The New Zealand Association for Gifted Children, which represents gifted children and their families, has launched an awareness campaign to ensure that children who are highly gifted do not receive an inappropriate diagnosis of mental disorder.
The New Zealand campaign is part of an international effort launched by the U.S based organisation SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted). SENG’s Misdiagnosis Initiative aims to educate parents and health care professionals on the risks of misdiagnosis and how to avoid them. SENG says the development of gifted children is complex, placing them at a potential high risk for medical misdiagnosis. Some may be erroneously labelled with a mental health diagnosis, while in those with significant learning and/or mental health issues, giftedness may be missed.
NZAGC president Rose Blackett says that in New Zealand, only a small proportion of paediatricians seem to consider giftedness when diagnosing specific disorders such as autism or ADHD. More awareness of the traits commonly found in gifted children is required.
Blackett, an educational psychologist, believes that when the American Psychiatric Association unveils a new edition of its “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM) – the bible of psychiatric diagnoses – this issue will be addressed. DSM-IV is due to be released in May.
Blackett points out that highly gifted children are a particular diagnostic challenge as they are at risk of being mislabelled with ADHD, autistic, depressive, or bipolar disorders. In contrast, it is possible to be gifted and have underlying mental health issues. “They can and do co-exist,” she says.
“Gifted children often talk a lot, possess high energy levels, and are impulsive, inattentive or distractible in certain environments. These traits are commonly associated with ADHD. In addition, gifted children often experience social challenges. They may have strong emotional reactions (or meltdowns) over minor issues, or have unusual all-consuming passions. These behaviours can point to a diagnosis of autism.”
Blackett reports that within her private practice work, she has met a number of families “who have found the whole experience of misdiagnosis a complete nightmare.”
“One family tried to discuss giftedness with a medical professional who was considering ADHD for their son, but felt completely closed down; it was not a topic up for discussion. Their son was assessed for giftedness and now is much happier at school where he is being extended and challenged. His mother is relieved now to see her once highly anxious, overly energetic and sensitive son more settled and happy.”
Blackett adds: “While giftedness can be a blessing, as it allows creativity, scientific discovery, problem-solving and philosophical discussions to take place, it can also be a curse, as emotions experienced can be overwhelming, lead to heightened anxieties and result in socially unacceptable behaviours.”
Press Release: NZ Association For Gifted Children