Asynchronous development
Asynchronous development means that different skills and abilities that develop over time as a young person matures do not always progress at the same pace. Some areas or skills may develop more quickly, while others may develop more slowly or be delayed. For some young people, differences in development may mean that particular abilities are several years ahead of or behind what is most common for others of the same age.
When a person has a wide range of differences between their strengths and the things they find more challenging, this can be referred to as having a zigzag profile*. These strengths and challenges may interact with or sometimes overshadow each other, meaning that a young person’s overall abilities and support needs may not always be immediately apparent. Understanding their unique profile is important for recognising their capacities, providing appropriate support, and supporting their own self-understanding.
*Zigzag profile is a newer, more affirming term for what has been sometimes called a spiky profile.
Asynchronous development resources
The following resources provide valuable insights into asynchronous development and zigzag profiles in Autistic young people, as well as practical, neurodiversity-affirming tools to help young people and their families better understand and support their own unique strengths, qualities, experiences and needs.
Asynchronous development in Autistic youth: A guide for parents and carers
An information resource for parents/carers that explains asynchronous development in Autistic youth and how to support the development of their skills, capacities and interests. The resource also provides practical insights for discussing these topics with young people. Understanding asynchronous development and zigzag profiles involves exploring and identifying each young person’s unique strengths, challenges, experiences, interests and needs.
This resource may also be helpful for professionals who work with neurodivergent young people and wish to better understand this topic.
My unique mind: A strengths-based toolkit for neurodivergent young people and their families
A practical workbook designed for neurodivergent young people to use with a parent/carer or other trusted adult, such as a teacher or therapist. It facilitates an individualised exploration of each young person’s unique strengths and personal qualities. The workbook helps young people and those who care for them to better understand them as a whole person, identify their strengths and interests, and explore approaches that best support them to learn new things.
Zigzag profiles: Infographic for Autistic young people
An infographic that explains the concept of zigzag profiles to Autistic young people. It is available in A3 size and can also be used or printed as a poster.
Toolkit variations and infographic
Asynchronous development in Autistic youth guide – print
My unique mind toolkit – digital, non-interactive
My unique mind toolkit – print
Zigzag profiles infographic – print
These resources were developed and co-designed with Autistic young people, their families and mental health professionals. The creation of these resources was proudly funded by the Victorian Department of Education.
