Superb article and well researched! Thank you - I’m an autistic athlete/runner now working with autistic people and to read this brings me joy as your language and up to date information is perfect. Thank you 🦄
I loved this! Especially the section about how races and training groups can be more inclusive and consider neurodivergence in how they are structured.
Loved this! There is also a strong overlap with Autism and Eating Disorders, which can make for a perfect storm when combined with running (as I have experienced!)
My issue is the marathon that thinks it’s being inclusive by putting the burden on the autistic people to have them wear headphones. Running with giant headphones on is not an option and causes more issues, when in reality people should be mindfully to not scream at the top of their lungs or use low tone noises instead of the high pitch cow bells and gun noises I actually dealt with during a 10 K with no warning causing me to have a panic attack while running. Why not eliminate those unnecessary things to be inclusive? Why is the burden alway on the person with the disability when it comes to autism?
I'm so sorry you had that experience. I don't think there's enough awareness about sensory issues in general at the moment. In an ideal world, everything would be built to beter accomodate autistic people. We definitely have a long way to go. I was encouraged to read that NYRR had a quiet spot for anyone who needed it at the start of the NYC Marathon, but the 26.2 miles after that are another story. FWIW, the earbuds I've heard recommended most are the Loop ones, which are tiny. But it's also entirely likely that the most powerful ones don't accomplish the same thing as giant headphones would.
Adrienne Bunn is a great example and role model for regular neurodivergent athletes who aren't elite or record holders! Her goal is to inspire those with autism to get out there and keep going even when others are telling them they can't do something. She was also sponsored by KultureCity for the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship Race in Kona and the 2023 NYC Marathon. @trigirl_16
Superb article and well researched! Thank you - I’m an autistic athlete/runner now working with autistic people and to read this brings me joy as your language and up to date information is perfect. Thank you 🦄
I loved this! Especially the section about how races and training groups can be more inclusive and consider neurodivergence in how they are structured.
There are so many ways I can be more thoughtful. I appreciate your work on this subject, which will help me be a better person.
Loved this! There is also a strong overlap with Autism and Eating Disorders, which can make for a perfect storm when combined with running (as I have experienced!)
My issue is the marathon that thinks it’s being inclusive by putting the burden on the autistic people to have them wear headphones. Running with giant headphones on is not an option and causes more issues, when in reality people should be mindfully to not scream at the top of their lungs or use low tone noises instead of the high pitch cow bells and gun noises I actually dealt with during a 10 K with no warning causing me to have a panic attack while running. Why not eliminate those unnecessary things to be inclusive? Why is the burden alway on the person with the disability when it comes to autism?
I'm so sorry you had that experience. I don't think there's enough awareness about sensory issues in general at the moment. In an ideal world, everything would be built to beter accomodate autistic people. We definitely have a long way to go. I was encouraged to read that NYRR had a quiet spot for anyone who needed it at the start of the NYC Marathon, but the 26.2 miles after that are another story. FWIW, the earbuds I've heard recommended most are the Loop ones, which are tiny. But it's also entirely likely that the most powerful ones don't accomplish the same thing as giant headphones would.
Adrienne Bunn is a great example and role model for regular neurodivergent athletes who aren't elite or record holders! Her goal is to inspire those with autism to get out there and keep going even when others are telling them they can't do something. She was also sponsored by KultureCity for the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship Race in Kona and the 2023 NYC Marathon. @trigirl_16