Neurodiversity in the Outdoor Sector – New Research Highlights Need for Greater Awareness
At the First Aid Training Co-operative, our work developing a suite of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses for outdoor professionals has taken us in some fascinating directions. One recent project has been to explore an issue many practitioners have spoken about for years: the idea that the outdoor sector attracts more neurodivergent individuals than other industries.
Thanks to a new survey conducted by our Director, Cory Jones, earlier this year, we now have evidence to support what was previously anecdotal. Over 150 outdoor professionals took part, generously sharing personal information and experiences. The results are striking – 60.8% of respondents identified as neurodivergent, compared to the UK national average of 15–20%. Dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia and other learning differences were all represented at significantly higher rates than in the wider population.
Some roles showed even higher representation. Multi-activity instructors and mountaineering/watersports instructors topped the list, followed by outdoor learning practitioners, expedition and international guides and wildlife/conservation workers. Many respondents cited hands-on, practical work; flexible schedules; problem-solving opportunities; and reduced sensory overload compared to office environments as key reasons they thrive in the outdoors.
However, the survey also highlighted barriers. Qualification processes often rely heavily on written assessments, which can disadvantage some neurodivergent candidates. Over half of respondents said their employer had no formal neurodiversity training, and sensory challenges in busy outdoor settings were also common.
The findings – and recommendations – are featured in the upcoming Horizons magazine from the Institute for Outdoor Learning. (IOL). I’ve also been talking with the IOL about how we might take this research further and I’d welcome ideas on this from across the sector.
For me, this work reinforces the importance of mental health awareness and support in outdoor workplaces. Our MHFA courses are already helping practitioners to better understand and respond to the mental health needs of colleagues and clients, and we see a clear role for neurodiversity awareness in that training.
You can read the full article in the next Horizons issue, but in the meantime, please share these findings widely. They represent the voices and experiences of 150 people across our sector, and I am deeply grateful for their honesty and input.
If you’d like to learn more about how Mental Health First Aid can support your team, or to discuss the implications of this research, visit our MHFA courses page or get in touch.
