How BMX riding 'changed everything' for autistic teen

A teenage BMX rider from Rotherham who struggled to find kit that fitted her has launched an "inclusive" bike clothing range.

Jessie, 16, who was diagnosed as autistic at an early age, said she took up BMX riding to help her "regulate" after struggling in school.

She enjoyed huge success in the sport, winning local and national events, but found most BMX clothing was not "designed for female bodies" - so launched her Steel and Spice range.

Jessie said: "None of them really fitted right. They were either too tight on my legs and then too baggy on my waist and being neurodiverse as well I found the materials were too thick or itchy."

The youngster, from Wath upon Dearne, who for the last two years has been homeschooled, only took up BMX riding three years ago.

"I had so many issues in school," she said.

"Finding a friendship group was really hard.

"I was told off for not having my tie on or having my shirt fully done up, but they didn't realise being autistic, I literally couldn't."

Her dad Phil remembers the impact riding her bike had.

"She'd have a difficult day at school and then go out practising on her BMX on the street," he said.

"Then somebody mentioned a track in Rotherham. It changed everything."

For the last year Jessie has been mentored by Libby Hawkins, head coach at Chesterfield BMX Track.

"When I met Jessie 18 months ago she was struggling to find her place because of her autism," she said.

"She tried no end of different sports but this is where she's really been able to hone and express herself as well and find what she calls 'her people' in an inclusive and diverse space."

Jessie is the current Midlands BMX champion and finished seventh in the British Championships - but said she was "more proud" of her work off the track.

Her clothing range, which she designs and prints herself using a hot press machine at home, includes BMX T-shirts, hoodies and badges.

She sells them online, at race meetings and at trade events.

Hawkins said her young apprentice is now inspiring others.

"Look round all the females, even the guys are wearing her stuff.

"It's just bringing awareness and creating that opportunity for young women to look up to another young person, especially somebody with a neurodivergence, to show that it is possible and that nothing should really be a barrier in sport."

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