The misdiagnosis of gifted children has been gaining attention over the past few years. It’s estimated that as many as fifty percent of gifted children are misdiagnosed.
That’s often been attributed to the fact that most psychological professionals and parents have little or no knowledge about giftedness and its implications on the development of gifted children.
This article is tailored to explore the topic of misdiagnosis on gifted children, identify some of the possible reasons behind this, and offer suggestions as to how it can be avoided by parents, teachers, and other professionals working with gifted children.
What Does It Mean to Have a Gift or Talent?
There is no single definition of giftedness. The most commonly utilized tools for detecting it are IQ testing. However, these assessments may overlook some of the talented characteristics that certain children possess, such as art, social understanding, music, language, science, or math. Some features that are shared are:
- Reasoning
- Quick learning
- Creativity
- A great memory
- A large vocabulary
- Concentration
- Emotional awareness
Why are These Common Mistakes Made?
Children that are gifted and brilliant confront numerous problems. One lives in a world where their characteristics are frequently misunderstood. Another case involves a misdiagnosis. These factors put kids at risk of having troubles at home and school.
When a child demonstrates exceptional ability in one or more areas, it’s natural for parents and teachers to jump to conclusions about her abilities. In several cases, there may be a legitimate cause for concern.
But if no further investigation is performed and no testing conducted, it’s easy to jump to faulty conclusions. When that happens, gifted children get misdiagnosed with learning disabilities or other disorders that don’t fit their specific strengths and challenges.
This can cause them to fall behind while they await proper instruction or, at worst, end up on disability assistance programs when they need special educational programs. So how do you spot these warning signs?
It all begins with knowing what giftedness looks like and what early signs point toward potential problems that might need follow-up assessments.
The Issues They Are Facing
Gifted and talented youngsters are sometimes misunderstood by their peers, instructors, and family members. As a result, individuals may encounter issues such as:
- Being bored and impatient
- Wanting everything to be flawless
- Questioning rules
- Overthinking
- Not respecting boundaries
- Not fitting in with their peers
Doctors unfamiliar with brilliant children may believe that these issues are the product of a mental or emotional condition. As a result, they may not receive the assistance they require.
Common Misdiagnoses
Some of the most common issues that gifted children are misdiagnosed with are:
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Youngsters with ADHD and talented children frequently exhibit impatience, sensitivity, and a high level of energy. Some gifted children do have ADHD, but the vast majority do not.
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Like those with an oppositional defiant disorder, gifted children appear strong-willed. They dislike being chastised for their distinct style of thinking. They may question regulations and engage in power battles with those in positions of authority.
- Bipolar Disorder and Depression
Gifted youngsters may experience extreme mood swings. They are acutely aware of difficulties. These characteristics are frequently observed in youngsters suffering from depression or bipolar illness. Mood swings may not necessarily indicate that a brilliant child has a mood illness, but they should be referred to a licensed therapist.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Anxiety
Gifted children enjoy organizing objects into elaborate frameworks. They are perfectionists and idealists by nature. They may become agitated if others do not agree with them. Obsessive-compulsive disorder may be suspected.
Worry due to thinking a lot and questioning things can result in anxiety which can be the OCD variety or another version of worry. Gifted children can also be very emotionally aware and as such may be predisposed to anxiety relating to their emotions and thoughts about the future.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Gifted children frequently have distinct social behaviors. Their unusual comments and jokes may be interpreted as symptoms of Asperger syndrome. People with this condition may be gifted, but they do not respond to familiar social or emotional cues. They may not establish friends right soon and prefer to remain alone.
On the other hand, Gifted youngsters frequently have a high level of concern for others. If your bright child gets along well with both children and adults, they are unlikely to have Asperger syndrome.
Seek Help:
Misdiagnosis is one of the many obstacles that gifted and talented children experience, and it should not be one of them. When given the proper support, and medical assistance through therapy and counseling individuals can reach their greatest potential. If you are concerned about your child, seek the advice of a psychologist.
Dr. Charles R. Davenport is a Licensed Psychologist at Davenport Psychology. He has a particular interest in working with Gifted and or Learning Disabled individuals. His doctoral dissertation was on the topic of assessment and interventions with Gifted Learning Disabled school aged students.
If you or someone you know is Gifted or Learning Disabled they may benefit from meeting with us. Call Davenport Psychology today at 941-702-2457
References
- James T. Webb’s Work: James T. Webb, Ph.D., ABPP-Cl, has written extensively on the misdiagnosis and dual diagnosis of gifted children, providing valuable insights into the social and emotional characteristics of gifted individuals that are often mistaken for pathology.
- SENG Resources: Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) offers resources and articles, including those by James T. Webb and others, that discuss the common misdiagnoses among gifted children and the importance of considering giftedness in treatment2.
- Handbook for Counselors: The “Handbook for Counselors Serving Students With Gifts and Talents” provides answers to a wide variety of questions about gifted children and includes chapters authored by leading experts in the field3.
- LBUSD Document: The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has a document on the misdiagnosis and dual diagnosis of gifted children that echoes the concerns raised by experts in the field.