Gifted children, gifted adolescents have unusual intellectual and intuitive abilities that allow them to interact with people and the physical environment in sensitive and creative ways.(Giftedness is generally recognized as a 130 or higher Intelligence Quotient.)
When a gifted individual’s endowed traits – extra sensitivities, intense curiosity and drive to master; razor sharp cognitive abilities and uncanny intuition develop in synchrony, their accomplishments and ambitions well exceeds their years.
When these same traits, however conflict internally with one another or conflict with the demands of school, family and peers, gifted growth can be blocked making remarkable personal assets seem like unwanted disabilities.
Research consistently shows that many gifted children and adolescents have the capacity for intensified thinking and feeling, as well as vivid imaginations. Whether they are gifted athletes, artists, musicians, intellectuals, or are highly creative, they may have higher levels of emotional development due to greater awareness and intensity of feeling. “Being different” in ability and personality characteristics may lead to higher expectations, jealousy, and resentment by adults and peers. Specific problems that may result can be external or internal:
- Difficulty with social relationships
- Refusal to do routine, repetitive assignments
- Inappropriate criticism of others
- Lack of awareness of impact on others
- Lack of sufficient challenge in schoolwork
- Depression (often manifested in boredom)
- High levels of anxiety
- Difficulty accepting criticism
- Hiding talents to fit with peers
- Nonconformity and resistance to authority
- Excessive competitiveness
- Isolation from peers
- Low frustration tolerance
- Poor study habits
- Difficulty in selecting among a diversity of interests
- Unhealthy perfectionism
Consultation for parents of the Gifted Child and Adolescent focuses on:
- Asynchronus Development
- Perfectionism
- Overexcitabilities
- Underachievement
- Stress
- Self-Concept
- Idealism
- Depression/Existential Depression
Consultation can assist parents with support and resources to help their gifted child and parent them for success.