Lucy Bronze, a standout Chelsea and England defender, opens up to Alex Scott about her autism and ADHD diagnosis. She shares her journey of self-discovery and how these traits have shaped her both on and off the pitch. Lucy discusses the importance of embracing neurodiversity and reveals how her perceived differences have become strengths in her football career. As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she aims to raise awareness and combat stigma, encouraging younger players to embrace their true selves.
Lucy Bronze’s autism and ADHD diagnosis brought clarity and a sense of self-acceptance that transformed perceived challenges into strengths.
The importance of recognizing diverse traits within teams can enhance dynamics, with Lucy aiming to raise awareness and reduce stigma around neurodiversity.
Deep dives
Personal Journey to Autism Awareness
The speaker shares a personal experience of discovering their autism diagnosis later in life, which came after years of feeling different but not fully understanding why. They recount that their mother had suspected autism early on but opted against testing, believing it wouldn't affect their schooling. The diagnosis provided clarity and a sense of relief, helping the speaker to better understand their behavior and thought processes compared to those of their peers. This realization allowed them to embrace their identity, turning what was once perceived as a challenge into an acceptance of their unique way of experiencing the world.
Navigating Neurodiversity and Team Dynamics
The conversation shifts to the complexities of neurodiversity, specifically relating autism and ADHD, and how these traits manifest in social and professional settings. The speaker explains that they often felt misunderstood in team environments due to their different processing styles, which sometimes led teammates to perceive them as aloof or uncooperative. They emphasize the importance of recognition and acceptance of diverse traits within teams, highlighting that the perception of being different should not equate to being less valuable. Understanding and leveraging these differences, they argue, can enhance team dynamics and overall performance.
Advocacy and Raising Awareness
The speaker expresses a strong desire to contribute to raising awareness around autism and neurodiversity, aiming to dismantle the stigma that often accompanies such diagnoses. As they prepare to become an ambassador for a national autism organization, their focus is on supporting others who might feel misunderstood, especially children. They reflect on the importance of acceptance and representation in sports and society, hoping to inspire others through their story. The speaker believes that fostering open conversations about neurodiversity can lead to better understanding and support for individuals from all backgrounds.
Chelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze speaks exclusively to Alex Scott about her autism and ADHD diagnosis.
Lucy's mum, Diane, had long suspected she may be autistic, but it wasn't until four years ago that Bronze was officially diagnosed as having autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Lucy has had outstanding success as a footballer, both at home and abroad, and during this chat she tells Alex how her neurodiversity has impacted her life both on and off the pitch and why some of her differences have been her strengths.
TIMECODES:
1:02 - On receiving her autism diagnosis and ADHD four years ago.
3:13 - The process of getting diagnosed
5:00 - On her most notable neurodivergent traits
7:10 - Do her teammates know?
9:20 - Being ‘obsessed’ with football and how her differences have been her strengths.
10:26 - How does it affect her on the football pitch?
12:25 - Masking and copying the behaviours of Jill Scott.
15:54 - Her experiences of playing abroad and being in diverse environments.
16:50 - Being a role model to younger players
19:55 - On the diagnosis helping to understand who she is, not change who she is.
22:25 - Why is she ready to talk about it now?
24:45 - Becoming an ambassador for the National Autistic Society to help with "raising awareness" and "getting rid of the stigma" around it.
5 Live and BBC Sounds commentaries this weekend:
Sat 12:15 Fulham v Crystal Palace (FA Cup)
Sat 15:00 Celtic v Hearts (Scottish Premiership)
Sat 17:15 Brighton v Nottingham Forest (FA Cup)
Sun 13:30 Preston v Aston Villa (FA Cup).
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode