My daughter and I are both autistic, and over the years I have compiled a list (read: Pinterest board) of many great references and helpful articles, which just occurred to me to share here.
This book will include info about all aspects of the auti...
Dabrowski pinpointed five areas in which gifted people often show intensities. Almost every gifted person I've known especially has emotional intensities. This may look like a lot of words but--and I cannot stress this enough--it is all quite pertinent information and SO IMPORTANT because it affects an incredibly high amount of gifted and twice-exceptional people:
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The descriptions below are by Claire Bainbridge for VeryWellFamily:
"Psychomotor:
The psychomotor overexcitability is common in gifted children. It is characterized primarily by high levels of energy. Children with this OE seem to constantly be on the move. Even as infants, they need less sleep than other children. As adults, they are able to work long hours without tiring.
Children with this OE also may be misdiagnosed as ADHD. But while they can be active, they are quite capable of focused concentration unless they are insufficiently mentally stimulated. The lack of mental stimulation can be a problem for these children in school.
The primary sign of this intensity is a surplus of energy. Children with a dominant psychomotor overexcitability are often misdiagnosed with ADHD since characteristics are similar. They may include:
Rapid speech Impulsive behavior Competitiveness Compulsive talking Compulsive organizing Nervous habits and tics Preference for fast action and sports Physical expression of emotions Sleeplessness
Sensual:
The primary sign of this intensity is a heightened awareness of all five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Children with a dominant sensual overexcitability can get sick from the smell of certain foods or, as toddlers, will hate to walk on grass in their bare feet. The pleasure they get from the tastes and textures of some foods may cause them to overeat.
If your child has sensual overexcitability, you may notice several of these traits:
Appreciation of beauty, whether in writing, music, art or nature, including the love of objects like jewelry Sensitive to smells, tastes, or textures of foods Sensitivity to pollution Tactile sensitivity (bothered by the feel of some materials on the skin, clothing tags) Craving for pleasure Need or desire for comfort
Intellectual:
This intensity is the one most recognized in gifted children. It is characterized by activities of the mind. Children who lead with this intensity seem to be thinking all the time and want answers to deep questions. Sometimes their need for answers will get them in trouble in school when their questioning of the teacher can look like disrespectful challenging. They may exhibit several of these traits:
Deep curiosity Love of knowledge and learning Love of problem-solving Avid reading Asking probing questions Theoretical thinking Analytical thinking Independent thinking Concentration, ability to maintain intellectual effort
Imaginational:
The primary sign of this intensity is the of the imagination. Their vivid imaginations can cause them to visualize the worst possibility in any situation. It can keep them from taking chances or getting involved in new situations. You may notice that your child exhibits:
Vivid dreams Fear of the unknown Good sense of humor Magical thinking Love of poetry, music, and drama Love of fantasy Daydreaming Imaginary friends Detailed visualization
Emotional:
The primary sign of this intensity is exceptional emotional sensitivity. Children with a strong emotional overexcitability are sometimes mistakenly believed to have bipolar disorder or other emotional problems and disorders. They are often the children about whom people will say, "He's too sensitive for his own good." Your child may show these traits:
Extremes of emotion Anxiety Feelings of guilt and sense of responsibility Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority Timidity and shyness Loneliness Concern for others A heightened sense of right and wrong or injustice and hypocrisy Strong memory of feelings Problems adjusting to change Depression Need for security Physical response to emotions (stomach aches caused by anxiety, for example)
Identifying Overexcitabilities to Support Your Child:
You can get a better if you recognize their intensities which can help you to become a more effective and supportive parent. For example, if your child is emotionally intense, you know that she will have a tough time "just ignoring" teasing or bullying. She may need extra help in managing her reactions to hurtful behavior in others."
These sensitivities are part of a larger theory, the , which you can read more about on: https://www.verywellfamily.com/dabrowskis-overexcitabilities-in-gifted-children-1449118
The descriptions above are by Claire Bainbridge for VeryWellFamily.
