Negotiating Ableism and Co-Producing Fit: Neurodivergent Inclusion in Mainstream Archery

Participation in sport is associated with improved wellbeing, life satisfaction and social inclusion, yet neurodivergent individuals continue to encounter ableist barriers that shape their experiences of participation, belonging and wellbeing. This study examined how ableism and person–environment fit relate to neurodivergent archers’ experiences of belonging and wellbeing in UK mainstream archery environments. A convergent mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey design was used involving 226 neurodivergent archers. Findings show that the structured, repetitive and autonomous nature of archery frequently aligned with neurodivergent archers’ individual characteristics and preferences, contributing to person–environment fit that supported wellbeing, confidence and belonging. However, ableist norms embedded within coaching practices, competition structures, communication, sensory environments and behavioural expectations were associated with experiences of misfit, masking, exclusion and reduced wellbeing. In response, archers engaged in acts of micro-negotiation that, when supported by coaches and clubs, could develop into micro-transformations associated with improved person–environment fit and more meaningful participation. These findings suggest that inclusion and belonging are dynamic, co-produced processes rather than outcomes of access alone. Creating genuinely inclusive sporting environments requires neurodiversity-informed coaching, flexible organisational practices and collaborative adaptations that recognise neurodivergent athletes as active partners in shaping participation and wellbeing.