We don't often discuss giftedness and neurodivergence. Tune in for more on this fascinating group of learners.
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[00:00:01] We don't often discuss giftedness with neurodivergence. Tune in for more on this unique group of learners.
[00:00:12] Hello and welcome to MoMo 634, the daily podcast chock full of faith-filled inspiration and motivation.
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[00:00:43] In our last episode on World Mental Health Day, I made a passing comment about giftedness and neurodivergence.
[00:00:51] Today, I want to explore that a bit more. I began reading at age 3 and tested with an IQ of 137 at 6 years old.
[00:01:02] Back in the 1970s, gifted and talented education programs, or GATE, were experimental.
[00:01:10] It's always hard to look back at those years because of the extreme bullying I recounted in my origin story
[00:01:17] and the intermix of my own undiagnosed OCD.
[00:01:22] It's hard to identify some of the issues I experienced as some of the symptoms of both overlapped or OCD brought them into sharp focus.
[00:01:33] Therefore, as someone labeled gifted and the parent of gifted children, I felt this was a topic to discuss and explore.
[00:01:43] According to experts on giftedness, here are some of the signs you can expect to see.
[00:01:49] Learn quickly.
[00:01:51] Have an extensive vocabulary.
[00:01:54] Have excellent memories.
[00:01:56] Early readers.
[00:01:57] Persevere when interested.
[00:02:00] Reason well.
[00:02:01] Critical thinkers.
[00:02:03] Showing compassion.
[00:02:05] Are perfectionists.
[00:02:07] Are emotionally intense.
[00:02:09] Are morally sensitive.
[00:02:11] Have strong curiosity.
[00:02:13] Are emotionally sensitive.
[00:02:16] Have a high level of energy.
[00:02:19] Prefer older companions or adults.
[00:02:22] Have a quirky or advanced sense of humor.
[00:02:26] Concerned with justice and fairness.
[00:02:29] A tendency to question authority.
[00:02:32] Are mature for their age at times.
[00:02:35] Are highly creative.
[00:02:37] Have keen observation skills.
[00:02:39] And have a vivid imagination.
[00:02:41] As you can imagine, the perfectionism, emotional sensitivity, and concerns regarding what is moral are big issues in OCD, along with fairness, justice, and rules.
[00:02:55] In addition to supporting gifted learners, a number of organizations support 2E or twice exceptional children.
[00:03:05] Children who are gifted and have a learning disability or neurodivergent condition.
[00:03:12] Giftedness carries challenges too.
[00:03:15] Thus the quotes around gift in the episode title.
[00:03:18] These include a sense of entitlement for some children.
[00:03:23] Imposter syndrome.
[00:03:25] A topic discussed in a previous episode.
[00:03:28] Bullying or a pecking order.
[00:03:31] Underdeveloped social skills due to grade skipping, to name just a few.
[00:03:36] Additionally, some children feel academic pressure or pressure to succeed, whether internal or from parents or another external source.
[00:03:45] Because of the bullying recounted in my origin story episode, school was not fun for me.
[00:03:52] Home educating my own children allowed me to tailor their curricula to their interests, needs, and let them speed up in areas of strength or slow down in areas needing additional support to help them be lifelong learners.
[00:04:09] I can honestly say now, with their school years far behind them, they have indeed continued to learn and feed their curiosity.
[00:04:18] And of course, in educating them at home, I was able to focus on their spiritual needs also.
[00:04:25] A focus lacking in my own upbringing, but one that could have been of a tremendous source of encouragement during a very bleak time.
[00:04:34] There are, as mentioned, a number of organizations dedicated to gifted or 2E children, and even gifted homeschoolers.
[00:04:43] If you are supporting a gifted learner, be sure to source some that might be a good fit for your family's needs.
[00:04:51] I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode, as it's a topic not often discussed.
[00:04:56] Chime in below.
[00:05:01] Thanks for listening to Momo 634.
[00:05:03] Motivational moments just for today.
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