Twice Exceptional: ADHD and Gifted Children
The dual-diagnosis of ADHD and giftedness is fairly common; however, it’s important to ensure that your child is not misdiagnosed. Many symptoms of ADHD overlap with giftedness, especially when gifted children struggle with prolonged boredom in school. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, consider how much environment factors into their attention and activity levels.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD include: often failing to give close attention to details, having difficulty holding attention, having difficulty following through on instructions, losing things often, becoming easily distracted, frequent fidgeting, running and climbing when it is not appropriate, lack of self control, and more. Displaying one or even multiple of these symptoms is not sufficient for an ADHD diagnosis. The DSM-V requires six or more symptoms of inattention, six or more symptoms of hyperactivity, and several other conditions. Full details can be found here.
ADD, ADHD, Neuro-stimulants, and the Gifted Brain
It’s almost immediately identifiable – the moment a child is put on neurostimulants or, as I like to call them, neurological restraints. Their eyes glaze …