From Masking to Thriving: Embracing Executive Strengths, Not Just Managing Challenges

Charlie Barker
Oct 21
4 min read

In sport, we talk a lot about performance, resilience, and mindset. But for many neurodivergent athletes, there’s an invisible extra layer: masking. Masking means trying to “pass” as neurotypical by hiding traits or behaviours that feel different. It might look like forcing eye contact, copying teammates’ social cues, or suppressing natural stimming. While masking can sometimes help athletes “fit in,” it often comes at a heavy cost — burnout, exhaustion, and disconnection from self.

The tide is shifting. Rather than only managing challenges, more athletes, coaches, and clubs are recognising the importance of celebrating executive strengths. Hyperfocus, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving aren’t side notes; they're the very skills that can make athletes thrive.

The Hidden Cost of Masking in Sport

Masking isn’t just about “fitting in.” It’s about survival in environments that often privilege neurotypical ways of thinking, communicating, and playing sport.

In adolescent athletes, the cost is even higher. Adolescence is a crucial time for identity formation, young people are figuring out who they are both inside and outside of sport. When an athlete feels pressure to hide parts of themselves, it interrupts this process. Instead of building confidence in their authentic identity, they may:

Rely on external approval from coaches and peers.
Feel “different” but not know why, leading to low self-esteem.
Struggle to trust their own instincts in performance and decision-making.

This can show up as the basketballer who copies teammates’ pre-game rituals without knowing what helps them personally, or the swimmer who jokes along in team settings but internally feels anxious and isolated. Over time, this dissonance can cause burnout, mental health struggles, and even dropping out of sport altogether.

Why Identity Matters in Sport

Sport is one of the strongest identity markers for adolescents — “I’m a footballer,” “I’m a dancer,” “I’m a swimmer.” But if a neurodivergent athlete feels they must mask to stay in sport, the message becomes: I belong here only if I hide who I am.

That’s a fragile foundation. Athletes who experience masking often experience:

Shaky confidence — unsure whether success is from their authentic self or their mask.
Identity confusion — questioning if they truly fit in their sport.
Lower resilience — less likely to bounce back from setbacks when self-worth feels conditional.

On the flip side, when sport environments affirm identity, athletes develop authentic confidence, the type that fuels performance, wellbeing, and long-term love of the game.

From “Deficit” to Difference: Naming the Strengths

The neurodiversity movement has challenged the old narrative of “deficit.” Instead of focusing only on challenges, it asks: What are the strengths here?

For neurodivergent athletes, those strengths can show up as:

Hyperfocus — drilling skills with intensity, or locking in during competition.
Creativity — inventing unorthodox plays or strategies others might overlook.
Adaptability — adjusting quickly when games don’t go to plan.
Resilience — persistence in environments not built for them.

These aren’t “workarounds” — they’re sporting differences in thinking. Celebrating them not only validates identity but enriches team culture.

Personal Stories: When Masking Stops, Confidence Grows

Elite examples help, but this shift is just as powerful in grassroots settings.

A junior netballer who masked her sensory sensitivities (avoiding admitting the whistle was overwhelming) found relief when her coach normalised earplugs during training. Her performance — and confidence — improved once she no longer had to continue to struggle.
A teen sprinter who stopped copying others’ pre-race rituals discovered her own grounding routine of music and deep breathing. Competing authentically, she felt calmer and more in control.

These stories highlight a universal truth: confidence doesn’t come from “fitting in.” It comes from being safe to be yourself.

The Role of Coaches and Clubs

Shifting from masking to thriving isn’t just up to athletes. Coaches, clubs, and teammates play a critical role in shaping identity-affirming cultures:

Normalise difference — discuss neurodiversity as part of what makes teams stronger.
Ask, don’t assume — check in with athletes about what helps them feel safe and confident.
Celebrate unique contributions — frame creativity, focus, and persistence as competitive advantages.
Provide choice — routines, communication styles, and preparation don’t need to look identical for every athlete.
Model inclusion — treat adaptations (noise-cancelling headphones, written instructions, visual cues) as standard, not special.

When clubs and coaches embed these practices, adolescents can form identities rooted in authenticity and strength rather than performance through camouflage.

Shifting the Narrative in Sport

Moving beyond masking means shifting from “managing difficulties” to embracing difference. Executive functioning challenges are real, but they don’t define an athlete’s potential.

When neurodivergent athletes feel safe to bring their authentic selves to training and competition, they don’t just survive. They thrive — developing confidence, connection, and longevity in their sporting careers. That’s not only good for the athlete. It’s good for sport.

Resources and Links

Neurodiverse Sport
The Sprint Project
Social Skills Australia
Dyspraxia Magazine
The Guardian: Neurodiversity in Sport

References

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