A scoping review set out to map the existing research on sport and recreation for Indigenous Peoples with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) in Canada. The researchers searched through 326 records from published and grey literature, but after applying their criteria, they found that zero studies met the eligibility requirements. This means there is no direct evidence to draw on for this population.
The review covered a broad range of NDDs, which include conditions like autism and ADHD, and focused on Indigenous communities across Canada. The absence of any eligible studies is a striking finding in itself. It shows that Indigenous Peoples with NDDs are essentially invisible in sport and recreation scholarship, which is a significant oversight given the importance of physical activity for health and community connection.
The authors point out that this gap exists not only in research but also in policy and practice. They call for Indigenous-led, culturally grounded, and inclusive research initiatives to address this void. Without such efforts, programs and policies cannot be designed to meet the needs of this population.
It's important to note that this is a review of the literature, not a study of outcomes. The main takeaway is that we need more research, not that any particular approach works or doesn't work. For now, families and communities should be aware that there is a lack of evidence, and decisions about sport and recreation should be made with that in mind, ideally with input from healthcare providers and community leaders.
