Giftedness means that a person, usually a child, has abilities that are significantly developed beyond those of their peers. For example, a gifted four-year-old may be able to read or write. A gifted seven-year-old might be able to compose simple melodies, and a gifted fifteen-year-old might write their first symphony.
Giftedness can open new doors. A gifted child might skip grades, be accepted into a prestigious program, or cultivate skills their parents never thought possible. Yet giftedness can also offer challenges for parents, children, and educators. A gifted child may have social difficulties or require specialized education.
Even though giftedness is not a mental health diagnosis, families with gifted children may benefit from therapy. A therapist at Star Point Counseling center in Tampa, Fl & Brandon, Fl can support gifted children and help parents address their child’s needs.
Some gifted children also have learning disabilities. These “twice-exceptional” children may need significant support to manage their different needs. However, it is common for these children to be misidentified.
Some gifted children with learning difficulties may be mistakenly labeled only with their diagnosis. For example, a child with ADHD might be extremely disruptive in the classroom, drawing attention away from their skillful mastery of music or art. It is important for parents and educators not to assume that a learning-disabled child can’t be gifted.
Other twice-exceptional children may be identified only as gifted. These kids may be able to hide their learning disabilities by using their talents to compensate. As such, they may not be diagnosed until adolescence or later. Without a diagnosis, these gifted kids may not receive the support necessary to reach their full potential.
Sometimes learning disabilities and giftedness interact with one another in a way that can make a child feel overwhelmed. Gifted children learn quickly and may be easily bored. Learning disorders can make it even harder for them to focus in the classroom or manage their emotions. A child may become frustrated when certain activities feel so much harder than others. Others may falsely label the child as “lazy” when their academic performance is inconsistent.
When properly nurtured, giftedness can offer a path to a rewarding life. For some families, however, managing giftedness can be a confusing and overwhelming task. The right therapist at Star Point Counseling center in Tampa, Fl & Brandon, Fl can help families identify strategies for supporting gifted children and working with educators.