“Not Quite Autistic Enough” — Neurodivergence, Sport & Belonging By Holly Halford-Smith

I’m autistic. I have ADHD. I’m a coach, a former elite athlete, and I run a cricket coaching business where we do things differently — on purpose.

For much of my life, I was considered too much — too blunt, too intense, too sensitive, too direct. I never quite read the social cues, often spoke out of turn, and constantly felt like I was missing something everyone else just seemed to ‘get.’

I was never quite ‘autistic enough’ to be recognised, understood or supported — just different enough to feel out of place.

I’ve been tone-policed, misjudged, misunderstood. I’ve masked exhaustion. I’ve coached through burnout. And I’ve sat with players who’ve felt the same way — who’ve been labelled “difficult,” “rude,” or “lazy” when they’re just overwhelmed, dysregulated, or trying their best to keep up in an environment not built for them.

That’s why I coach the way I do.

I lead with empathy. I adapt sessions to suit different learning styles. I check in gently, give space when needed, and celebrate the small wins others might miss. When my players need me to be their coach, I’m there. But when they need me to be a safe person, an advocate, or just a listening ear; I’m there for that too.

At Active Cricket Coaching, we don’t just run drills for the sake of it — we design experiences that bring players in, keep them curious, and let them learn through creative, gamified play. That innovation? It comes from being neurodivergent myself.

Neurodivergent athletes don’t need fixing. They need understanding. They need space to belong.

If you’re a coach, parent, club leader, or teammate: inclusion is not about lowering the bar. It’s about changing the room.

Let’s do better — for the players who don’t quite fit, who burn bright, and who deserve a place in sport exactly as they are.

Want to create a more inclusive sporting environment?

I’m putting together a FREE 1-page guide for coaches and clubs: Adapting Sport for Neurodivergent Athletes — DM and I’ll send it to you once it’s done!