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Understanding Intensities in Gifted Children
Welcome!We will begin in a moment.
Please be ready to share about something positive happening in your child’s
classroom/school.
Quality Teaching and Learning for All… Equity in All We Do
Gifted children and adults are often misunderstood.
Their excitement is viewed as excessive,
their high energy as hyperactivity,
their persistence as nagging,
their imagination as not paying attention,
their passion as being disruptive,
their strong emotions and sensitivity as
immaturity,
their creativity and self-directedness as
oppositional.
Many Needs of the Gifted…IntellectualAcademicArtisticCreativeSocial-Emotional
Goals for Tonight
Understand the assumptions of gifted children
Discuss the personal factors affecting students and parents
Time to reflect and connect with other families who may have intense children
AssumptionsSchool is easy for gifted learners
Raising a gifted child is easyTeaching gifted children is a dream jobGifted children are gifted in all ways –
intellectually, academically, creatively, artistically, socially and emotionally
Personal FactorsIt is estimated that 20 to 25% of gifted children have social and emotional difficulties, about twice as many as in the general population of students. Gifted children possess more and stronger intensities as well.
What are heightened sensitivities and how should parents and educators help students understand and nurture their intensities?
Daniels & Piechowski, 2009
Dabrowski’s OverexcitabilitiesKazimierz Dabrowski (1902-1980) was a psychiatrist,
psychologist and educator who developed the Theory of Positive Disintegration.Personality development
Life conditions support or block potentialMulti-levelness of emotions and behaviors
Low emotional level (self-serving, power-seeking, etc.) High emotional level (caring, empathy, pos. self-concept, etc.)
Overexcitabilities (OE) “spirited” = more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent
and energetic Deeper, stronger, longer-lasting reactions to stimuli that is
more acutely sensed.
How OE relates to GT“Please keep in mind that a child may exhibit heightened experience of one, several, or all of the OEs, and that each OE may imbue both advantages and challenges for the child. Generally, the brighter, more inquisitive, and more creative the child, the more likely the child’s OEs and related behaviors and needs will permeate and influence daily activities. It is helpful to remember that each OE, in some way, provides the energy or fuel that contributes to the development of a young person’s talent along with the advantages and challenges that fundamentally shape their ultimate development.”
(Daniels & Meckstroth, 2008)
Five Overexcitabilities
Psychomotor High energy Psychomotor response to
emotional tension
Sensual Enhanced sensual / aesthetic
pleasure Sensual response to emotional
tension
Imaginational Fantasy and drama Imaginational response to
emotional tension
Intellectual Intense curiosity “Thirst and search” Metacognition
Emotional Intense and sometimes
extreme feelings Forms deep relationships Strong affective expressions Strong somatic expressions Strong self-judgment
Psychomotor IntensityOrganic surplus of energy (can be misdiagnosis
as ADHD)Augmented capacity for being active and
energetic, love of movementHeightened excitability of the neuromuscular
system, expressed as movementRestlessness and nervous habits (tics, nail biting)Compulsive talking and chatteringPressure for actionRapid speech
Accommodating for Psychomotor Intensities
Allow for movement/standing/pacing during school and activities, especially during extended sitting times
Exercise every dayWiggle seats, stability balls, etc. helpDevelopment of space that works to ‘stretch out the kinks’Do not remove time to play outside for any reason!Encourage exercise at home before coming to school for
the dayFidgets (like silly putty) and chewing help some childrenTeach students appropriate and effective ways to self-
manage physical needsSuggest “IQ Sheets” for those with racing thoughtsPractice relaxation techniques (music, deep breathing, etc.)
“Your enthusiasm and energy can help you do many things!”
Table Discussion:Psychomotor Intensity
What are some examples of psychomotor intensity or overexcitabilities do you observe in your child, if any?
What is wonderful about having a psychomotor overexcitability?
What are the challenges of psychomotor overexcitabilities?
How do you help your child relieve the stress of psychomotor intensity?
Sensual IntensitiesHeightened sensory pleasure and over
responsiveness: Seeing, Smelling, Tasting, Touching, Hearing
Enhanced aliveness of sensual experiencesExpression of emotional tension through:
overeating, sensory seeking, wanting to be in limelight
Aesthetic pleasures that other children may not even take notice in
Accommodating forSensual Intensities
Decrease offensive stimuli and increase comforting stimuli Address lighting issues, if needed, in living spaces Sound issues identified and addressed as necessary – allow child
to use earplugs during work time or consider best placement in the room for maximum work efficiency
Allow co-creation of sensual, soothing environment (nooks, etc.) Carry a favorite texture, dab a small scent/essential oil on wrist Provide time to delight in beauty Accommodate food and clothing issues
Work on personal space and boundary issues as necessaryRemember that extreme reactions are real for them
“You experience the world in such deep and subtle ways!”
