Helping Neurodivergent Athletes Handle Pressure, Mistakes, and Competition
About this episode
Derek Shunk and Emma Lapierre discuss the mental pressures faced by neurodivergent athletes and provide strategies for parents and coaches.
On this episode of Thinklete , Derek Shunk sits down with Emma Lapierre , an Accredited Social Worker specializing in athlete mental health, to explore the unique mental pressures athletes face—especially neurodivergent athletes navigating performance, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and burnout. Emma shares both professional insight and personal experience as a former athlete, offering practical guidance for parents and coaches supporting neurodivergent kids in sports. Derek also opens up about real challenges he’s faced as a parent of a neurodivergent athlete, leading to an honest conversation about pressure, confidence, coaching environments, and building sustainable mental strength. If you're a parent, coach, or athlete trying to balance competition, confidence, and mental health , this episode provides practical strategies and a powerful reminder: success in sport starts with understanding how each athlete’s brain works. About Emma Lapierre Emma Lapierre is an Accredited Social Worker with a background in mental health and sport social work. She supports young athletes and their families as they navigate performance pressure, confidence challenges, and the emotional ups…
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