Giftedness
Gifted: What Does That Mean?
Gifted: What Does That Mean?
"Giftedness is asynchronous development in which cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order to develop optimally," from SENG, The Columbus Group, 1992
"Giftedness in an inherent neurodiversity which can result in--
* a more insightful, profound, and complex view of the world,
* a propensity for being highly sensitive and more emotionally reactive,
* an insatiable curiosity,
* advanced cognitive functions,
* advanced perceptivity and intuition,
* superior intellectual abilities,
* asynchronous development...
Gifted children and gifted adults experience the world through a magnifying lens which amplified incoming stimuli, often resulting in the need to dig deeper, expound on, question, and solve the issue with which they are presented. Not meeting this need for more can cause distress, anger, frustration, and behavioral reactions." -Celi Trepanier, Educating Your Gifted Child
Gifted students experience a wide range of emotions, with both inner and outer obstacles, as a result of their unique wiring. This proclivity to deep analysis and self-awareness can actually lead to great anxiety. Part of my work with clients is to help identify and then manage these dynamic challenges. One of the best articles I've ever read about gifted anxiety is written by Dr. Gail Post, who identifies the effects of living in this kind of intensity: overthinking, perfectionism, avoidance, isolation/withdrawal, and unhealthy behaviors. Together, at the Clifton Corner, we work to understand these challenges and celebrate the strengths that come with this complex landscape.
In addition, Julie F. Skolnick, founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, offers a beautiful video about how to talk with our kids (and better understand giftedness) which is provided here, and I am happy to schedule a time to chat about your idiosyncratic and unique son or daughter to help offer additional guidance on this journey.