In honor of ADHD awareness month, Sport News Center spotlights the remarkable journey of cricketer Charis Pavely and how her ADHD diagnosis has reshaped her life.
Imagine being a young and talented athlete, representing your country on the cricket pitch, and suddenly realizing that something inside you functions differently from others. This was the experience of Charis Pavely, an 18-year-old sensation from Central Sparks, who not only pursued her cricketing dreams but also faced the challenges of being neurodivergent.
When Charis’s mother disclosed her pursuit of an ADHD diagnosis, some close relatives were skeptical. They feared that the label might hinder her career. But Charis Pavely stands firmly against this attitude. In her words, it’s a mindset that “needs to go.”
Charis belongs to the estimated 20% of people in the UK who are neurodivergent, a group with brains that function differently due to conditions like autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD. Unfortunately, her ADHD went undiagnosed during her formative years, primarily due to a lack of awareness and education about neurological conditions.
Growing up, Charis struggled with being misunderstood and eventually dropped out of school after completing her GCSEs. Her report cards echoed the same refrain: difficulty concentrating, distracting others, excessive chattiness, and a seeming lack of care for school. For a young person who valued others’ opinions and desired to impress, this was a tough pill to swallow.
Charis found solace in sports, particularly cricket, which served as her outlet. However, her undiagnosed ADHD presented its own set of challenges on the cricket field. She recalls moments of visible anger and frustration that would often boil over, affecting her performance and relationships with teammates.
One striking aspect of ADHD is its “all or nothing” nature. Charis explains that she gives 100% or nothing at all—there’s no middle ground. This intensity sometimes led to her diving for plays just to show her commitment. When she felt others weren’t reciprocating that commitment, her frustration would escalate.
She vividly describes moments when the anger took over, and she lost control. The ironic part was that while she quickly moved on from these episodes due to her ADHD’s short memory span, others were left upset and confused.
Charis’s life took a positive turn when, just before turning 17, Central Sparks diagnosed her ADHD and provided the support she had long needed. This diagnosis was a game-changer, helping her understand herself better and feel more understood both on and off the cricket pitch.
With medication and newfound self-awareness, Charis noticed a significant improvement in her cricketing performance. She believes that her ability to “hyperfocus” has been a contributing factor in her progress. Moreover, her ADHD has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to see things from various angles and empathize with others’ emotions in different situations.
However, the journey toward inclusivity and acceptance in cricket is far from over. The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket reported that nearly half of disabled individuals don’t feel that everyone in the sport can be themselves. Charis emphasizes the need for more education in cricket and coaching, recognizing that one-size-fits-all methods simply won’t work. Every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, should be able to be their authentic selves on the field.
In conclusion, Charis Pavely’s story is a testament to the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodiversity in sports and society at large. ADHD doesn’t define her; she is Charis, and her journey is a reminder that being diagnosed with a condition doesn’t make one any more or less of a person. It’s a lesson that extends beyond the cricket pitch and into the realm of human understanding and acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Neurodiversity
What is the main message of Charis Pavely’s story?
Charis Pavely’s story highlights the journey of an accomplished cricketer who, despite facing undiagnosed ADHD, persevered to success. It underscores the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodiversity in sports and society while challenging stereotypes.
How did Charis Pavely’s ADHD diagnosis impact her cricketing career?
Charis’s ADHD diagnosis brought a newfound self-awareness and understanding, leading to a significant improvement in her cricket performance. Her ability to “hyperfocus” and see things from multiple perspectives contributed positively to her progress on the cricket pitch.
What obstacles did Charis Pavely face due to her undiagnosed ADHD?
Undiagnosed ADHD led to moments of visible frustration and anger on the cricket field, affecting her performance and relationships with teammates. It also caused difficulties in school, where her report cards consistently highlighted concentration issues and chattiness.
What message does Charis Pavely want to convey regarding neurodiversity in cricket?
Charis emphasizes the need for more education and inclusivity in cricket and coaching. She believes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and individuals should feel secure in being their authentic selves, regardless of their neurodiversity.
What broader societal lesson can be drawn from Charis Pavely’s story?
Charis Pavely’s journey serves as a reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t define a person. Her story encourages greater acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity in society, promoting inclusivity and breaking down stereotypes.
5 comments
charis’s cricket journey really hits home, we need more awareness on neurodiversity in sports, it’s impornt!
i can relete to charis, being dyslexic, it’s tough, but she’s a role modle for all of us with brain diffrences, go charis!
charis proves that your diagnosis doesn’t define you, just be yourself, ADHD or not, we’re all human!
wow, Charis Pavely’s story is so inspiring, ADHD diagnosis is a big deal & she shows that it doesn’t stop you from chasing your dreams, so cool!
great read, cricket needs to be more inclusive, every player’s unique, charis is right about that!