Giftedness

Giftedness and Neurodivergence

Gifted individuals possess unusual intellectual and emotional capabilities. When these characteristics - emotional hypersensitivity, intense curiosity, incredible intuition, rapid understanding and learning, among others - are taken into consideration and cared for, the individual is able to develop in a way that can lead to great accomplishments and fulfillment.

Problems can arise, however, when the individual's functioning is misunderstood or not identified. Many gifted people suffer from a lack of understanding of their functioning and due to their differences from the norm.

Contrary to popular belief, many gifted children and teens suffer great difficulty in school and socially. While each person is different, common complaints are :

• Scolastic underachievement
• Perfectionism
• Lack of Motivation
• Procrastination
• Opposition
• Feelings of Isolation
• Existential Depression
• Self-Destructive Behaviour

Gifted adults can also suffer from both emotional and professional issues.

It is important for the individual to be aware of the traits of giftedness in order to better understand his or her own functioning.

Due to the hypersensitivities inherent with giftedness, often times a therapeutic relationship is necessary in order for the person to express and make sense of his or her reality and move towards fulfillment.

What Does Discreet or "High Functioning" Austim Look Like?

Did you know that certain persons on the autism spectrum are less likely to be diagnosed and are more likely to be misdiagnosed ?  

To diagnose a ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition), there are 3 main criteria according to the DSM V. 

These criteria are:

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple context

2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities

3. Hypersensitivity

Why then is there such a difference in diagnosing?  Whether the person is a girl or a boy, woman or man, the criteria are the same.  However, these criteria have often been established based on typical "male" behaviour and fail to take natural differences into consideration. Even though the base criteria don't change, today we recognise that they do not manifest themselves in the same way for all people.  

In fact, we note that girls and women - but not only! - are better at adapting their social behaviour and at hiding their differences.  Add to that the fact that certain symptoms seem to be more socially acceptable for women than the very same symptoms in men. The result can be that a lot of people who seem to have higher adaptative capacities get an official diagnosis much later in life than men.

An ASC represents a difference for the autistic person who must learn to navigate in a world made for "neurotypicals".  Yes, it's a difference, but it doesn't have to be a heavy handicap.  An emotional and psychological accompaniment can help him or her to accept the differences and have a more satisfying life. 

If you are wondering about the possibility of autism for yourself or your child and you wish to discuss it, don't hesitate to contact me.