The Hidden 20% 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
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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