Parallel Session Proceedings »
4.3.4 Misdiagnosis and Missed Diagnosis of Gifted Individuals
This session offers an overview of common misdiagnoses of gifted individuals and those diagnoses that are often missed in gifted individuals. Misdiagnosis most frequently occurs when professionals mistakenly view specific social and emotional characteristics of gifted individuals as signs of pathology. Missed diagnosis occurs when factors of giftedness obscure weaknesses, or problematic behaviors are minimized because one is gifted. The presenter will discuss the most common disorders that lead to either misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses, and explore the relationship between giftedness and clinical syndromes such as Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders.