Coping With Gifted And Learning Disabled Children

What many experts fail to realize is that intellectual giftedness is an exceptional in its own right. Many gifted children experience difficulties that are reminiscent of those suffered by mentally retarded children, from social isolation to the inability to function in a normal classroom. Likewise, a learning disability can cause similar problems. Children who are both gifted and learning disabled face many unique challenges.

Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of both giftedness and learning disabilities. Children who are both gifted and learning disabled often show a large discrepancy between their expected performance and their actual performance on tests and other classroom activities. They may also show a high level of creative intelligence at home that is not reflected in their school grades. These children might also have behavior problems stemming from their frustration with their limitations. If your child shows these symptoms, a learning disability test may be indicated.

School officials can easily administer learning disability tests. However, bright children often slip through the cracks as overworked teachers and administrators attempt to provide help to students in a sort of triage system, dedicating resources to those who appear to need them most. If a parent or child feels that the child needs testing for a learning disability, the parent should become the child's advocate. Learning disabilities fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all students have the right to take a learning disability test. Speak up, first to the child's teacher and then if necessary to the school officials.

Once the child is diagnosed as gifted and learning disabled, many options exist to manage their learning needs. Depending on the level of giftedness, the child may need extra resource attention or perhaps to skip a grade. Outside of school, the child should be given opportunities for enrichment from art classes to cultural field trips. Depending on the specific learning disability, coping strategies may include alternative presentation of information, assistive technology products, or specialized classes.

Research has shown that children who are gifted and learning disabled tend to do best in environments that accept their differences and provide assistance with the learning disability while simultaneously challenging their intellect. These children should also be given every opportunity to become their own advocates. Their high intellect will allow them to understand the ramifications of their specific learning disability and to develop strategies that allow them to cope.

Children who are gifted and learning disabled have an extremely good chance of becoming successful adults. Once the diagnosis is made, strategies for coping can then be integrated. The child must be given an intellectually challenging and stimulating environment along with support for the learning disability.