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: What We Get Wrong
29:21 Autism, Sport & Eating Disorders
39:43 Why Autism Can Be a Strength in
Professional Cycling
46:45 Women’s Cycling Through an Autism Lens
55:06 Disclosing Autism: Regret, Relief &
Reality
58:38 Is Cycling Good for Neurodivergent People?
01:02:07 Connie’s Green Dot Badge
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben
Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees
neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet
too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without
support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep
showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing
stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and
research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people
turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about
brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep
fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
______________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Connie Hayes @connie_hayes
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green
dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All
proceeds go to the charity.
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