Malika Tillaeva
Research Mentor: Sandy Zalmout
Mentor Department: ICPSR, ISR
Author(s): Malika Tillaeva, Kathleen Ignatoski, Sandy Zalmout
Session: Session 4 (1:00 PM – 1:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 5
Abstract
Physical advantages related to adaptive sports are proven to bring psychological and social benefits to disabled athletes but researchers have yet to study how neurodivergent athletes feel when it comes to belonging and well-being in these environments. Research supports that adaptive sports improve self-efficacy, social relationships, and mental health, but it doesn’t delve into how neurodiverse characteristics impact these results. Our research project is focused on reviewing current findings about adaptive sports’ effects on mental health and belonging for disabled and neurodivergent athletes while simultaneously addressing the existing research gaps. We aim to utilize scoping review methodology to analyze and keep track of existing studies about adaptive sports and their impact on mental health and neurodiverse communities. Our team is working on screening and organizing peer-reviewed articles into specified categories based on psychological well-being, community inclusion, autonomy and participation obstacles. Our team also conducts observational reflections through our work at University of Michigan Adaptive Sports programs. Although final results are still in progress, the current findings portray that adaptive sports programs lead to better mood, confidence, and social relationships but neurodivergent athletes lack proper representation in this existing research. Our research project aims to establish the current knowledge gaps and develop new research approaches in order to create more inclusive adaptive sports programs that also address neurodiversity amongst its players
