tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post5651196271181646752..comments2024-03-19T22:10:49.383-04:00Comments on Gifted Challenges™: Intelligence denied: When gifted children's abilities are ignoredGail Post, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-88992237041038631742018-08-07T15:31:52.171-04:002018-08-07T15:31:52.171-04:00I am 65 years old. I was placed into an enriched c...I am 65 years old. I was placed into an enriched class at age 10, despite my working-class parents distrust of it. I only have now learned, while trying to locate discussions going on my province of Ontario in Canada in 1962/3, that that was a class for gifted students. This I have found very disturbing. My parents were not supportive of anything I did which cost money. I joined no classes, learned no sports, and was always isolated by my parents choices in a babysitter, alone always. Some kids I knew came to my home, but they never came back. There were no toys. My parents marriage went through a very bad patch when I was placed in that program. I was often thrown out of the home and told never to come back. I was no doubt a messed up kid. After three years in the program, I was thrown out of it. No one ever told me why. I suspect I was disruptive and a pain in the butt. I did not realize until well through high school that the kids in the classes I had been in were graduating from high school all together, and a year early. I regularly dumped high school classes, hating them, and all the boring people in them, and spent most of the time in my town's university library, most days. I never had friends. I have had years of therapy as an adult, and as I said, only just now have learned that I had been labelled "gifted" once. I seem to embody the gifted child frustrated by the world around me, always an independent thinker who was not liked, and who was always different. This has been an interesting development and I now have scads of research to do in a local university's education department library about how I got left behind. Happily, I have supported myself all my life, and am now retired. I have been researching my parents lives, and my own, using all original documents, to discover how I got to be the way I am, always being the "odd duck." MOST interesting. Cheers, AnonymusAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-62244202237986211292018-02-17T08:01:34.679-05:002018-02-17T08:01:34.679-05:00Anonymous, I am sorry that you feel so alone. I ho...Anonymous, I am sorry that you feel so alone. I hope that you can at least find a trusted adult to confide in and get some support, and perhaps some counseling to help you get through this difficult time. Good luck.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-78295010736061119462018-02-11T17:54:04.180-05:002018-02-11T17:54:04.180-05:00I am a high school student. I know I am gifted as ...I am a high school student. I know I am gifted as I have taken an IQ test when I was in primary school and I know I am different from others so I often feel very lonely. I have no idea how to find a good friend. People always jealous of my ability. People always tend to discriminate smart people. I always think my classmates are making use of my ability all the time so they try to be friend with me. I have nothing to talk to those so-called friends. I am regarded as a weird person actually but I usually try to act normal at school but I feel quite sad that nobody can understand me. However, I won't let anything stopping me from researching online about science and maths as I love it so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-71817117147675893292017-12-06T14:41:43.821-05:002017-12-06T14:41:43.821-05:00This has never been more true about me as a profou...This has never been more true about me as a profoundly gifted child especially in a country that does not provide for gifted programs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02146482083081432063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-85845444280925506482017-08-13T11:49:15.577-04:002017-08-13T11:49:15.577-04:00I agree that there are signs of Sensory Processing...I agree that there are signs of Sensory Processing Disorder. You're right that a therapist would be very helpful with this. In the meantime, I would suggest reading, "The Out of Sync Child". It is about children with Sensory Processing Disorder, and is extremely helpful. There are general sections and also a section for teachers and a section for parents. I hope this helps your and your boys. They are lucky to have a mother who cares so much and is willing to be a strong advocate. Karen Kraegerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02618741993019464800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-68144391453471559612017-03-25T02:59:26.268-04:002017-03-25T02:59:26.268-04:00I think that's the point Anonymous is making :...I think that's the point Anonymous is making :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-1182827024779441362017-02-15T19:49:56.231-05:002017-02-15T19:49:56.231-05:00Although un-acknowledged, there may still have bee...Although un-acknowledged, there may still have been gifted children. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-43541687757745913762016-07-06T18:03:06.106-04:002016-07-06T18:03:06.106-04:00Thank you, Seb. Your point about not realizing one...Thank you, Seb. Your point about not realizing one's potential until being middle aged is a sad reality for many gifted people. I am glad you are finally discovering your potential, though. I appreciate your feedback.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-34848705127016268422016-07-06T16:36:54.458-04:002016-07-06T16:36:54.458-04:00Thank you for this article. I can certainly recogn...Thank you for this article. I can certainly recognise myself in all these points. I had to overcome point 4 especially. I thought most of my life that I was different and that it was a bad thing. Then aged 33 I sat the Mensa test and got invited to join. This simply opened my mind to who I was. From them things turned around. I got a post-graduate degree in my adopted language (not my mother tongue) and went to start my own business. This allowed me to understand the correlation between working hard and getting results. I'm even writing a book which has been a dream for 20 years and is now becoming a reality. <br />So realising potential is possible, but I still wish gifted children didn't have to wait till they are middle aged to finally get the opportunity, and that's when they get it, many don't.