Research shows that gifted individuals experience the world differently from the norm. They think more deeply about things, experience more intense emotions, and have heightened sensitivity to stimuli. While their uncommon intellectual and creative capacities allow for outstanding contributions and accomplishments, this different experience often leads the gifted person to
I see counseling as a journey that supports an individual’s healing, growth and self-actualization. My philosophy is based in attachment and psychodynamic theories that hold that painful experiences in childhood greatly affect self-image, confidence, and the ability to have healthy relationships. I use a variety of counseling methods that include
This article argues educators should integrate culture into socio-emotional learning (SEL) to support racial identity development for students of color. It defines self-esteem, self-concept, and racial identity, reviews Nigresence Theory, and offers recommendations such as bibliotherapy, mentoring, and culturally responsive training.
The post criticizes a Halloween ‘Former Gifted Child’ costume as dismissive of lifelong giftedness, explains how gifted individuals face masking, mental health struggles, imposter syndrome, and misaligned expectations, and urges families, educators, and policymakers to support gifted people, advocate for services, testing, and sustained resources.
The author urges readers to reconsider conventional measures of success for gifted individuals, noting that access, culture, and socioeconomic factors complicate achievement. She advocates recognizing intersectionality—race, gender, religion, and class—and commits to making gifted education inclusive and supportive of all gifted individuals.
SENG launched rebranded Community Groups in 2022 to provide peer support for parents, educators, gifted adults, and specialized communities. The program offers streamlined six-hour facilitator training, diverse resources beyond a single text, and an online hub for co-facilitator communication to increase accessibility and regular offerings.
Reflecting on SENG’s one-year anniversary, the author celebrates community growth, dialogue, and commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging. She envisions expanded outreach to under-represented gifted students through scholarships, mentorship, and enrichment, and invites readers to propose projects as the organization pursues global impact and opportunity.
Adam Laningham reflects on SENG’s 2023 resilience and program adaptations, highlights relaunch of Model Parent Groups as inclusive SENG Community Groups, and outlines 2024 priorities: updating the liaison program, expanding impact, and planning the Annual SENG Community Conference in Berkeley. He invites community involvement and support.
In 2023 SENG expanded programs and resources, launched community groups, introduced three APA offerings, resumed in-person events, advanced DEIB and mental health outreach, and formed partnerships including NAGC. These initiatives strengthened support, access, and inclusion for gifted individuals and set the stage for more 2024 developments.
SENG supports NAGC in opposing elimination of Javits funding, arguing it provides academic and emotional support for gifted children, helps prevent isolation and anxiety, and fosters resilience. The post urges advocacy through NAGC and the Council for Exceptional Children to contact Congress and preserve Javits funding.
