Dr. Jachyra has received an award as a Disability in Sport and Physical Activity (DisSPA) Champion

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Patrick Jachyra has received an award as a Disability in Sport and Physical Activity (DisSPA) Champion from the Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network Conference. The award recognized Patrick’s research working together with autistic women across the United Kingdom (UK) to understand their experiences with physical activity, and identify ways to support their participation. The award was sponsored by the British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES). Below are details of the project. Congratulations Dr. Jachyra on this fabulous achievement!

The study examined the perspectives and experiences of autistic women, and was co-produced with SEDSConnective, a charity supporting people with symptomatic hypermobility and who are neurodivergent. This is the first study globally to solely include the perspectives of autistic women. There were 30 participants who completed two interviews, and also included photos about the meaning and experiences with physical activity. The study found that physical activity was not only determined by psychological processes such as motivation. Results suggest that systemic and institutional process such as policy and practice shaped how autistic women engaged with physical activity. This is an important finding as autistic women experience significant health inequalities in the UK and have been identified as a priority group in need of further support in the new England’s strategy for Women’s Health. 

Read more about Dr. Jachyra and his work: A day in the life of Dr Patrick Jachyra (durham.ac.uk)

The Disability in Sport and Physical Activity (DisSPA) champion opportunity was open to all delegates for work that promotes sport and PA participation for disabled women. The winner selected by members of the WiSEAN committee and members of the LJMU Disability Sport and Physical Activity (DisSPA) Network.

Sponsor: BASES the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, is the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK which seeks to drive excellence in sport and exercise sciences through the promotion of evidence-based practice and the development and enhancement of professional and ethical standards. 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of BASES. We are proud to be sponsoring the Disability in Sport & Physical Activity Champion Award.