Giftedness

People with learning disabilities and mental health challenges are often implicitly or explicitly taught to overcome their differences. Try harder, push through, fix and succeed. These messages of normalization can lead to shame, a desire to hide our true selves, decreased likelihood of success and increased mental health challenges. Today’s podcast episode was first aired live and is sponsored by The Schwab Learning Center at CHC and the National Council for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). Hosted by our very own Natalie Tamburello and featuring NCLD Young Adult Leadership Council alumni––Misha Nicholas, Rachelle Johnson and Stevie Mays––we are excited to share their candid conversation with those of you who missed it. Hear their unique journeys and learn how each learned to embrace their differences as proud parts of their identity rather than deficiencies to overcome.

Many twice exceptional (2e) children feel different, like they just don’t fit in, and can be more susceptible to mental health challenges. They may feel isolated from their peers because of their giftedness and their neurodiversity, whether it be autism, learning differences, ADHD, anxiety or otherwise. Some live with the constant feeling that they are not living up to their ‘gifted’ potential, or feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. With this in mind, how can parents, caregivers and educators effectively support 2e children? Join us for today’s podcast episode as we talk with Christine Pearston, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, who suggests we start by looking at the whole child — strengths, interests and challenges alike.