Table Discussion: Sensual Intensity
What are some examples of sensual intensity or overexcitabilities do you observe in your child?
What is wonderful about having a sensual overexcitability?
What are the challenges of sensual overexcitabilities?
How do you help your child relieve the stress of sensual intensity?
Imaginational IntensityFrequent use of image and metaphorVividness of imagery and richness of
associationFacility for dreams, fantasies, and inventionsMixing truth and fiction due to fantasy lifeLove for the unusualDetailed visual recallLimitless possibilities
Accommodating for Imaginational Intensities
Be careful of books and movies that include danger, fear inducement, characters who represent evil (Disney, Harry Potter, and so on – it’s everywhere!)
Communicate to the teacher any imaginational intensities so movies/read alouds can be carefully chosen
Feed imagination through arts and writing (journaling, poetry, fiction), and look for enrichment opportunities within and outside of school
Suggest open-ended activities when playingHelp them define the difference between real and
imaginary worldHelp them find appropriate times to daydream (e.g. on the
bus)
“You view the world in a rich And fascinating way!”
Table Discussion:Imaginational Intensity
What are some examples of imaginational intensity or overexcitabilities do you observe in your child?
What is wonderful about having an imaginational overexcitability?
What are the challenges of imaginational overexcitabilities?
How do you help your child relieve the stress of imaginational intensity?
Intellectual IntensityAvid, accelerated search for truth and knowledgeDiscovery, questioning, and always asking probing
questionsLove of ideas and theoretical analysis, moral
thinking, intuitive integration of ideasMay worry about adult issues without the wisdom
that age can bringCapacity for sustained intellectual effortIntense concentration and curiosityHighly introspectiveMay have mastered a majority of the core curriculum before the school year begins
Accommodating forIntellectual Intensities
Project-based learning and self-paced studiesGive these kids substantial mental experiences and
opportunities for optimum intellectual endeavors (chess club, enrichment courses or experiences, etc.)
Understand the absentminded professor syndromeHelp children record “deep questions” that can be
considered or researched laterHelp them view potential for progress rather than
all-right or all-wrong (perfectionism and dealing with their harsh inner critic)
Teach tact and diplomacy if outspoken tendencies are perceived as too harsh or critical
“Your curiosity fuels your intelligence!”
Table Discussion:Intellectual Intensity
What are some examples of intellectual intensity or overexcitabilities do you observe in your child?
What is wonderful about having an intellectual overexcitability?
What are the challenges of intellectual overexcitabilities?
How do you help your child relieve the stress of intellectual intensity?
Emotional IntensityOften first noticed by parents, it is the intensity of
emotional life, intense positive and negative feelings, identification with others’ feelings and strong affective expression.
Somatic expression of emotions (tense stomach, blushing, pounding heart)
Can form deep relationships with people, places & thingsCompassion and empathy for others Heightened sense of responsibilityScrupulous self-examination and self-judgmentFears and anxieties – death, love, loneliness, fairness, etc Often accused of “overreacting”Their focus on relationships and intensity of their feelings
may interfere with everyday tasks like homework
Accommodating forEmotional Intensities
Prepare your child’s teacher for your sensitive childHelp them identify the physical warning signs of emotional
stress such as headache, stomachache, hair pulling, etc. and then better cope with emotional situations and not lose control.
Create an environment which supports sensitivity rather than makes it a negative (especially highly sensitive boys)
Find outlets for emotions: through journaling or talking with a trusted adult or friend, exercise, etc.
Use a “time-out” space as a personal choice (learn how to anticipate emotions)
Allow for relaxation time during the dayFind activities that provide meaningful opportunities for
empathy and social concern (service learning, etc.)Remember they are not just being melodramatic.
“Your deep feelings add to your creativity!”
Table Discussion:Emotional Intensity
What are some examples of emotional intensity or overexcitabilities do you observe in your child?
What is wonderful about having an emotional overexcitability?
What are the challenges of emotional overexcitabilities?
How do you help your child relieve the stress of emotional intensity?
Last Words…
Focus on the benefits of your child’s sensitivities. Point out the positives and celebrate the joy they bring.
Suggest and/or choose literature for GT with intense GT characters (Ida B, for example)52% of gifted teens (from a large survey) shared
that they want to know how to better deal with intense feelings of sadness, depression, anger, frustration or anxiety.
Don’t rescue intense children! Instead, support and encourage them to manage their heightened sensitivities and give them coping skills
Thank you!I hope tonight’s information and discussion
was helpful. Please consider attending our next two
parent sessions:Feb. 4: PerfectionismMay 12: Underachievement
Daniels & PiechowskiFonseca Rivero
Dawson & GuareGalbraith Galbraith & Deslisle
