CHILD DEVELOPMENT OF GIFTED STUDENTS
CHILD DEVELOPMENT OF GIFTED STUDENTS
Asynchrony is the term used to describe the mismatch between cognitive, emotional, and physical development of gifted individuals. Gifted children often have significant variations within themselves and develop unevenly across skill levels.
For example, a gifted child may be excel in math, but struggle in reading-or vice versa. Often, intellectual skills are quite advanced, but fine motor or social skills are lagging. Experts do not completely agree, but because asynchrony is so prominent in gifted children, some professionals believe asynchronous development rather than potential or ability is the defining characteristic of giftedness. (National Association for Gifted Children).
KEY CONCEPTS
Increased Asynchrony
As levels of giftedness increase, asynchrony may be more pronounced and social relationships may become more problematic.
Anxiety
When a child realizes they are out of sync from their age classmates, they may experience fear, anxiety, or depression.
Peers
It's essential that gifted children spend time with like-minded age peers as well as like-minded "idea peers." Varied groups of friends are essential to meet children's needs at different levels of growth.
Perfectionism
Children may experience intense frustration when their hands and feet cannot keep up with the visions of their more advanced minds.
Twice-Exceptionalities
The most asynchronous gifted learners are often those with learning disabilities, commonly referred to as twice exceptional learners. This combination requires additional support at home and at school.
Age-Appropriate Expectations
Adults must continually remind themselves that gifted children are still children. It's important to have age-appropriate expectations.