Working with Gifted Children with a Learning Disability

Gifted children are an exceptional group with specific behavioral and learning characteristics. Some gifted children develop behavioural problems and learning disabilities. Psychologists regard them as twice exceptional children. Usually, the intelligence and talents of a gifted child is overlooked because of their disabilities. Unless, well equipped with the educational methods for dealing with a gifted child, it becomes difficult to work with them and design an effective educational portfolio that meets each child's learning needs..

Always keep in mind that gifted children are ‘children’ though they exhibit exceptional mental and intellectual maturity. Gifted children with a learning disability will exhibit certain characteristics and can be termed "twice-exceptional." They will show keen interest in certain subjects especially mathematics and science. They have a great memory for recalling past events. Though they exhibit a high vocabulary, their spelling and pronunciation may be poor. They are highly imaginative and creative. They can be overly sensitive and can get easily hurt. Often gifted exceptional children will show a variety of interests, but lack consistency and follow through on the tasks at hand.

A twice-exceptional child may successfully hide his disability by projecting his giftedness. The result is that they won’t perform well in their studies and will often be scolded for being lazy and not on task. They need special environment that can improve their abilities. In addition to that, an emotional support is needed. Special attention should be given to their exceptional abilities. They will be stimulated to overcome the disabilities by concentrating only on their strength and interest. This will be helpful to improve the child’s self esteem and creativity. Co-operative effort is advisable to improve the productivity. Interdependence and sharing of ideas with others students will be helpful.

Teachers should consciously follow the learning style that the gifted child with a disability prefers. In it be particular in concentrating on utilizing the giftedness. The children will be capable of deriving their own sense of confidence. Most of the children with a learning disability may lack an organizational skill so teach them the techniques of organizing a notebook, desk, book bag, locker etc. Communicate with other teachers to ensure their progress in each class. Avoid lengthy assignments since it is advisable to break them into small parts in order to derive the best learning results. Children with a reading disability can be educated with the help of films, visuals, photographs and experiments. Accuracy in math computational skills can be attained with the help of technology for example the use of calculators and computer math software.

Usually, twice- exceptional children require constant support from parents. Parents should give their child enough support both morally and emotionally to work with and beyond their disability. They should give them the necessary assistance to complete their academic works. Try to establish a loving bond so as to give him/her the idea that a team effort can bring success. Encourage them to participate in extra-curricular activities other than that conducted in school. Help them in the time management so that they will be able to practice their daily routine as per a consistent time schedule. Keep in constant touch with the teachers to know about the child’s academic and behavioral developments. Self- monitoring by children themselves is essential to evaluate his/her own performance. Make a record of it and give them the support to assess their own efforts.

The programs for gifted children with learning disability have to be organised with the help of parents, specialist and teacher. Parents and teachers should keep themselves abreast with the new techniques introduced in the field of education so as to find the appropriate one for each child. Above all, have faith in your child’s ability.

Besnoy, Kevin D. Successful Strategies for Twice-Exceptional Students