subject: Christine Gillions : ‘The Dual Existence of Giftedness and a Learning Difficulty' [print this page] 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.
