What Are Spiky Skills?
Neurodivergent and differently abled people often have what’s called spiky skills. These are strengths that stand out in one area, even if other skills dip lower. For example, someone may find spelling or socializing hard, but shine when it comes to problem-solving, system-building, or recognizing patterns.
These unique abilities don’t come out of nowhere. Life experiences shape them. When we adapt to survive socially, mentally, or physically, those adaptations strengthen certain skills in ways that others may not develop.
Why Spiky Skills Are Overlooked
In many workplaces or “typical” environments, these strengths can be missed or undervalued. Instead of being seen for their brilliance, people are too often judged by what they can’t do.
Peer support and recovery spaces tell a different story. Here, effort is valued. Here, it’s not about “trying harder.” It’s about recognizing the energy it takes to do something—and making choices about where to put that precious energy.
A Personal Example
For me, spelling is not a strength. I know it, and I don’t try to fix it. The energy I would spend on memorizing spelling rules could be better spent building databases or solving problems—areas where my skills spike.
And that’s the point: I don’t need to excel at everything. Instead, I rely on others whose spikes shine where mine dip. Together, we make a stronger whole.
The Power of Community
When we come together authentically—strengths, weaknesses, and all—we create opportunities to work side by side. Your spike plus my spike equals something far greater than what either of us could achieve alone.
In fact, groups built on spiky skills can outperform groups of so-called “normals.” Individually, we can’t do it all. But together, our sharp strengths raise us all higher.
Embracing Spiky Skills in Recovery and Beyond
By valuing neurodivergent strengths, recovery spaces, peer support groups, and communities can create environments where everyone’s unique abilities are seen and appreciated. When we stop hiding our spikes and start sharing them, we build not just better teams—but better futures.
