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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Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Connie Hayes @connie_hayes

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