Is "Masking" stalling your rider’s progress? - Neurodiversity with Specialist Coach, Jackie McCormick

Have you ever had a rider who seems to follow every instruction perfectly, nods in all the right places, and appears "fine," yet they never actually seem to improve? They might be Masking.

In a previous Coaching Hub meet up, we were lucky enough to have a specialist session with Jackie McCormick, where we delved into the world of Neurodivergence in Sport.

Masking is a social strategy where neurodivergent individuals (such as those with Autism or ADHD) suppress their natural responses to fit into "the norm."

Jackie explained that while masking might make a rider look "compliant," it is exhausting. It uses up a massive amount of cognitive energy, leaving very little left for actual learning or "feel." If you are coaching a rider who is masking, you aren't coaching their true self; you are coaching a performance.

At Centre10, we believe in a "Strengths-Based Approach" - identifying a rider's unique neurological wiring to unlock their "Super Strengths" rather than forcing them to fit a standard mould.

• Member Exclusive: The full Neurodiversity in Sport Workbook. A 15-page guide to coaching ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia in the arena.

• Recent Event: Members can now watch the replay of Jackie’s Masterclass, where she breaks down how to move from "Stretch" to "Support" for neurodivergent athletes.

Want to learn how to identify masking and use Jackie’s "Pelagic" coaching model?

Find out more about how to become a Centre10 Advanced coach and attend our Coaching Hub meet ups! Link on the blog home page.