Spoon Theory Archives - More Than Quirky

The Underachiever: Failing to Reach Potential

November 1, 2023

One of the awful phrases parents of neurodivergent children often hear from medical professionals* is “They’re failing to reach their potential.” * The ones who aren’t neuroaffirming, and don’t really understand what they’re talking about. This is usually based on measured assessments, or ideal milestones for their age. Children who might be considered to be “failing to reach their potential” could include, for example: Is it True? Sometimes the professionals will be blatantly wrong. For[…]

Q&A: My 12 Year Old is Regressing in Skills

August 28, 2023

Q. My daughter is 12 and will be starting high school next year. She was diagnosed with autism when she was 6 but has got through primary school without any support other than her teachers helping her through some fights with friends and not sticking to one peer group. This term she seems to be losing skills. I have taken her to the doctor because I was worried there was something wrong with her body[…]

Spoon Theory

March 8, 2023

“I do not have enough spoons.” “I’m saving spoons.” “Not doing that – too many spoons.” Why do so many neurodivergent people keep talking about spoons? Spoon Theory is an analogy that has been used for the last two decades to illustrate energy expenditure. Originally coined by Christine Miserandino to describe her experience with lupus, it has been adopted by many people who require additional energy to get through their day. This includes many neurodivergent[…]