The Autism Helper Podcast Episode 347: Skill Deficit vs. Capacity Limit with Kaelynn Partlow
Dec 9, 2025
In this episode, Kaelynn Partlow, an autistic advocate and speaker known for her role in Netflix's Love on the Spectrum, discusses the significant distinction between skill deficits and capacity limits. She highlights the importance of understanding these concepts for fostering independence and employment. Kaelynn offers insights on gradually exposing individuals to new leisure activities and modifying tasks to promote success. She emphasizes data-driven goal setting for effective IEPs and the value of recognizing each person's unique needs.
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Skill Versus Capacity Defined
- A skill deficit is when the terminal outcome is reasonably within reach with incremental progress.
- A capacity limit is suggested when years of resources produce no meaningful progress.
Expand Leisure Interests Deliberately
- Routinely expose learners to varied leisure activities instead of accepting narrow interests as fixed.
- Scaffold new leisure experiences gradually to expand interests and skills.
Add, Don't Replace, To Reduce Pushback
- Offer new activities as additions, not replacements, to avoid power struggles.
- Expose learners to small pieces of activities to build buy-in and reduce pushback.
