The Overlooked Potential: Addressing the Needs of Gifted Children

As a specialist in gifted education and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that parents of gifted children face within our education system. Despite their remarkable potential, these children are often underserved and misunderstood. It's time to change that narrative and give them the support they deserve.

Understanding Giftedness

Giftedness is frequently misconceived as merely high academic achievement. However, it encompasses a broader spectrum of abilities, including exceptional creativity, advanced problem-solving skills, and natural leadership qualities. The US National Education Association (NEA) defines a gifted learner as someone who "demonstrates outstanding aptitude in one or more areas." The UK takes a similar view, with the Department for Education describing gifted students as those who achieve or have the potential to achieve significantly above average in both academic and non-academic fields.

These may include:

Rapid mastery of basic skills: Gifted children often learn new concepts and skills much faster than their peers.
Advanced reading ability and extensive vocabulary: Many gifted children read at levels far beyond their age group and possess a rich vocabulary.
Intellectual curiosity: They frequently ask probing questions and seek more profound understanding.
Emotional intensity: Gifted children often experience emotions more intensely, which can lead to heightened sensitivity and anxiety.
Strong sense of ethics and values: They may show a keen awareness of fairness and justice from a young age.

Understanding these traits is crucial for parents and educators, as it helps to create an environment that nurtures gifted children's unique needs.

What Gifted Children Need

Gifted children thrive in settings that offer personalised learning, enrichment opportunities, and mentorship. They benefit immensely from interacting with like-minded peers and adults who understand and appreciate their unique perspectives.

Key components that support the development of gifted children include:

Personalised Learning: Tailoring educational experiences to match their advanced learning pace and interests is essential. This can involve differentiated instruction, curriculum compacting, and acceleration.
Enrichment Opportunities: Gifted children need access to challenging projects, advanced coursework, and opportunities to explore their interests in depth. Programs that provide intellectual stimulation can help prevent disengagement and underachievement.
Social Interaction: Opportunities to connect with peers with similar interests can foster a sense of belonging and help develop social skills. Gifted children often feel isolated, so creating a supportive community is vital.
Mentorship: Guidance from mentors who understand the unique challenges and strengths of gifted children can provide invaluable support, helping them navigate their educational journeys.

Twice-Exceptional (2E) Children

Twice-exceptional (2E) children are those who are gifted yet also face learning disabilities or other challenges. This group is often even more underserved, as their unique needs can be overlooked in traditional educational settings. Many 2E children find themselves in remedial programs that do not cater to their giftedness, leading to a mismatch that can hinder their potential and result in frustration and underachievement. Characteristics of twice-exceptional children may include:

High intellectual ability: They may excel in specific subjects or demonstrate advanced reasoning skills.
Learning disabilities: Many 2E children face challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning difficulties that can impede their academic progress.
Social and emotional challenges: These children may struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, or social difficulties, which can further complicate their educational experiences.

Supporting 2E children requires a nuanced approach that recognises their gifts and challenges. Individual education plans (IEPs) can be instrumental in providing the tailored support they need, ensuring their educational experiences are enriching and accommodating.

The Importance of Enrichment

Enrichment goes beyond the standard curriculum; it provides gifted children with the intellectual stimulation they crave. This includes challenging projects, advanced coursework, and opportunities to delve deeply into their interests. Without such enrichment, gifted children can become disengaged and underperform despite their high potential.

The Consequences of Unmet Needs

When the educational needs of gifted children are not holistically met, the repercussions can be severe. These children may experience low self-esteem, underachievement, and social isolation. We must address these unmet needs to foster an environment where gifted children can thrive and reach their full potential. In conclusion, the overlooked potential of gifted children calls for a collective effort to reshape our educational landscape. By recognising their unique needs and providing tailored support, we can ensure that these remarkable individuals are understood and empowered to excel in their pursuits.

South Africa's Department of Basic Education recognises that gifted learners require tailored educational experiences to thrive. However, significant obstacles to implementing effective programmes for these students include policy gaps, lack of teacher training, and limited resources. In inclusive classrooms, a one-size-fits-all approach often leaves gifted children feeling unchallenged and disengaged. This can lead to frustration, underachievement, and a negative impact on their self-esteem and motivation.

A Holistic Approach

Gershom Aitchison holds a Harvard Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership and is the principal at Education Incorporated, a specialised Johannesburg school. He emphasises, "Gifted children need more than academic challenges; they need emotional and social support tailored to their unique experiences. Our approach ensures that each child is understood and nurtured holistically."

Jacqueline Aitchison, Founder and Executive Head at Education Incorporated, head of Professional Development for SAHISA Central Region, adds, "We focus on creating an environment where gifted children can explore their interests deeply, engage in critical thinking, and develop essential life skills. This approach not only supports their academic growth but also their emotional and social well-being."

Raising a gifted child comes with unique challenges, but with the proper support, they can thrive academically and personally. By advocating for their needs, fostering their interests, and providing emotional support, we can help gifted children reach their full potential. Gershom and Jacqueline Aitchison highlight that a holistic approach is critical to nurturing these exceptional individuals.

If you are the parent of a gifted child (or think you may be) and would like more support and resources, please email me at [email protected]