<br /><br />Awareness is missing throughout our society. Prejudices still run high against the intelligent community. Articles like yours Gail are invaluable. Seb G.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-15664095075541718542016-06-28T16:50:12.849-04:002016-06-28T16:50:12.849-04:00Montessori is wonderful. I went to a Montessori sc...Montessori is wonderful. I went to a Montessori school as a young child and give it a lot of credit for my lifelong love of learning. However, in my area, private schools cost upward of $25k per year, per child.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01800869323049219606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-69048640400756599462016-06-27T19:34:37.834-04:002016-06-27T19:34:37.834-04:00Anonymous, yes, feel free to do so. He said that w...Anonymous, yes, feel free to do so. He said that when he was 9 yo. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-71912434740792989142016-06-27T18:58:41.268-04:002016-06-27T18:58:41.268-04:00Arlmom, he describes the 'internal noise' ...Arlmom, he describes the 'internal noise' as racing thoughts which I assume has something to do with anxiety and stress. The older one walks around with earplugs, and since all young people do that - there is nothing strange with it.But in general, outside of home, they just endure whatever comes their way... They even say that they are 'stoics' :)) The culture is very "macho" and they both feel the need to act as tough guys. Being athletes, it is not very difficult for them to project the desired image, but I know how sensitive they actually are. Moreover, they are most definitely not the only ones. It is strange how they exhibit their sensitivity only at home and try so desperately to blend in when they're outside... And you are right, although our tempo is terrible, they have to make time for own peaceful part of the day, to center and to recover.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-81778523495184014192016-06-27T18:42:36.006-04:002016-06-27T18:42:36.006-04:00Amanda, thank you very much for your observation. ...Amanda, thank you very much for your observation. I've taken it seriously into consideration. I must admit I wasn't even aware that such disorder existed. Although they are not ultra sensitive, I could not help but notice there was some degree of excessive sensitivity. So, I'm going to do some research in my country about potential therapists. Thank you very much once again for your comment. This is why we have to share experiences. No one has ALL the necessary information...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-39939886252565424862016-06-25T11:13:49.884-04:002016-06-25T11:13:49.884-04:00Your son's quote on bullying is so profound. I...Your son's quote on bullying is so profound. I am working intensively with a most-bullied segment of our society, parents of vaccine-injured children and vaccine safety activists. I would love to share your son's quote. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-39541875695814387942016-06-24T18:44:20.716-04:002016-06-24T18:44:20.716-04:00Thanks for your comments. You describe lots of mis...Thanks for your comments. You describe lots of missed opportunities, misdiagnoses, and misunderstandings. It sounds like you're certainly trying to improve the situation with your children. Good luck.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-65892067580675709172016-06-24T17:52:17.797-04:002016-06-24T17:52:17.797-04:00Was in a weird situation. Considered as very intel...Was in a weird situation. Considered as very intelligent since around 8 to 10 years old but treated simultaneously as stupid, never been encouraged into intellectual centre of interest.<br /><br />Well, tested at 19 years old and push out by a crying psychologist "with your results, you have just need to desire it enough hard, I had no time to Spill with people as you".<br /><br />Not understand a word and words "gifted" or "HIQ" never been pronounced, pre-Internet period too, 1990 in French Belgium.<br /><br />I pass by hazard, due to a dumb challenge Mensa's test, admitted first round with minimal score and despite I was too tired for the last part ...<br /><br />I must live with it, skills partially damaged but mainly morale and self-confidence partially destroyed. Probably ego destroyed during childhood, feelings essentially stolen to environment too, empty shell mind sensation.<br /><br />3 children, all gifted ... We try our best to do as they can develop their skills but with not too much pressure and letting them having a childhood (I was considered as stupid but a grade below 90% was considered as a shame despite student in the top three harder school of the country, nonsense situation).<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-5743685539823733282016-06-23T22:14:51.520-04:002016-06-23T22:14:51.520-04:00These schools are still around, and are an option ...These schools are still around, and are an option for many children. Every child is different and can thrive the best in an environment where their needs are challenged and supported. Thanks for your comments.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-79120421788237320852016-06-23T22:11:25.186-04:002016-06-23T22:11:25.186-04:00Amber, Sorry you are also struggling with this pro...Amber, Sorry you are also struggling with this problem with your son. It is so difficult when schools hod to a rigid structure like this. Good luck.