Neurodiversity refers to the difference between how people think, process information, behave and communicate and it’s estimated that 15-20% of children and young people in the UK are neurodivergent.

Sport offers a unique opportunity for neurodivergent children, helping them to understand their strengths and challenges within a safe and structured environment that aligns with how their brains work.

The Youth Sport Trust have collaborated with Neurodiverse Sport, a not-for-profit organisation who are committed to raising awareness of neurodiversity in sports and promoting neuroinclusive practices throughout the sector on this new toolkit. It has been designed for education practitioners to adopt when considering how to create an inclusive environment when delivering PE and school sport for neurodivergent young people. It encourages practitioners to understand individual needs, provide clear instructions and ensure consistency in approach as part of the top tips included. The full document can be downloaded here.

"Research shows that neurodivergent children are less likely to participate in sports, yet they stand to benefit disproportionately from doing so, whether it's through improved physical health, social connection, or emotional well-being. To date, there hasn't been enough understanding or accommodation for these children, particularly in mainstream sport.

Collaborating with the Youth Sport Trust on this Neurodiversity resource is an important step towards changing that. It's a valuable tool that will not only support event organisers but also contribute meaningfully to the Inclusion 2024 programme for the Department of Education, helping ensure that pupils with SEND have better access to quality PE and sport opportunities.

We're excited to help make neuroinclusive practice the norm, so more children can reap the rewards of participating in sport and physical activity."

Caragh McMurtry, Co-Founder of Neurodiverse Sport

“The number of young people with SEND attending mainstream schools is continually rising with 18% of all pupils across schools nationally requiring SEND support to meet their needs. Inclusion 2024 is providing schools with more support and training for staff to ensure all pupils have a high-quality experience of school sport and PE. This resource, written in collaboration with Neurodiverse Sport, aims to ensure all neurodivergent young people have a positive experience when participating in PE and school sport, with top tips to support in maximising inclusive practice.”

Kelly Gates, Development Manager for Inclusion at the Youth Sport Trust

This toolkit has been designed as part of the Inclusion 2024 programme, funded by the Department for Education, which aims to improve the quality of schools’ physical education and school sport provision for SEND pupils, by working with PE leads, teachers, SENDCos and teaching assistants to develop their knowledge and confidence of delivering inclusive practice.

The Youth Sport Trust and Neurodiverse Sport would encourage all education practitioners to use and adopt the toolkit within their everyday practice. Further support can be found on the Inclusion 2024 pages or by contacting [email protected]