What’s It Like to Be a Triathlete with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD?

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Neurodiversity can be defined as differences in brain function leading to varied behaviors, processing, emotionality, mood, learning, and sociability. We’re talking about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, including “Aspergers” which is a term that is no longer used), ADD/ADHD, Tourette syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), dyslexia, and other conditions. While there is some disagreement about what constitutes neurodiversity, there is a growing consensus that we should move away from pathologizing and towards seeing these cognitive variations as evidence of biodiversity. Each diagnosis has many different facets, gradients of severity, and affect people differently. While some neurodiverse (ND) folks need quite a bit of support to manage everyday tasks and some don’t need much at all, the concept that there is something wrong with ND folks just doesn’t sit right. As those of us on the spectrum sometimes say, “We’re just wired differently.”

The way an ND person approaches situations may be quite different than a neurotypical (NT) person. They may notice things that NT people do not, may feel sensory input from the environment around them differently, may communicate differently, and typically have different needs when it comes to burning energy or conserving it. Contrary to what you might see on the big screen, you can’t tell who is ND just by looking at them. However, as you’ll read here, you’ve probably been passed by one of us in a triathlon.

What's It Like to Be a Triathlete with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD?

Real-life advice from neurodiverse triathletes on their experiences, unique challenges, and opportunities encountered in training and racing.

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Just don't know when to quit.