Autism, Eating Disorders & Elite Sport: Connie Hayes on Cycling, Regulation & Identity

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.


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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


______________


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Website: www.hidden20.org


Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity


Ben Branson @seedlip_ben


Connie Hayes @connie_hayes





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