Skill Regression: The What, Who & Whys

Read Time: 11 minutes

Maybe this feels familiar. You're a teenager or young adult who used to be a straight-A student or–who somehow balanced extracurriculars, a social life, hobbies, and work. But for some reason, you're suddenly at a loss and don't seem to have the motivation to try any longer. You seem unable to do the things that were so easy before–completing a calculus assignment? Now they look like hieroglyphics. Playing guitar or even a video game you used to be good at? It feels like your fingers are knit together. Maybe you just find that what once came easily to you is now difficult and frankly, it now makes you feel burnt out.

Even if these specific circumstances don't mirror your own, there's a common thread here: skill regression. 

What is Skill Regression?

Before we go further, let me first acknowledge that there are many different types of regression. You may have heard of such terms as developmental regression, autistic regression, age regression, and skill regression. Some of these terms overlap, but for the most part, in this post, we will be specifically talking about skill regression.  

When I refer to skill regression, I'm specifically referring to the loss of previously acquired skills and abilities we feel like we once had. This can manifest differently in everyone. Someone who has ADHD may experience skill regression in their organizational or time management skills, while those with OCD may see regression in their ability to manage their compulsions and rituals. Similarly, someone on the autism spectrum may suddenly "regress" and become non-verbal in social situations when they were once verbal. 

For disabled people, skill regression can create some new, additional challenges. Once manageable tasks may become increasingly difficult due to changes in physical, emotional, or cognitive abilities. The loss of these skills that once helped us navigate day-to-day life can result in less autonomy and more dependence on others (a luxury that some of us may not have). 

Regardless of our abilities, cognitive, emotional, or physical, we can all experience a sudden or slow loss of previously held skills. So why does this happen and what does it mean?

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Psst...by the way…

WE OFFER THERAPY FOR NEURODIVERGENT TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS IN DENVER.

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Why Does Skill Regression Occur?

The reasons for skill regression can vary widely. For some, skill regression is a result of stress, trauma, lack of support, burnout, or difficult life transitions. For teens and young adults in particular, the transition to adulthood and the increased responsibilities that come with it can also contribute to skill regression. For others, skill regression may be caused by breakthroughs during trauma therapy, or when receiving a diagnosis.

Think of it this way. Trauma, or even receiving a diagnosis, disrupts our ability to function as we typically do, impacting our cognitive abilities, motor skills, and emotional regulation. When our identities are fundamentally challenged, any skills or abilities that we hold to uphold those beliefs and identities may be pruned by our brain because our brain sees those skills as no longer useful or helpful. 

Skill Regression and Neurodivergence

So why talk about skill regression and neurodivergence in particular?

Skill regression often occurs in those who are neurodivergent (aka those of us who have ADHD, OCD, autism, dyslexia, etc.) So it's worth diving into the who's, what's, and why's through the lens of us neurodivergent individuals.

When an individual is newly unmasked, or newly diagnosed, they may experience skill regression. They may find that with this new awareness of themselves and their abilities, their skills associated with their old selves, or masked selves, are hindered. This is very similar to when a person who has experienced trauma has a breakthrough in their healing. This new perception of oneself can cause what's called pruning, or when the brain chooses to cut down or remove certain abilities and skills that are associated with this identity or perception of oneself before the breakthrough or diagnosis. 

Is Skill Regression Permanent?

So does this mean neurodivergent people who experience skill regression, or what is often referred to as neurodivergent burnout are out of luck? Well, not necessarily. That fundamental perception change you had about yourself (whether through diagnosis, trauma work, or something else) might have changed whatever core motivation you had to keep those skills.

For example, someone who previously had good communication skills may now struggle to verbalize their needs after an autism diagnosis. This may be because that skill is used as motivation to mask, or otherwise function in a neurotypical world. When they no longer have that core motivation, that skill may regress. 

Likewise, someone who has a breakthrough during trauma therapy may lose skills that were tied to a core belief about themselves. No longer having this belief or motivation may cause them to lose certain abilities tied to previous perceptions.

Does that mean that skill is gone forever? No, but it may be harder to access since that motivation is no longer there (not to mention the added stress you may grapple with) and it may need some time to re-establish a different motivation. So there is hope. Just keep in mind that it's normal to experience skill regression. 

Therapy for Neurodivergent Teens in Denver, CO

Skill regression is tough. There's no two ways about it. But I want you to know that we're here for you at Interfaith Bridge Counseling. We recognize that life isn't easy, especially for teens and young adults whose worlds are always shifting. And we know how difficult it can be when your world is different from what society deems normal. We're here for you to find new ways to navigate your unique experiences. For more information about individual counseling or group counseling, please don't hesitate to reach out!

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About Our Author | Lena McCain MA, LPC. 0017723

Lena McCain is our Founder here at Interfaith Bridge Counseling, where she continues her support as our Clinical Director. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University.

Lena’s drive and passions lie in the realm of community building and youth collaboration, which she has spent the last 12 years studying with an emphasis on one’s exploration of personal growth, community healing, and multicultural values. Lena’s expertise in these areas and the therapeutic field acts as a reminder to our community, teens, and young adults that they are not alone in their experience of life.