Sport has the potential to be a powerful, positive force in the lives of neurodivergent children - but without the right awareness and approach, it can become yet another environment where they feel excluded.

In this episode, Dale is joined by Liz Day, founder of Collectively Diverse CIC, to discuss 'Neurodiversity and Sport: Creating Safe, Inclusive Spaces Where Neurodivergent Children Can Thrive'.

Liz brings a wealth of personal and professional insight - as a former county-level gymnast, specialist PE teacher, and neurodiversity expert who completed a Master's in Psychology at the University of Exeter in 2024, exploring mental health literacy in young people.

Together, they explore:

• Why sport and physical activity can be transformative for neurodivergent children - and why PE lessons too often have the opposite effect.
• The importance of psychological safety in sports settings, and what coaches and clubs can do differently.
• Why children with EBSA still need access to physical activity, and how to make it happen.
• How parents can communicate their child's needs effectively with sports organisations.
• The link between physical activity, emotional regulation, and mental health.

This episode is essential listening for parents of neurodivergent children, coaches, and youth sports club leaders - but also highly relevant for teachers, SENCOs, and anyone supporting the wellbeing of children and young people.

View all podcasts | Visit our SENDcast Sessions shop

Liz is an experienced trainer and facilitator, passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and cultivating a safe environment for all. She began her career as a teacher with a specialism in PE, drawing on her background as a former county-level gymnast and lifelong love of sport.

This shaped her inclusive teaching approach and continues to influence her work today — sport remains central to her identity and wellbeing.

https://www.collectivelydiverse.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572518254058

https://www.instagram.com/collectivelydiverseUK/

liz@collectivelydiverse.co.uk

EBSA Toolkit for Schools

Compass Panel

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
• Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.