Can students have giftedness and learning disabilities? Absolutely. Students who are
gifted and also have
learning disabilities have complex educational needs. Learn more about these dually diagnosed students, common characteristics, and diagnosis of the gifted and learning disabled.
1. Giftedness and Learning Disabilities - Characteristics of Gifted LD Students
Children with giftedness and learning disabilities are a study in contrasts. Although no two gifted and LD students are exactly alike, some characteristics are common among them. They may:
- Have high levels of creativity;
- Become very frustrated when their learning disability impacts their performance in school;
- Feel as if they don't fit in anywhere;
- Have intense emotions;
- Be highly critical of themselves;
- May enjoy intellectual activities in their area of giftedness but not in other areas;
- Be either a perfectionist or be unmotivated; and
- Be resistant to help, especially when they need it.
2. Gifted Students with Learning Disabilities - Diagnosis of Giftedness and LDs
Diagnosis of giftedness and
learning disabilities requires careful assessment. Typically, diagnosis of the learning disability is completed in a traditional
assessment. In some cases, diagnosis of giftedness can be made on the basis of an
intelligence test and
achievement testing. However, there are more types of giftedness than simply in general intelligence and in reading, math, and written language, and supplemental assessment is often needed. Further, experts in gifted assessment sometimes disagree on the best methods for identification.
3. Assessment of Giftedness - Diagnosing Giftedness is a Complex Task
There are many theories on
testing for giftedness. It is often advised that schools use a variety of methods and include evaluators skilled in the areas of suspected giftedness. Teacher and parent behavior checklists, personality assessments,
observations, student self reports, analysis of student work, anecdotal records, and objective assessments such as in advanced math and science testing are examples. In areas of giftedness where there is no established assessment with a cutoff score, diagnosis may rest on professional opinion of the examiner, teachers, and parents.
