New CASES Neurodiversity in Sport and Exercise Special Interest Group

CASES is pleased to announce the establishment of a new Neurodiversity in Sport and Exercise Special Interest Group (SIG), co-convened by Dr Kristin McGinty-Minister and Dr Laura Swettenham.

The Neurodiversity SIG has been created in response to increasing recognition across the sector of the need for practice that is informed by contemporary research, attentive to diverse cognitive profiles, and grounded in principles of inclusion and fairness. Its purpose is to support practitioners, researchers, trainees, and organisations in developing approaches that reflect the full range of ways people learn, work, and perform within sport and exercise settings.

Purpose

The SIG will provide a dedicated forum to explore how professional practice, training environments, and organisational systems intersect with neurodiverse experiences. The Group will foster informed discussion, highlight emerging evidence, and support the development of environments that enable individuals to participate and perform in ways that are sustainable, authentic, and conducive to well-being.

Objectives

The SIG will focus on:

• Professional practice & CPD: promoting approaches to CPD and practitioner development that recognise varied learning needs and cognitive styles.
• Guidance and standards: contributing to the development of inclusive, ethical, and evidence-informed approaches across CASES disciplines.
• Knowledge development: supporting the sharing, synthesis, and critical review of current and emerging research.
• Performance and well-being integration: encouraging practice that considers neurodiversity within training, support systems, and applied performance work.
• Participatory construction: ensuring neurodivergent perspectives inform SIG priorities and shape its activities; participatory co-construction is at the heart of this SIG.
• Networks and partnerships: strengthening connections with national and international colleagues to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Introduction from the co-Convenors:

Commenting on the creation of the new Neurodiversity in Sport and Exercise SIG, co-Convenor, Dr Kristin McGinty-Minister, said, “I am so excited to co-create this SIG with Laura and our members. Neurodiversity has always been a part of sport, even if the systems around us weren’t designed with neurodiverse perspectives in mind; with neuro-affirmative approaches now being a standard for responsible practice, it’s our responsibility to help the sector reach that standard with clarity, evidence, and integrity.”

Co-Convenor, Dr Laura Swettenham, said, “Kristin and I are so excited to see this SIG come to life! It reflects the growing movement towards neuro-affirmative practice in sport and exercise, one that prioritises lived experience and practical change. By supporting neurodivergent athletes, trainees, and practitioners, we strengthen the whole system. We can’t wait to get started and connect with CASES members.”

Engagement

Please share this exciting update with colleagues. Membership is open to all CASES members with an interest in neurodiversity and inclusive practice. CASES members can opt in to communications from the Neurodiversity in Sport and Exercise SIG via their Member Profile (in the Members' Area) to receive updates and information on how to get more involved. Alternatively, please email jbairstow@cases.org.uk and Jane will add this to your profile. Updates on activities, events, and opportunities for involvement will be shared through the CASES Member Portal.