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Feb 11, 2019 · Posted February 11, 2019. ADHD affects the ability to manage life—particularly when situations require sustained effort, consistency, and planning. ADHD can undermine health, social relations ...
Aug 16, 2022 · The praise and admiration gifted children get for their academic performance, achievements and good grades can further lead to people not recognizing ADHD in high-functioning people. “If people only see the high achievement, they may not pick up on the ADHD,” says Pollard. “Because people are high achievers, they’ve found ways to just ...
People also ask
Do gifted children with ADHD have a strong intellectual ability?
Is there a link between giftedness and ADHD?
Do gifted children with ADHD need accelerated learning?
- Overview
- Overlapping signs
- Can giftedness “mask” ADHD symptoms?
- How common are “2e” children?
- Tips for supporting “2e” children
- The bottom line
Giftedness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share several characteristics, which can make them difficult to tell apart. It’s also not uncommon for gifted children to also have ADHD.
There appears to be an increased rate of ADHD among gifted children, though experts are still trying to fully understand the link between the two. Children with both giftedness and ADHD are sometimes called “twice exceptional” or “2e,” though these aren’t official medical terms.
Both giftedness and ADHD are considered learning differences, and they may have overlapping characteristics.
ADHD is a mental health condition that causes a range of symptoms. Children are described as “gifted” if they have intelligence, abilities, or talents that are higher than average for their age.
Both ADHD and giftedness affect how you learn and function, and each comes with certain challenges and strengths, especially in the classroom. Like any child, those with ADHD and giftedness need support that’s specific to their challenges, strengths, and interests.
Here’s a closer look at the link between ADHD and giftedness and tips for supporting your child’s needs.
ADHD and giftedness can show up differently across people. Not everybody with ADHD has the same experiences or symptoms. Similarly, not all gifted children share the same set of characteristics.
Some of the symptoms of ADHD may look like signs of giftedness, and vice versa. This has led some experts to wonder whether some gifted children have been misdiagnosed with ADHD. But, a 2023 study suggests most children with both giftedness and ADHD have been correctly diagnosed.
Yes, giftedness may “mask” ADHD, and ADHD may “mask” giftedness. In other words, the symptoms of one can make those of the other difficult to see.
For example, a child with ADHD who is highly intelligent may perform well at school and show a high level of talent. Because they’re a high achiever, the parents and teachers may overlook ADHD symptoms such as high energy or challenges with organization.
Even so, this child may find it difficult to carry out certain functions and could benefit from therapy, specialized learning strategies, or medication.
In contrast, ADHD may lead a gifted child to underperform in school. The child’s talents may go unnoticed because they find certain day-to-day tasks difficult. For example, they may struggle to concentrate or complete tasks, so their ideas and projects are either left incomplete or eclipsed by their difficulties at school.
A 2023 study looked at a sample of children with ADHD and found that 8.8% were gifted.
But, it’s difficult to estimate how many gifted children have ADHD (or vice versa) for many reasons:
•ADHD may go undiagnosed in gifted children.
•Giftedness may be masked by ADHD.
•There’s no consensus on the criteria for “giftedness.”
•“Gifted” is a controversial label.
Gifted children who have ADHD may need extra support in certain areas of their lives. Caregivers can encourage them to practice their talents while also helping them practice important life skills that may be made difficult by the symptoms of ADHD.
The following tips can help you support your child both in and out of the classroom:
•Communicate with educators about your child’s needs and strengths.
•Encourage children to pursue their interests and hobbies.
•Find opportunities for enrichment, such as summer programs, home projects, and extramural activities.
•Encourage them to connect with peers who are a similar mental age and who have similar interests and talents.
ADHD and giftedness are often considered learning differences, as they affect how you learn. There’s a good deal of overlap in their symptoms and characteristics, which can make them challenging to distinguish from one another. Plus, it’s not uncommon for gifted children to also have ADHD.
Children who are gifted, have ADHD, or both may require extra support in practicing executive functions and pursuing their interests.
- Sian Ferguson
Oct 6, 2021 · Gifted and ADHD children experience both realities simultaneously. Their parents face prejudice from teachers, doctors and family. (Shutterstock) Indeed, it may be difficult to conceive that a ...
Nov 4, 2021 · Shared Characteristics of ADHD and Giftedness. Gifted Behaviors *Taken from NAGC & the Davidson Institute. ADHD Behaviors *Taken from psychiatry.org. Difficulty concentrating on tasks that are not intellectually challenging. Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities. Highly energetic—needs little sleep or down time.
Gifted children with ADHD often show heightened intensity and sensitivity, but they are set up to fail in a system that only recognizes and expects intellectual proclivity without consideration of their emotional needs. Giftedness, of course, does include a strong intellectual ability. It often is also associated with a strong sense of right ...
Mar 31, 2022 · Without schoolwork that meets their cognitive needs, gifted children with ADHD find it hard to sustain attention and often develop poor work habits. On the other hand, some gifted students avoid 2e students because of their lack of organizational skills and social skills. Twice-exceptional students need a program that nurtures their talents ...