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-61203816711403134792016-06-23T18:20:38.157-04:002016-06-23T18:20:38.157-04:00My son (since identified as 2e) hit 1st grade in p...My son (since identified as 2e) hit 1st grade in public school and ran into a teacher who didn't understand or appreciate his intelligence. She forced him to read books below his reading level because that was the level she expected from a 6-year-old. She chastised him openly in class when he wasn't getting work done, and his classmates started to bully him. We were told he didn't qualify for the gifted program because he wasn't behaving in class, and his learning differences make his full-scale IQ look average, anyway. We pulled him out of public school and put him into a small private school that appreciates difference and lets kids expand to their potential. I pray we can afford it straight through 8th grade because the very idea of sending him back to a public school system that not only doesn't understand him but made him feel like a pariah makes me ill. <br /><br />Anonymous (June 17), I hope your son finds what he needs in his new school placement. Our fallback plan is homeschooling as well, and I know many people in the 2e community who have gone that route because the obstacles to getting our kids what they need in public school are so great and so frustratingly hard to get past. Running on Decafhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10521877567774826517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-67884674149987497652016-06-23T17:33:16.215-04:002016-06-23T17:33:16.215-04:00I once observeda Montessori School as part of my c...I once observeda Montessori School as part of my college requirement. These children of all different ages were free to learn at their own pace. And I knew there were gifted students in the classroom setting just by observing. I asked the tethers many questions about this form of teaching. The answers amazed me. The gifted students were more challenged because they were recognized to need to be while the other children learning aT their own pace. But the fact was that every child had a better advantage to be challenged and never be board because that was part of the schools policy. That was in 1975. Don't know if these schools still exist today but all children played together outside and inside there and there was never a separation of classrooms where everyone sat studiously at a desk all day. They would be able to stand up and learn at their level. So not only was the challenge there for every student but the social environment was open to all.it was expensive to send a child to that program and never could send my children; but in school choices it would of been no 1 for me.Katherinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-21048483813083890612016-06-23T12:07:15.747-04:002016-06-23T12:07:15.747-04:00We have had the same issue with my son's eleme...We have had the same issue with my son's elementary school. Despite all the "evidence" I presented them with (work examples, test scores, etc) we were told that there are no gifted programs for children until the third grade. No matter how much I advocate, they cite his need to be with his peer group and state that he is not mature enough to skip a grade. As much as he loves to play, he's miserable and has regressed since starting school. I wish educators were more informed on the needs of these children. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00790615284824027633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-54516982317022140232016-06-23T11:38:11.492-04:002016-06-23T11:38:11.492-04:00Mandy, You describe such typical examples of how s...Mandy, You describe such typical examples of how schools can be unresponsive to some gifted children's needs. So glad you were able to homeschool and that this was the right choice for your children.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-7906087677188779752016-06-23T10:38:12.846-04:002016-06-23T10:38:12.846-04:00I have one with Anxiety who became an underachieve...I have one with Anxiety who became an underachiever while in public school as his testing did not reveal giftedness because of his undiagnosed anxiety disorder. Once he was diagnosed, and we developed a 504, the school quickly realized how ineffective they were with regard to a child with this type of anxiety. They had limited options as to what to do to accommodate him. <br />My youngest son is a Visual-Spatial learner who quickly wreaked havoc on the modern kindergarten classroom where movement is vehemently deterred, and sit-down busy work is the norm. <br />We homeschool now and my kids have never been happier. Mandy Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16957458954300953464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-77414330656773031412016-06-22T20:10:42.766-04:002016-06-22T20:10:42.766-04:00To Anonymous (June 17) I too read a lot about gift...To Anonymous (June 17) I too read a lot about gifted children realising that my younger is indeed one who was never acknowledged at his school but is in a successful career where he can use his talents.<br />I also agree that with the testing (here in Australia it is called Naplan Testing) the pressure is on homogenisation of students rather than acknowledging difference. <br />Indeed, difference is seen as a burden rather than a blessing.<br />The idea that to expand one's talents would make them difficult to employ is rife in Australia. "too big for your boots" is often panned. Only sports stars are acknowledged as being talented.<br />With stories on here from various countries one wonders how the world will thrive ? Or is money the only driver these days? <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6702344196398061245.post-66695701339219871422016-06-22T14:24:48.420-04:002016-06-22T14:24:48.420-04:00Amanda, Thanks for your comments. Raising two gift...Amanda, Thanks for your comments. Raising two gifted strong-willed children is not easy! Depending on what the legal requirements are for gifted services where you live, if you are in the U.S., you may have more rights than to just accept the gifted "program" that is offered in the third grade. Either way, advocating as much as possible for what your children need right from the start sounds like it will be in order. Or you could certainly consider homeschooling. Good luck.Gail Post, Ph.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01482577821092891593noreply@blogger.com