What is a "Spiky Profile"?

A "Spiky Profile" refers to asynchronous development. In a neurotypical profile, skills (verbal, non-verbal, working memory, processing speed) usually develop at roughly the same pace.

In a neurodivergent profile, these same skills develop independently and often at drastically different rates.

 

An individual might have the verbal reasoning of a much older person (a high peak) but the processing speed or emotional regulation of a much younger person (a deep valley). This specific disconnect—where intelligence does not predict executive function or regulation—is the defining feature of the profile.

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The Challenge: People often judge a person's ability based on their "peak." If a child is articulate (peak), a teacher might assume they can organize their backpack (valley). If an adult is non-speaking (valley), a doctor might assume they cannot understand complex medical advice (peak).

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The Goal: These scripts help you explain this discrepancy to get the right accommodations.