Psychology In The News | Neurodiversity in Sport

As part of this year’s Neurodiversity celebration week, England footballer Lucy Bronze has spoken to BBC Sport about her experiences of being diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.

Lucy Bronze always sensed she was different. Growing up, the England football star tried mimicking teammates' behaviours to blend in. Now a decorated athlete with 22 major trophies from Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, Barcelona, and Chelsea, the 2019 Ballon d'Or runner-up has achieved remarkable success.

Though formally diagnosed with autism in 2021, Bronze had always suspected she was in some way different. ‘My mum had spoken about it from a very young age, ’ she explains. Early signs included dyslexia and persistent sleep difficulties. ‘My brain is like 100mph, even when lying in bed, ’ Bronze admits.

Her autism manifests in avoiding eye contact and habitually touching her hair during matches—a self-soothing behaviour often misinterpreted. Learning about her neurodivergence during a Lionesses training camp was enlightening: ‘I understood why I saw things differently to other people.’

Throughout her twenties, Bronze ‘masked’ her autism by mimicking others' social behaviours. ‘When I first joined England, I could not speak to anyone’, she recalls. She observed teammate Jill Scott's conversational style and adopted it. ‘Hugging people, making eye contact—I had to learn these things because they're seen as normal, but I found them so difficult.’

Fortunately, Bronze's neurodivergence has become her competitive advantage. Her hyper-focus on football—’ I'm not passionate, I'm obsessed’—and ADHD-driven energy enhance her performance. ‘Training every day is amazing for me. The other girls ask: 'Are you sure you're 33? You don't stop!'’

Now an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, Bronze works to eliminate stigma. ‘Understanding who you are is such a good thing’ she emphasises. As for life after football? ‘I'll find something else. My head is everywhere with it—the boardroom, coaching, physios. I'm obsessed with it all’.

What are Autism and ADHD?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and behaviour patterns. Common traits include difficulty with eye contact, sensory sensitivities, intense focus on specific interests, preference for routines, and challenges with non-verbal cues.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) involves difficulties regulating attention, controlling impulses, and managing activity levels. Traits include racing thoughts, restlessness, hyperfocus on interests, sleep difficulties, and challenges with sustained attention except in areas of passion.

Watch the video via the BBC sport link below and then answer these questions

Lucy Bronze talks about ‘masking’; this is defined as the conscious or unconscious act of hiding or suppressing aspects of oneself, such as behaviours, emotions, or traits, to fit in or avoid negative reactions, often to appear ‘neurotypical’

1. How did Lucy Bronze show masking?
2. What impact could masking have on the diagnosis of conditions such as Autism?
3. How have Bronze’s autism and ADHD contributed positively to her football career?
4. Why does Bronze believe raising awareness about autism and ADHD is important, and how has she worked to reduce stigma?

Challenge: Conduct a research investigation into the impact of masking on the mental health of autistic individuals. Use psychological studies, case examples (such as Lucy Bronze), and expert opinions to evaluate both the short-term and long-term effects of masking in different social and professional settings.

References:

BBC Sport Having autism has worked to my advantage in football – Bronze https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/fo... (accessed 20.3.25)

Autistic people and masking https://www.autism.org.uk/advi... (accessed 20.3.25)