100 Words of Wisdom

100 Words of Wisdom

Author recounts common criticisms of her twice-exceptional son — labeled underperforming or not listening — and explains that he is gifted with ADHD. IQ testing revealed very high verbal ability but low working memory and processing speed; medication doesn’t eliminate ADHD. She urges acceptance and appropriate support.

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“He’s underperforming.”

“Not listening.”

“He has potential; just needs to try.”

I’ve heard it all. Taken it with humility. My son has dealt with it and survived the disdain.

We knew he was gifted, knew he had ADHD. But many teachers can’t reconcile the two. Finally, IQ testing showed he scores in the 99th percentile for the verbal domain, and the 20th percentile for working memory and processing speed. He has ADHD that even maxed out medication can’t erase.

He’s twice exceptional. That’s why he looks smart, yet appears to be spacing out.

He is. Deal with it. He has to.

Kari DeMarco

Kari DeMarco has taught for 22 years at all ages and ability levels, specializing in gifted education. She is president of WAETAG, coordinator for Wenatchee School District’s K-12 gifted programs, offers professional development and consultation, and is a foster parent and mother of three.

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