Episode
Autism, Eating Disorders & Elite Sport: Connie Hayes on Cycling, Regulation & Identity
- Podcast
- The Hidden 20%
- Published
- Feb 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3824
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/autism-dyspraxia-elite-womenscycling-connie-hayes-on-regulat
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Summary
Semi-Professional cyclist, Connie Hayes, joins Ben for a deeply personal conversation about growing up autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic - and how cycling became both a regulator and a place of safety. Connie reflects on the early signs of autism that were missed, the self-esteem battles that came with puberty, hormones and friendships, and the long road to understanding her neurodivergence. She shares how sport - particularly cycling - helps regulate her nervous system, why environment matters so deeply for autistic performance, and how dyspraxia shows up at an elite level. Together, they also explore autism in women, eating disorders in sport, disclosure, and the urgent need for more inclusive practices across the industry. If you’re curious about neurodiversity, sport and identity, this episode is for you! Join us at hidden20.org/donate . ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Connie Hayes: The Autistic, Dyslexic & Dyspraxic Professional Cyclist 02:20 Early Signs of Autism & Being Missed 03:07 How Cycling Regulates Connie’s Autistic Brain 04:41 Understanding Autism Through Sport (Post-Diagnosis) 05:57 Designing Environments Where Autistic Athletes Thrive 08:05 Autism, Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Diagnosis Journey: Self-Esteem, Puberty & Friendships 10:42 Dyspraxia in Elite Cycling: Coordination, Balance & Training 12:28 Fighting for School Support & Being Left With Questions 16:59 The Right University & Autism in Women: “It Saved My Life” 25:53 Identity: Seeing Herself as an Autistic Woman 26:38 Society’s Expectations vs Autistic Females 27:19 Neurodiversity in Sport:…