Christine Gillions : ‘The Dual Existence of Giftedness and a Learning Difficulty'

Christine Gillions : The Dual Existence of Giftedness and a Learning Difficulty'

The dual existence of giftedness and a learning difficulty is a double-edged challenge for students. These dual exceptional' students (gifted with a learning difficulty) often feel as though they are living in two worlds - a confusing and frustrating state compounded by misunderstanding from peers and teachers and by the many extra challenges in and out of the classroom

This double-edged special need is also extremely difficulty for teachers to identify, because the two elements (giftedness and learning difficulty) often camouflage each other. Given that dyslexia accounts for almost 80% of all learning disorders, it is not surprising therefore that dyslexia - a learning difficulty with phonological processing, that affects the speed and accuracy with which the child reads and writes - is the most common learning difficulty among gifted students.

Having undertaken research into giftedness and dyslexia my professional advice is:

Validate the giftedness. This would include parent checklist, teacher checklist, past school reports, IQ tests e.g. WISC IV, or the Raven SMP if there is a possible language difficulty

Investigate the nature of the possible learning difficulty. If it is dyslexia there could be a reluctance to read and/or write or an avoidance to settle down to reading and/or writing tasks

Investigate the extent of the learning difficulty. If dyslexia is a possibility, measurement tools could include the Dyslexia Indicator checklist, the Dyslexia Screening Test, the WIATT

Implement appropriate programs, including

- a mentoring program to overcome layers of confusion,

- an enrichment program for the gifted area (differentiated to cater for the learning difficulty)

- a specialised Learning Support program for the learning difficulty

- an across the curriculum differentiated program

- professional development and support for the dual exceptional' student's teachers.

My experience in working with students who have learning difficulties and giftedness has found that the essential in-depth investigation into the characteristics and needs of a gifted student with a learning difficulty is a challenging, complex and time-consuming task. However this task is effective if there is a close home and school partnership, teacher teamwork, a Learning Support and Gifted Education specialist within the school, plus extensive and varied data gathering.

With all these elements in place the gifted student with a learning difficulty will receive a thorough assessment and identification in their areas of exceptionality (both gifted and learning difficulties), and as a result appropriate programs can be developed, enabling the holistic development of the child towards their true potential.

Christine Gillions, Learning Support and Gifted Education Specialist.

POST COMMENT

Hone Your Creativity with Top Architecture Colleges in Mumbai & Pune Architecture Colleges In India Furnishes Apt Prospect For Bright Future Learn Easy Ways To Stop Anxiety And Panic Attacks Learn How To Overcome Your Persistent Anxieties Extenze Side Effects: Learn How To Practice Your Rights As A Consumer Learning Cataclysm Guide to Make Wow Cataclysm Gold Things To Learn From Your Past Dates E- Learning Advantages How To Learn Hindi: Reviewing The Options New tele-media learning strategy launched at IGNOU special center Sara iMedia Solution Presents the Updated list of Top MBA Colleges in India for Better choice How To Buy A Fake College Degree? You Too Can Learn How to Get Back With Your Ex The Easy Way