This blog is a way of sharing the information and resources that have helped me to recover my son Roo from an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What I have learned is to view our symptoms as the results of underlying biological cause, which can be identified and healed. I say "our symptoms" because I also have a neuro-immune disorder called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
And, of course, I am not a doctor (although I have been known to impersonate one while doing imaginative play with my son)- this is just our story and information that has been helpful or interesting to us. I hope it is helpful and interesting to you!
Resources and Information About Giftedness in Students and Adults
This is a list of links to resources and other things of interest to families with gifted individuals. Many people with disabilities are also gifted, for which the term is 2E for "twice exceptional". Finding appropriate educational placements is often already difficult for a child with Autism or any number of other "learning disabilities" but when you add in giftedness it can become almost impossible to find placements that are appropriate and work well. Families often find that they need to be creative in putting together the pieces of their child's educational plan.
GENERAL:
Gifted Development Center (GDC)
"Since 1979, the Gifted Development Center (GDC) has served as a global leader in the assessment and development of gifted individuals of all ages. We support giftedness throughout the lifespan. Through our work, we have changed the lives of over 6,000 children and their families worldwide. We also build awareness and understanding of giftedness, through research, advocacy and development of national policy.
Our philosophy is child-centered: we put your child first. We focus on understanding your child’s inner world (overexcitabilities, emotions, perceptions, relationships, personality, etc.), rather than on his or her potential for success. We see giftedness as a pervasive way of being in the world, not as being "gifted in...."
We provide assessment, advocacy, counseling, books, articles, Advanced Development Journal, and a Speakers Bureau to educate the public about the needs of gifted children and adults."
EVALUATION and EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:
Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page
Gifted and Talented .com (Stanford program)
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum
WHAT IS GIFTEDNESS, AND WHAT ARE GIFTED PEOPLE LIKE?
The Sad Tale of William James Sidis - The Smartest Man Who Ever Lived
