SENDcast Episode
Neurodiversity and Sport: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces Where Neurodivergent People Thrive
with Liz Day
Sport has the potential to be a powerful, positive force in the lives of neurodivergent children – but without the right awareness and approach, it can become yet another environment where they feel excluded.
In this episode, Dale is joined by Liz Day, founder of Collectively Diverse CIC, to discuss ‘Neurodiversity and Sport: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces Where Neurodivergent Children Can Thrive’.
Liz brings a wealth of personal and professional insight – as a former county-level gymnast, specialist PE teacher, and neurodiversity expert who completed a Master’s in Psychology at the University of Exeter in 2024, exploring mental health literacy in young people.
Together, they explore:
- Why sport and physical activity can be transformative for neurodivergent children – and why PE lessons too often have the opposite effect.
- The importance of psychological safety in sports settings, and what coaches and clubs can do differently.
- Why children with EBSA still need access to physical activity, and how to make it happen.
- How parents can communicate their child’s needs effectively with sports organisations.
- The link between physical activity, emotional regulation, and mental health.
This episode is essential listening for parents of neurodivergent children, coaches, and youth sports club leaders – but also highly relevant for teachers, SENCOs, and anyone supporting the wellbeing of children and young people.
Watch on YouTube
About the guest
Liz Day
Liz is an experienced trainer and facilitator, passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and cultivating a safe environment for all. She began her career as a teacher with a specialism in PE, drawing on her background as a former county-level gymnast and lifelong love of sport.
This shaped her inclusive teaching approach and continues to influence her work today — sport remains central to her identity and wellbeing.
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