In my line of work, I get asked the question a lot “What exactly
IS a gifted child?” There are a lot of misconceptions and
misdiagnoses surrounding this issue. I like to refer to the
following two lists that I’ve adapted from College Planning for
Gifted Students: Choosing And Getting into the Right College by
Sandra Berger, who articulates the myths and truths of this
topic very well. Some common myths about gifted children: - They
are all high achievers and super smart. - They do not need help
and are self-contained. - They have fewer problems because they
are superior to others mentally. - The future of a gifted
student is guaranteed to go well and they will succeed at
anything they try. - They are disciplined and self disciplined.
- They develop socially and emotionally at the same rate as
their intellect. - They are outcasts and loners. - Their
greatest asset is their smarts. - The gifted student's family
always champions and supports them completely. - They need to be
leaders for others and assume that p