Originally from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Justine Cotnoir aims to contribute original research about neurodiversity in sport.--SUPPLIED PHOTO
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
A master’s student at the University of Lethbridge is launching a new study to explore the experience of youth with ADHD in sports, and she is looking for volunteers to participate.
Researchers are seeking a minimum of 300 people to participate in the survey, which is open to any current or former athlete who has participated in a competitive team sport in age range of five to 17. The survey is also open to parents of children who currently or previously participated in a team sport and youth sport coaches.
After the initial survey, smaller groups will be identified and contacted for follow-up interviews for specific case studies.
Participants will be eligible to win one of three $25 gift cards after completing the survey.
Justine Cotnoir is leading the project after producing an undergraduate honours thesis examining the prevalence of ADHD athletes competing in university sport. Her previous research contributed new insights about environments in which ADHD might be advantageous, including sport.
In addition to her research background, Cotnoir brings her personal experience as a person with ADHD to the table. Diagnosed at age six, she says sport has always served as an outlet to help her regulate her symptoms and thrive in other areas of her life.
“I was very lucky to get diagnosed early in life and to be diagnosed by a neuropsychologist who really had the tools to give my family information about what my specific challenges were,” she said.
“Sport was really important for me. I would struggle to focus or manage my time, and it was hard for me to sit down and devote an hour to homework. After that dopamine boost of physical activity, I was able to sit down for longer periods of time and focus on my schoolwork.”
University of Lethbridge kinesiology professor Scott Rathwell is supervising the project. He says Cotnoir is the perfect proponent for this study.
“I think one of the greatest strengths of this project is that it is being led by someone who understands both the science and the lived reality of ADHD in sport,” he said.
The survey is available at https://linktr.ee/_surveylinks_.
