We spoke to our Gymnastics Direct Ambassador Evelyn about having ADHD and autism as a gymnast. 

 

Read the interview below:

 

Hi, I’m Evelyn. I’m 10 years old and I do gymnastics. I have ADHD and autism.

Autism means my brain works differently, ADHD means that I have a lot of energy and it’s hard to focus. I have sensory issues, I don’t like buckle guards, I like Velcro guards, and I also don’t like itchy leotards

 

Q: How does having ADHD or autism help you in the gym? 

I’m a perfectionist and I do skills over and over again until I get them perfect. I also like to be very organised and pack my gym bag the night before, and I’ve never forgot my bag.

 

Q: Do you ever get frustrated when you can’t get a new skill?

Yes, I do, and then I do it 1,000 times, and often when I get home I either think about it too much or practice 1,000 times at home

 

Q: Could we tell a coach that would help them coach somebody like you? 

 

If I ask 1,000 questions about the same thing, it doesn’t mean that I wasn’t listening.

It just means I need more time to process and sometimes coaches need to explain it in a different way for me to understand.

 

Q: How can a coach best support you?

A coach can give me extra time to learn the skill and believe in me.

 

Q: What would you tell another gymnast like yourself?

I would tell another gymnast that having ADHD and autism and taking medication is nothing to be ashamed about.