New Research Reveals the Scale of Neurodiversity in the Outdoors
I’ve spent more than three decades working in the outdoor world – leading groups through wild mountains in Pakistan, guiding canoe trips down remote Canadian rivers, sea kayaking along dramatic coastlines, and introducing people to the wildlife of Scotland, Antarctica and beyond. Alongside these adventures, I also work as a director of the First Aid Training Co-operative, specialising in wilderness first aid and, more recently, mental health first aid.
During my career, I’ve often noticed a pattern. Many of the people I meet in the outdoor sector – instructors, guides, rangers, expedition leaders – seem to think differently. Some are incredibly quick to improvise in tricky situations. Others bring a deep, almost instinctive connection to the natural world. Many are creative problem-solvers, lateral thinkers, or possess intense focus on the things they love. And many, like me, are neurodivergent.
Until recently, that observation was based on countless conversations around campfires and in mountain huts. It was anecdotal, a shared “feeling” among those of us who’ve spent years in the industry. But I wanted to see if there was evidence to back it up – and now, thanks to a survey I ran earlier this year, we have some answers.
The Survey That Sparked a Conversation
The questionnaire went out to outdoor practitioners across the UK, promoted through professional networks, newsletters, and social media. In total, 150 people from across the sector took part. They were generous with their time, and even more generous with their honesty.
What we found was striking. Over 60% of respondents identified as neurodivergent – far higher than the UK national average of 15–20%. Dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and other learning differences all appeared at rates well above the general population.
Breaking it down further:
- Dyslexia affects around 10% of the UK population, yet 29.4% of outdoor professionals in our survey reported having it.
- ADHD is estimated to affect 3–4% nationally, but 21.7% in our respondents.
- Autism sits at around 1–2% nationally, yet 19.6% in our group.
Some had professional diagnoses; others self-identified without a formal assessment. In fact, of the 60.8% of respondents who identified as neurodivergent, around 34% had a medical diagnosis, while 26% had come to the conclusion themselves.
Self-diagnosis can happen for many reasons – long NHS waiting lists, the high cost of private assessments, or simply recognising traits later in life and finding a label that fits. Interestingly, whether someone was self-diagnosed or formally assessed, the challenges and strengths they reported were often similar.
Where Are Neurodivergent Practitioners Working?
The survey revealed that some roles attract more neurodivergent individuals than others. Multi-activity instructors topped the list at 24%, followed closely by mountaineering and watersports instructors (19.5%). Outdoor learning practitioners, expedition and international guides, and wildlife/conservation workers also featured strongly.
Why these roles? They often involve dynamic environments, physical activity, practical problem-solving, and creativity – all areas where neurodivergent strengths can shine. The work is rarely repetitive, and there’s a tangible link between effort and outcome. You can see the impact of your skills, whether it’s helping a nervous client summit their first mountain or spotting wildlife that others might miss.
Why the Outdoors Appeals to Neurodivergent Minds
When I asked participants what made the outdoor sector a good fit, their answers painted a clear picture:
- Hands-on, practical work – Many neurodivergent people thrive when learning and working in ways that engage their bodies as well as their minds.
- Flexible working conditions – Freelance contracts, seasonal work, and varied schedules can be more comfortable than rigid 9-to-5 office routines.
- Problem-solving and adaptability – The outdoors is unpredictable. Conditions change. Plans evolve. Thinking on your feet is essential – and for some, exhilarating.
- A calmer sensory environment – While outdoor settings can be physically challenging, they often lack the harsh lighting, constant background noise, and social pressures of indoor workplaces.
The Challenges We Still Face
Of course, it’s not all a perfect match. The survey highlighted barriers that still exist. One big one is assessment methods. Many outdoor qualifications still rely heavily on written exams, which can disadvantage people who process information differently.
There’s also a lack of formal neurodiversity training among employers. Over half of respondents said their workplace had no neurodiversity awareness training at all. That means many employers simply don’t know how to support neurodivergent staff, even when they’d like to.
And while outdoor settings can reduce some sensory pressures, they can also introduce others – crowded event spaces, noisy group activities, or constant environmental change can be overwhelming.
Opportunities for a More Inclusive Sector
Given the high proportion of neurodivergent people in our field, there’s a huge opportunity for the outdoor sector to lead the way on inclusion. From the survey and subsequent conversations, here are some practical steps that could make a big difference:
- Offer alternative assessment options – Practical demonstrations, verbal explanations, and portfolio work could sit alongside written exams.
- Increase neurodiversity awareness training – For employers, trainers, and even clients. Awareness is the first step towards inclusion.
- Make workplace adjustments easy to request – This could be as simple as clear communication styles, predictable schedules, or sensory-friendly environments.
- Support self-employed professionals – Many neurodivergent practitioners work for themselves. Better networking, mentoring, and peer support could help them thrive.
Why This Matters for Mental Health
As well as being a Wee Wild Adventures contributor, I see this through my other lens – as a mental health first aid trainer. Understanding neurodiversity is part of supporting mental wellbeing. If someone is working in an environment that plays to their strengths, they’re more likely to feel valued, confident, and capable. If they’re constantly battling systems that don’t fit them, their mental health can suffer.
Our Mental Health First Aid courses at the First Aid Training Co-operative already help outdoor practitioners recognise and respond to mental health challenges in colleagues and clients. Building neurodiversity awareness into that conversation feels like the natural next step.
A Conversation Just Beginning
The full findings from this research will appear in the next issue of the Institute for Outdoor Learning’s Horizons magazine. But really, this is just the beginning. I’ve been talking with the IoL about ways to explore this further, and I’d welcome ideas from across the outdoor world.
The 150 people who took part in the survey have given us a starting point. They’ve confirmed what many of us suspected – that the outdoor sector is home to a remarkable diversity of minds, skills, and perspectives. The challenge now is to make sure we recognise, value, and support that diversity.
If you work in the outdoor sector, or even if you’re just a passionate adventurer, I’d love you to share these findings. The more we talk about neurodiversity, the better our chances of creating an inclusive and thriving outdoor community.