Neurodiversity in elite sport: a systematic scoping review
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerHoare, E., Reyes, J., Olive, L., Willmott, C., Steer, E., Berk, M., & Hall, K. (2023). Neurodiversity in elite sport: a systematic scoping review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 9(2), e001575. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001575
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Abstract
The objective of this systematic scoping review is to understand the extent and scope of evidence regarding neurodiversity in elite sport. This systematic scoping review considered epidemiological studies, com mentary and viewpoints papers, systematic review and meta-analyses, and any intervention or clinical treatment, management and practice studies in relation to neurodiversity in elite sport. Case studies and grey literature were ineligible for review. Neurodivergence included neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorders. Elite sport was defined as Olympic, Paralympic, national, international, professional and semiprofessional sport. The final 23 studies included in this review comprised 10 observational studies, 4 systematic/narrative reviews, 6 commentary/position statements and 3 qualitative studies. The literature reflected a major focus on ADHD as a risk factor for concussion and prognosis for postconcussion recovery. Further, there was a focus on the medical management of ADHD, regarding adherence to sporting antidoping regulations. One study focused on the experience of autism in athletes in elite sport settings through qualitative interviews. One study focused on anxiety disorders in elite athletes, with ADHD emerging as a major risk factor. There is a strong rationale for future research to build on the evidence for neurodiversity in elite sport to foster supportive and inclusive elite sporting environments.
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These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 12 Sep 2026 18:17.
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- References with detected author names
- 69 / 73 (94.5%)
- Without detected author names
- 4
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- 3
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- 2
- References with raw author names still to review
- 2
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- 1
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- 316
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