If you have a child who is gifted and also has ADHD, you know that life can be a bit of a roller coaster ride. On one hand, your child is incredibly intelligent and capable of doing great things. On the other hand, they are constantly fidgeting and have trouble focusing on anything for more than a few minutes. It can be tough to know how to best support them. In this blog post, we will discuss what gifted ADHD is and how you can help your child thrive despite it.
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What is Gifted ADHD?
Gifted ADHD is a term used to describe children who are both gifted and have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These children often face unique challenges, as they may be misunderstood by their peers and adults. They may also struggle in school, as they may be bored by the material or find it difficult to focus.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects around 11% of school-age children. It’s characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention. While it’s often seen as a negative diagnosis, many people with ADHD are highly intelligent and creative
How Do You Know Your Child Is A Gifted ADHD?
Giftedness and ADHD often share common symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. However, there are some key ways to identify if your child is gifted with ADHD. It includes:
Higher than average IQ: A child with gifted ADHD will have an IQ that is higher than average.
For example, they may score in the top percentiles on an IQ test.
Intense focus and concentration: A gifted ADHD child may be able to focus intensely on something that interests them for long periods. However, they may also have difficulty concentrating on tasks that are boring or repetitive.
Hyperactivity: Many children with ADHD are highly active, which can be mistaken for giftedness.
Easily bored: A gifted ADHD child may become quickly bored with tasks or activities that they find not challenging enough.
If your child has all these characteristics.He/ she will be gifted with ADHD. If your child is:
- Highly intelligent but struggles academically
- Creative but disorganized
- A lot of energy but is easily distracted
- Highly Sensitive but also impulsive
If your child displays any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek out professional help. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help your child learn how to cope with their symptoms and develop strategies for success.
Do Gifted Children Tend To have ADHD?
There’s no easy answer to this question, as every child is different and will present with a unique set of symptoms. However, it’s not uncommon for children who are gifted to also have ADHD. Research suggests that anywhere from 15-30% of children with ADHD are also gifted.
There are a few possible explanations for this overlap. One is that giftedness and ADHD both involve differences in brain structure and function. Additionally, both giftedness and ADHD can run in families, so there may be a genetic connection between the two.
Whatever the reason for the overlap, it’s important to remember that every child is different. Just because a child is gifted doesn’t mean they will have ADHD, and vice versa. However, if your child does have both giftedness and ADHD, there are some things you can do to support them.
How Giftedness And ADHD Are Similar?
Many people with ADHD are gifted. It’s estimated that 30-50% of people with ADHD are also gifted. There are many similarities between the two groups. For instance, both groups may:
- Be easily distracted
- Have trouble focusing on one task
- Be impulsive
- Be highly creative
- Struggle with boredom
- Have a hard time following rules or directions
- Be highly sensitive to their environment.
However, there are also some important differences between giftedness and ADHD. Giftedness is not a disorder, while ADHD is. Giftedness is also not something that a person can “outgrow”, but ADHD can. Finally, giftedness does not always come with the same challenges as ADHD. For instance, many gifted people do not have trouble focusing on one task or following rules and directions.
How To Diagnose A Gifted ADHD?
There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. A gifted child may have any type of ADHD.
The first step in supporting a gifted child with ADHD is to get an accurate diagnosis. This can be tricky, as many of the symptoms of ADHD overlap with those of giftedness. For example, a gifted child may be highly distractible, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD.
If you suspect your child is gifted and has ADHD, the best thing to do is to talk to your pediatrician or a psychologist who specializes in giftedness and ADHD. They will be able to administer tests and give you an accurate diagnosis.
Once your child has been diagnosed, there are a few things you can do to support them.
How to Support Gifted ADHD Children
If you have a child who is gifted and has ADHD, there are some things you can do to support them. First, it is important to understand their needs and work with their school to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This will ensure that they are receiving the appropriate level of instruction.
Here are some tips:
Create structure and routines
Always make a routine for gifted ADHD children at home and school. This will help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of predictability. For instance, have a daily family meeting to go over the day’s schedule. At school, create a weekly planner with the child so they know what to expect each day.
Gifted ADHD children often feel isolated and misunderstood. Help your child find friends who share their interests. For example, if your child likes animals, encourage them to join the animal club at school.
Foster their interests
These children are often very passionate about their interests. Find ways to support your child in pursuing their passions. For instance, if your child loves to read, take them to the library or buy them books.
Encourage creativity
Gifted ADHD children are often very creative. Encourage your child to express their creativity in different ways. For instance, they could write stories, paint pictures, or build sculptures.
First and foremost, it’s important to be understanding and patient. Gifted children with ADHD often feel like they’re “different” or “weird”, so it’s important to let them know that there’s nothing wrong with them.
You should also create a structure and routine for your child, as this can help them feel more secure and organized. Finally, it’s important to advocate for your child in school. Make sure their teachers are aware of their giftedness and ADHD, and that they’re getting the accommodations they need to succeed.
With the right support, gifted children with ADHD can thrive. If you think your child may have both giftedness and ADHD, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
If you think your child may be gifted and has ADHD, the best thing to do is talk to your pediatrician or a psychologist who specializes in giftedness
If your child is struggling to cope with their gifted ADHD, it may be time to seek professional treatment. This can help your child learn how to manage their symptoms and live a happy, successful life.
Conclusion
Gifted ADHD children are often misunderstood and isolated. However, there are ways to support them so they can thrive. By providing a stimulating and challenging environment, understanding their unique needs, and using positive reinforcement, you can help gifted ADHD child reach their full potential.
If your child has been diagnosed with gifted ADHD, or you suspect they may be gifted and have ADHD, there are resources available to help you. Talk to your child’s doctor or teacher, or contact a local support group. With the right support, your child can succeed.
For further information and suggestions, please contact Therapy Mantra. We have a team of expert therapists and psychiatrists that can help you overcome this problem. Get in touch with us right away to learn more about our services. You may also make an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
