<p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Together, they also explore autism in women, eating disorders in sport, disclosure, and the urgent need for more inclusive practices across the industry.</p><br><p>If you’re curious about neurodiversity, sport and identity, this episode is for you!</p><br><p>Join us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hidden20.org/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hidden20.org/donate</a>.</p><p>________</p><br><p>Host: Ben Branson</p><p>Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné</p><p>Video Editor: James Scriven</p><p>Social Media Manager: Charlie Young</p><p>Music: Jackson Greenberg</p><p>Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller</p><br><p><strong>00:00</strong> Introduction</p><p><strong>01:05</strong> Connie Hayes: The Autistic, Dyslexic &amp; Dyspraxic Professional Cyclist</p><p><strong>02:20</strong> Early Signs of Autism &amp; Being Missed</p><p><strong>03:07</strong> How Cycling Regulates Connie’s Autistic Brain</p><p><strong>04:41</strong> Understanding Autism Through Sport (Post-Diagnosis)</p><p><strong>05:57</strong> Designing Environments Where Autistic Athletes Thrive</p><p><strong>08:05</strong> Autism, Dyslexia &amp; Dyspraxia Diagnosis Journey: Self-Esteem, Puberty &amp; Friendships</p><p><strong>10:42</strong> Dyspraxia in Elite Cycling: Coordination, Balance &amp; Training</p><p><strong>12:28</strong> Fighting for School Support &amp; Being Left With Questions</p><p><strong>16:59</strong> The Right University &amp; Autism in Women: “It Saved My Life”</p><p><strong>25:53</strong> Identity: Seeing Herself as an Autistic Woman</p><p><strong>26:38</strong> Society’s Expectations vs Autistic Females</p><p><strong>27:19</strong> Neurodiversity in Sport: What We Get Wrong</p><p><strong>29:21</strong> Autism, Sport &amp; Eating Disorders</p><p><strong>39:43</strong> Why Autism Can Be a Strength in Professional Cycling</p><p><strong>46:45</strong> Women’s Cycling Through an Autism Lens</p><p><strong>55:06</strong> Disclosing Autism: Regret, Relief &amp; Reality</p><p><strong>58:38</strong> Is Cycling Good for Neurodivergent People?</p><p><strong>01:02:07</strong> Connie’s Green Dot Badge</p><br><p>The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.</p><br><p>Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.</p><p>No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.</p><br><p>1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.</p><br><p>Join us at&nbsp;<a href="http://hidden20.org/donate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hidden20.org/donate</a>.</p><br><p>Become a monthly donor.</p><p>Be part of our community where great minds think differently.</p><br><p><br></p><p>Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348</p><p>______________</p><br><p>Follow &amp; subscribe…</p><br><p>Website: www.hidden20.org</p><p>Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity</p><p>Ben Branson @seedlip_ben</p><p>Connie Hayes @connie_hayes</p><br><p><br></p><p>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.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>