Understanding the Neurodivergent Umbrella: A Guide for Gymnastics Coaches & Owners
Neurodivergence is a term that refers to brain function differences that impact cognition, learning, attention, communication, movement, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. These differences may be present from birth or develop later in life due to injury or illness.
For gymnastics coaches and gym owners, understanding neurodivergence is essential in creating an inclusive environment where all athletes can thrive. In this guide, we’ll break down what conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, why this matters in the gymnastics community, and how you can better support neurodivergent athletes in your gym.
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
These conditions originate in early childhood and affect cognition, movement, learning, communication, and/or behavior.
✔ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Differences in social communication, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.
✔ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning.
✔ Dyslexia – Impacts reading, spelling, and writing skills.
✔ Dyscalculia – Affects number sense and mathematical abilities.
✔ Dysgraphia – Difficulties with handwriting, spelling, and fine motor coordination.
✔ Dyspraxia & Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD – Impacts motor planning, balance, and coordination.
✔ Intellectual Disabilities (ID) – Impaired cognitive function and adaptive skills.
✔ Language Processing Disorder (LPD) – Difficulty understanding and using spoken language.
✔ Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) – Challenges in processing and interpreting sounds.
✔ Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) – Difficulty with nonverbal cues, motor skills, and spatial awareness.
✔ Tic Disorders (Including Tourette Syndrome) – Involuntary motor or vocal tics.
Psychiatric & Mood Disorders with Neurodivergent Traits
These conditions affect thought patterns, emotional regulation, and perception of reality.
✔ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
✔ Bipolar Disorder – Alternating periods of depression and mania.
✔ Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders – Disruptions in thought processes, perception, and emotional regulation.
✔ Schizoaffective Disorder – A combination of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms.
✔ Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Emotional dysregulation, difficulty in relationships, impulsive behaviors.
✔ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Affects brain function due to trauma, altering memory, emotional processing, and regulation.
Sensory Processing & Perception Disorders
These conditions affect how an individual interprets sensory input (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, proprioception, and interoception).
✔ Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) – Over- or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli.
✔ Hyperlexia – Advanced reading ability in young children, often alongside challenges in comprehension and communication.
✔ Synesthesia – A neurological condition where stimulation of one sense triggers an involuntary response in another.
Chronic Neurological Conditions with Neurodivergent Aspects
These conditions affect cognitive, motor, and/or sensory function due to brain or nervous system differences.
✔ Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders – Brain activity disruptions that can impact cognition, behavior, and executive functioning.
✔ Cerebral Palsy (CP) – A motor disability affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination.
✔ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Cognitive and executive function changes due to brain injury.
✔ Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – Brain function and behavior differences due to prenatal alcohol exposure.
✔ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Can impact cognition, motor skills, and sensory processing.
✔ Parkinson’s Disease – A neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement and cognition.
✔ Huntington’s Disease – A genetic condition affecting movement, cognition, and behavior.
✔ Stroke-Induced Cognitive Impairment – Cognitive changes due to brain damage from stroke.
Other Conditions That May Be Considered Neurodivergent
These conditions do not fit neatly into neurodevelopmental or psychiatric categories but impact brain function and processing in ways that are considered neurodivergent.
✔ Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) – Often co-occurs with dyspraxia, dysautonomia, and sensory processing differences.
✔ Dysautonomia (Including POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) – Affects autonomic nervous system regulation, leading to cognitive fog and sensory sensitivities.
✔ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) – Includes cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), sensory overload, and movement challenges.
✔ Autoimmune Encephalitis – Can cause cognitive, emotional, and sensory processing disruptions.
✔ Long COVID/Post-Viral Neurological Syndrome – Persistent cognitive and neurological impairments after viral infections.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for Gymnastics Coaches & Owners
Neurodivergence is not just one thing—it’s a broad umbrella that includes differences in learning, movement, perception, cognition, behavior, and sensory processing.
💡 Why This Matters for Gymnastics Coaches & Educators:
1️⃣ Neurodivergent athletes exist in EVERY gym—even if they aren’t diagnosed or haven't told you their diagnosis.
2️⃣ Each neurodivergent athlete has unique strengths and support needs.
3️⃣ Supporting these athletes doesn’t require “lowering the bar”—it requires rethinking how we coach.
Gymnastics is a sport that can truly be for all—but only if we create spaces where neurodivergent athletes feel safe, seen, and valued. By learning about neurodivergence and making small shifts in our coaching approach, we can make gymnastics more inclusive for every athlete.
💡 Ready to take the next step in supporting neurodivergent athletes? Start with our Empower Neurodivergent Gymnasts recorded webinar!
Join Dr. Sigourney Weathers, PT & Jill Bosack (co-owners of All in Gym Training Co.) alongside Brandi Smith, PT, FAAOMPT, OCS (Owner & Physical Therapist at Perfect 10.0 Physical Therapy & Performance Training) as we dive into practical strategies for making gymnastics more inclusive.
