletes with ADHD regarding exercise?

Answer 13

Athletes are already doing high levels of exercise & may be at risk of overtraining.

Question 14

What research focuses on exercise for ADHD and autism symptoms?

Answer 14

Sports psychiatry research on exercise for ADHD and autism symptoms.

(e.g., Xiang Ng et al., 2017; Toscano et al., 2018)

Question 15

What do the recommendations and research focus on?

Answer 15

These recommendations & research focus on the general population.

Question 16

What is the main topic of the Week 5 lecture?

Answer 16

Lack of research on neurodiversity in sport.

Question 17

What is the essential reading for the topic?

Answer 17

Hoare et al. (2023).

Question 18

What type of review did Hoare et al. (2023) conduct?

Answer 18

A systematic scoping review to understand the extent and scope of evidence regarding neurodiversity in elite sport.

Question 19

How many studies were included in the review?

Answer 19

23 studies.

Question 20

What types of studies were included in the review?

Answer 20

10 observational systematic/narrative reviews, 6 commentary/position statements, and 3 qualitative studies.

Question 21

What is a significant focus of the research on neurodiversity in sport?

Answer 21

ADHD, often in relation to concussion risk, screening, and treatment.

Question 22

What aspect of ADHD has been researched?

Answer 22

The medical management of ADHD, particularly the use of stimulant medications and their compliance with anti-doping regulations.

Question 23

What gap exists in the research regarding neurodiversity in sport?

Answer 23

Little research has explored neurodiversity in sport from athletes’ perspectives.

Question 24

What is a noted gap in the literature?

Answer 24

Limited research on neurodiversity in elite sport, with most studies focusing on ADHD in college athletes in the USA.

Question 25

How is autism in elite sport characterized in the research?

Answer 25

Under-researched, with only one study examining the lived experiences of autistic athletes.

Question 26

What is the implication of the lack of research on neurodiversity and mental health in sport?

Answer 26

Only one study in the review focused on anxiety management.

Question 27

What is emphasized regarding inclusive practices in elite sport?

Answer 27

The importance of developing evidence-based inclusive practices to support neurodivergent athletes.

Question 28

What is the recommendation for future research?

Answer 28

A strong rationale for future research to focus on the unique needs of neurodivergent athletes and fostering supportive environments.

Question 29

What educational focus is suggested in the context of neurodiversity in sport?

Answer 29

Highlight the intersection of neurodiversity, mental health, and elite sport, emphasizing the need for awareness and tailored support strategies.

Question 30

What finding is noted about ADHD in athletes?

Answer 30

ADHD could be more common in athletes than the general population.

Question 31

What scales were used to assess ADHD symptoms?

Answer 31

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Autism Spectrum Questionnaire (AQ).

Question 32

How did ADHD scores compare between athletes and non-athletes in school settings?

Answer 32

Athletes showed significantly higher ADHD scores in school settings compared to non-athletes.

Question 33

What was observed regarding ADHD scores in sport activities?

Answer 33

In sport activities, athletes had lower ADHD scores, indicating better focus and fewer symptoms.

Question 34

Were there significant differences in AQ scores between athletes and non-athletes?

Answer 34

No significant differences were found in AQ scores between athletes and non-athletes.

Question 35

What implication does the study suggest about ADHD in athletes?

Answer 35

ADHD could be more common in athletes than the general population.

Question 36

How can ADHD symptoms in athletes be viewed?

Answer 36

ADHD symptoms in athletes can be seen as functional behaviors with cognitive strengths like hyper-focusing, which can be advantageous in sports.

Question 37

What type of study design was used in this research?

Answer 37

Cross-sectional design.

Question 38

What does the study focus on regarding ADHD symptoms?

Answer 38

Symptoms typical of ADHD profile, not diagnosis.

Question 39

What was not measured in the study?

Answer 39

No measure of performance or mechanisms.

Question 40

What factors did the study focus on?

Answer 40

Focused on individual rather than contextual factors.

Question 41

What is one benefit of regular physical activity for individuals with ADHD?

Answer 41

Improved Symptoms: Regular physical activity can help reduce ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inattention.

Question 42

How do sports provide a positive outlet for individuals with ADHD?

Answer 42

Sports provide a constructive outlet for excess energy and can improve self-esteem and social skills.

Question 43

What structure does sports provide for athletes with ADHD?

Answer 43

The structured environment of sports can help athletes with ADHD develop better organizational and time-management skills.

Question 44

What is a challenge faced by athletes with ADHD regarding performance?

Answer 44

Inconsistent Performance: Athletes with ADHD may struggle with maintaining consistent performance due to difficulties with focus and attention.

Question 45

What impulsivity-related challenge do athletes with ADHD face?

Answer 45

Impulsivity can lead to risky decisions during play, potentially affecting the outcome of games.

Question 46

What are some side effects of ADHD medications on athletic performance?

Answer 46

Some ADHD medications can have side effects that may affect athletic performance, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 47

How does sensitivity to criticism affect athletes with ADHD?

Answer 47

Sensitivity to criticism will influence interactions with teammates and coaches.

Question 48

What is a noted gap in research regarding ADHD in athletes?

Answer 48

Heavy focus on ADHD with little research on experiences from athletes' perspectives.

Question 49

Who conducted the study referenced?

Answer 49

Putukian et al. (2011).