Gifted and Learning Disabled: How to Cope
People who are both gifted and learning disabled are often
misidentified as mentally retarded or "slow." For those who are both
gifted and learning disabled, life can be extremely frustrating.
While the learning disability causes specific challenges in daily
living, the most difficult aspect can be the integration of a self
that includes both a high intellect and a learning disability.
What many experts fail to realize is that intellectual giftedness is
an exceptional in its own right. Many gifted children experience
difficulties that are reminiscent of those suffered by mentally
retarded children, from social isolation to the inability to
function in a normal classroom. Likewise, a learning disability can
cause similar problems. Children who are both gifted and learning
disabled face many unique challenges.
Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of both giftedness and
learning disabilities. Children who are both gifted and learning
disabled often show a large discrepancy between their expected
performance and their actual performance on tests and other
classroom activities. They may also show a high level of creative
intelligence at home that is not reflected in their school grades.
These children might also have behavior problems stemming from their
frustration with their limitations. If your child shows these
symptoms, a learning disability test may be indicated.
School officials can easily administer learning disability tests.
However, bright children often slip through the cracks as overworked
teachers and administrators attempt to provide help to students in a
sort of triage system, dedicating resources to those who appear to
need them most. If a parent or child feels that the child needs
testing for a learning disability, the parent should become the
child's advocate. Learning disabilities fall under the Americans
with Disabilities Act, and all students have the right to take a
learning disability test. Speak up, first to the child's teacher and
then if necessary to the school officials.
Once the child is diagnosed as gifted and learning disabled, many
options exist to manage their learning needs. Depending on the level
of giftedness, the child may need extra resource attention or
perhaps to skip a grade. Outside of school, the child should be
given opportunities for enrichment from art classes to cultural
field trips. Depending on the specific learning disability, coping
strategies may include alternative presentation of information,
assistive technology products, or specialized classes.
Research has shown that children who are gifted and learning
disabled tend to do best in environments that accept their
differences and provide assistance with the learning disability
while simultaneously challenging their intellect. These children
should also be given every opportunity to become their own
advocates. Their high intellect will allow them to understand the
ramifications of their specific learning disability and to develop
strategies that allow them to cope.
Children who are gifted and learning disabled have an extremely good
chance of becoming successful adults. Once the diagnosis is made,
strategies for coping can then be integrated. The child must be
given an intellectually challenging and stimulating environment
along with support for the learning disability.
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