Myths and the Gifted Child

The are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the gifted child. These only serve to make it more difficult to get gifted children the programs and services they need.

It is wrong to say that all or most gifted children have social issues. Gifted children are children first. It's possible that as a child there may be some issues, but it isn't a given because they're gifted.

Often teachers and school principals are the first to raise the social issue in dealing with gifted children.

Does this happen out of a lack of information or out of a misconception that refuses to go away?

A great deal has changed for children with learning disabilities and other issues.

Society has realized that it is best served by helping these children work towards overcoming their issues.

Many resources are allocated to school boards and districts to help meet the needs of these children.

Yet, many of the ideas surrounding gifted children have not changed.

Another is that gifted children can go it on their own and don't need any help. This is not the case.

Gifted children need resources and programs to keep them challenged and interested.

Another one is that these children need to be in their age-related classroom. Actually, age has little to do with which grade a gifted child should be in.

The child is best served by being in a grade or program that meets their needs and allows him to really learn and be challenged.

Yet another is that gifted children are being "pushed" by their parents to excel. Overall it tends to be the gifted child "pulling" the parent by asking many questions and wanting to learn more and more.

Even as pre-schoolers, gifted children have a thirst for information and want to learn new things.

It's always a good idea to separate fact from fiction. Dispelling the myths and learning about these children is one way to help them succeed and get them what they really need.

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