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Contrary to popular belief...

Giftedness is not Academic Intelligence (alone)

While Giftedness can include academic intelligence, when we view Giftedness solely through the narrow, unilateral lens of academic achievement, we miss the very essence of Giftedness. 

Instead...

Intelligence is a manifestation of Giftedness.

The output or culmination of Giftedness. The heightened ability to take in and interpret vast amounts of information. Giftedness embodies a different Operating System (OS) – a different way of taking in and interpreting information. Read more...

Twice-exceptional (2e) describes a student who is both gifted and has a learning difference. These students may also be referred to as having dual exceptionalities or as being gifted with learning disabilities (GT/LD) such as being gifted with ADHD or gifted with autism (NAGC, 2016). Learning to navigate school can be a challenge for these unique learners.

Twice-exceptional students are those who qualify for both special education and gifted education services (Vespi & Yewchuk, 1992). Learn more

Profound giftedness is significantly advanced cognitive abilities and development, as compared to those of peers in the chronological age group, experienced through heightened sensitivity, intensity, and awareness identifiable through social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and/or altruistic behaviors, developmental milestones, and life experiences across the lifespan. Learn more

The process of developing new, uncommon, or unique ideas is called creativity. The federal definition of giftedness identifies creativity as a specific component of giftedness. 

The key characteristic associated with creativity is divergent thinking - producing many ideas or ideas that are different from the "norm" (Johnsen, 2011). Learn more

Often, gifted children naturally exhibit many aspects of leadership: delegating, assisting, helping, and facilitating. In addition, they sometimes have a very strong sense of social justice. They may be so intensely involved they don't notice other's reactions or lack of interest. Gifted children can learn the difference between leadership and bossiness (Webb, 2007). It's important to nurture these qualities in positive ways. Learn more

Connecting gifted students with community members who share their expertise with a student of similar career or field of study aspirations is important. Gifted and 2e students thrive when paired with mentors and role models and begin to envision a bright future (NAGC, 2016). Learn more

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) students struggle to maintain sustained attention and control impulsivity with more frequency and intensity than in others at comparable developmental levels (Baum et al. 2017). According to the DSM 5th ed., ADHD is diagnosed based upon the frequency and intensity of symptoms when observed in more than one setting (APA, 2013).

What if we shift our thinking to see this as a Superpower? Learn more

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. According the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged (CDC.gov). 

There can appear to be overlap between giftedness and ASD. Learn more

Dyslexia is a language based learning difference that affects a person’s ability to connect letters to sounds, making it hard to read and spell. A person with dyslexia will read below what would be expected despite having normal or even above average intelligence (Exceptional Lives, Oct. 8, 2019). Learn more