ADHD vs. Giftedness
Research shows as much as 30% of gifted children have ADD/ADHD features. Recognizing the difference between behaviors that are sometimes associated with giftedness but also characteristic of ADD/ADHD is an important step in preventing students from slipping through the cracks. The following characteristics can help make the distinction between both diagnosis:
Behaviors Associated with ADD/ADHD
- Poorly sustained attention in almost all situations
- Diminished persistence on tasks not having immediate consequences
- Impulsivity, poor delay of gratification
- Impaired adherence to commands to regulate or inhibit behavior in social contexts
- More active, restless than normal children
- Difficulty adhering to rules and regulations
Behaviors Associated with Giftedness
- Poor attention, boredom, daydreaming in specific situations
- Low tolerance for persistence on tasks that seem irrelevant
- Judgment lags behind development of intellect
- Intensity may lead to power struggles with authorities
- High activity level; may need less sleep
- Questions rules, customs and tradition
What you can do?
- Be patient. These kids need lots of extra attention
- Sit the student close to the teacher’s desk. This gives you not only more control over the child’s activities, but also allows you to help more readily
- Surround students with ADD/ADHD with good role models
- Have the student repeat instructions and concepts back to you to be sure that he/she was listening
- Limit distractions as much as possible
- Break down larger tasks into smaller ones when giving instructions
- Make frequent use of lists, color-coding, and reminder
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