Author: Nancy M. Robinson, Ph.D.

Nancy M. Robinson, Ph.D.

Nancy M. Robinson is professor emerita of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington and former director of what is now known as the Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars, established in 1975 by her late husband. The Center is best known for its two pioneering programs of early entrance to college but offers summer and other opportunities as well. Engaged previously in a 30-year career in mental retardation, her research interests in giftedness have focused on marked academic acceleration to college, adjustment issues of gifted children, intellectual assessment, and verbal and mathematical precocity in very young children. She has consulted for more than 25 years with the U.S. State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools. She received the 1998 National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Distinguished Scholar Award and the 2007 NAGC Ann Isaacs Founders Memorial Award.

Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma

When Your Child Goes Overboard: Fears and Compassionate Concerns

Gifted children often experience intense, early fears and anxieties because of heightened sensitivity and advanced understanding without life experience. Parents should validate feelings, maintain calm perspective, limit alarming media exposure, provide factual context, prepare practically for emergencies, and encourage helping behaviors to build resilience and coping skills.

Nancy M. Robinson, Ph.D. April 13, 2014

Intelligence

Talking about Giftedness: The Elephant in the Room

This post advises parents of gifted children how to discuss giftedness with others and with their kids. It suggests practical responses to accusations, ways to emphasize interest and effort over ability, and role‑playing to prepare for embarrassing or confrontational questions, helping children understand strengths, limits, and social consequences.

Nancy M. Robinson, Ph.D. September 13, 2013