Description:

Asynchrony is the term used to describe the mismatch between cognitive, emotional, and physical development of gifted individuals.

Why is this important?

According to NAGC, "It is important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to realize that "one size does not fit all" for gifted children--and even those with similar IQ scores may not have similar skills, personalities, rates of development, abilities, or interests. The individual traits of one gifted child may be extremely different from another. And, the more highly gifted the gifted child, the more asynchronous she may be. For example, it is not unusual for a 7-year-old highly gifted child to be reading at a 6th-grade level, performing math tasks at a 4th-grade level, and have fine motor skills at a 2nd-grade level. At times, the child may appear to be functioning socially at a level far below her age mates."

Tips/Suggestions:

Know your student/child: Know your student/child's levels in the major areas (physical, social, emotional, mental, etc...)

Familiarize yourself with asynchronous development: Advocate early and often for your child.

Get creative

Adjust your expectations

Seek help from a guidance counselor and/or high ability staff