Blog: Autism, Athletics and finding your community
In this blog, Clare Gratrix, a mature student and autism peer support worker, shares how returning to athletics helped her wellbeing and confidence.
I always seem to do things, that most people my age don’t do. I’m a mature student, starting my first year at UoB. I’m autistic and as well as studying, I work as an autism peer support worker. My lived experience helps me support neurodivergent students in universities.
In the wrong environment and without people who are willing to understand the challenges I encounter due to being autistic, I really struggle. But in the right environment, with people who support and understand me, I thrive.
To support my wellbeing, I returned to athletics in 2021 after 25 years of not doing any sport. I was fairly good at 16 years old and used to jump 1.70m but I’m not the teenager I once was (even though in my head I am).
Being autistic, I get hyper focused on an interest and strive to do things the best I can. I worked hard to improve my fitness. I hate the gym but having high jump as a goal it gave me a reason to go. I love learning about the technical aspects of high jump - it suits me as it is an individual sport but I am also part of a very supportive masters (over 35yrs) athletics community.
I do have challenges: loud noises and background noise, strong smells (anyone with deep heat is my nemesis), suncream and bright lights, can all lead to me experiencing sensory overload. This can be scary and embarrassing as it can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns. My teammates play a big part in helping me if I start to suffer from sensory overload. I had to be open with them so they knew the signs that something was wrong and told them how they can help me. I used to just lock myself in the toilets and hide but now I have people I can trust. By sharing how sensory overload affects me was a big step that I am glad I did. It isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s self-advocacy, which has taken me a long time to be confident enough to do.
2025 was brilliant. The highlight was going to the World Masters Indoor Championships in Florida in March. I didn’t think I had a chance of winning, I went to have fun and enjoy the experience. The other competitors looked taller and fitter than me. The organisers gave us tape to mark our run ups. My tape had a shark on it. I couldn’t clear my mind and every time I went to jump, I kept hearing the song Baby Shark in my head. It helped me relax as I found it funny. I jumped a personal best and to my surprise I won, becoming the W45 World Masters Indoor High Jump Champion!
What I’m trying to say is being autistic can have its challenges, but it can also be what makes you good at something. You just need to find what it is. Follow your passion and find your community. There are so many clubs and societies at UoB that there will be something for everyone, from social sports, competitive sports, board games, dance, video games, art, dance, baking and so much more. Following an interest is good for your wellbeing, help you connect with like minded people and this will help you with your time studying at UoB.
Written by Clare Gratrix, MA Inclusion (Autism – Adults)