{"podcast":{"title":"The Hidden 20%","slug":"the-hidden-20-6751677","podcast_index_feed_id":6751677,"rss_url":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/657b32c48f98e20016664592","website_url":"https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20","image_url":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/657b32c48f98e20016664592/1727688431246-13a9e78d-6673-4702-95f5-bff12701363d.jpeg","author":"Ben Branson","episode_count":122,"summary":"Help us rewrite the future for every mind. Join the movement and donate at hidden20.org/donate The Hidden 20% is a UK-registered charity, podcast and movement rewriting the future for every mind Founded by autistic/ADHD entrepreneur Ben Branson, we find and share the truth about neurodiversity - catching society up and breaking the cycle of silence, shame and suffering. Through research, stories and science we share the truth - making the hidden visible. Each week, we speak with leading experts and lived experience voices to uncover the true scale and potential of neurodiversity - challenging myths, stereotypes and outdated systems. While others talk awareness, we demand recognition, representation and reform. Every month, more than 100,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to learn, connect and feel seen. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder and keep amplifying the truth. Great minds think differently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","last_synced_at":null,"page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677"},"episode":{"title":"Autism, Eating Disorders & Elite Sport: Connie Hayes on Cycling, Regulation & Identity","slug":"autism-eating-disorders-elite-sport-connie-hayes-on-cycling-regulation-identity","published_at":"2026-02-11T05:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677/autism-eating-disorders-elite-sport-connie-hayes-on-cycling-regulation-identity","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677","url":"https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/autism-dyspraxia-elite-womenscycling-connie-hayes-on-regulat","audio_url":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/657b32c48f98e20016664592/e/698b1b925e0cb52f1593b56c/media.mp3","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:…","meta_description":"Semi-Professional cyclist, Connie Hayes, joins Ben for a deeply personal conversation about growing up autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic - and how cycling…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3824,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-hidden-20-6751677/episodes/autism-eating-disorders-elite-sport-connie-hayes-on-cycling-regulation-identity/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-hidden-20-6751677/autism-eating-disorders-elite-sport-connie-hayes-on-cycling-regulation-identity.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}