Spiky Profiles

A spiky profile is a way to describe someone whose strengths and challenges are very uneven — like sharp peaks and dips on a graph.

It’s common in neurodivergent people. You might see:

• Exceptional ability in one area — like problem-solving, creativity, or verbal reasoning
• Alongside significant difficulty in others — like timekeeping, sensory regulation, or working memory

It’s not that someone is inconsistent. Their brain is just wired in a way that’s not evenly balanced across all skills.

Why it matters

Traditional systems — like schools or workplaces — often expect people to be “even” across the board. But someone with a spiky profile might:

• Smash a maths test, but forget their pencil
• Give a brilliant presentation, but collapse with social exhaustion
• Solve a complex problem instantly, but struggle to get started on tasks

This can lead to unfair judgement, especially when strengths are used to dismiss support needs.

What to remember

• A spiky profile doesn’t mean someone is lazy or inconsistent
• High ability in one area doesn’t cancel out difficulty in another
• Support should be based on actual need, not average performance

Recognising spiky profiles helps create more personalised, supportive environments — where individuals can thrive on their terms.