Gifted Children seem to have Behavioural Problems

Gifted children are often classified as being special needs children. Many parents think their children are gifted, or wish that they were, but they don't realize that raising a gifted child can be a challenging situation. Behavior problems can occur when a gifted child isn't properly stimulated. The following are some of the issues that face gifted children. Some are inaccurate diagnosis's, and some are common reactions to being gifted.

ADHD:

It's not uncommon for gifted children to be inaccurately labeled ADHD due to their behavior. A child who is bored may exhibit similar symptoms to a child who has ADHD but those behaviors will disappear when the child is in a more appropriate environment.

Psychosomatic illnesses:

Some gifted children will complain of stomachaches or headaches in an attempt to miss school. It can be very hard for bright children when their education doesn't match their abilities. Some kids may hide their true talents in order to avoid being singled out or in an attempt to fit in with their peers. It can almost seem like they are living a double life, hiding their true selves from those around them. Needless to say that sort of stress can present itself physically.

Asynchronous development:

Asynchronous development means that a child is experiencing uneven development. A gifted child may score way above their peers intellectually but score lower than average on social or emotional development. Gifted children may experience intense fears about topics which they understand intellectually but cannot process emotionally. For example, they may be extremely worried about dying. Parents and teachers alike often expect too much from gifted children and may be troubled by their immature behavior at times. It's important that gifted children get emotional support to help them deal with their conflicting emotions and abilities.

Manipulative behaviors:

All children are master manipulators but gifted children can cause their parents and teachers grief when they start trying to run things. Parents will often remark that their child is smarter than they are. While a gifted child may be able to formalize a convincing argument it's important that they are not allowed to overstep their boundaries. Just like a typically developing child, they are often looking for the boundaries and they can suffer emotionally if they aren't disciplined appropriately.

Sensory Integration Disorder:

While there hasn't been much in the way of research, many parents of gifted children
report that they have some symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder. The symptoms can vary dramatically between children. S.I.D. basically means that a person's brain cannot handle sensory stimulation "normally." For example, they may be extremely sensitive to smells, texture, or taste. These are the kids who won't wear socks because the seam is hurting them. Or they will get ill from the smell of certain foods. Some children with S.I.D. will require an intense amount of environmental stimuli, and they may act out when that need isn't met. Sensory Integration Disorder can lead to behavioral problems but once a child is diagnosed their environment can be better tailored to their needs which will help curb some of those issues.

Despite the above, it's important to note that long term studies have shown that gifted children are no more likely to suffer from emotional/behavior problems than their typically developing peers. Most of the problems that gifted children experience can be eradicated by changes in their environment. It's important for parents and teachers to understand the potential problems that can occur, and have a plan in place to help combat behavioral problems. Gifted children who feel supported and understood will have an easier time reaching their full potential.