Social & Emotional Needs of the Gifted

High intellectual functioning affects children and their development

Basic needs do not vary from one individual to another; the ways to meet those needs, however, varies from one person to another. All of us need love and acceptance and a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It is my goal to help people understand how high intellectual functioning affects children and their development. And, when not given what they need when they are young, gifted children, I believe, become gifted adults, people who often carry their wounded selves into their adult roles. I believe that once parents, teachers, and others who have influences over children’s lives know what these bright children need in order to flourish and become emotionally healthy, fulfilled, productive adults, they will gladly give it.

Any differences we have from those around us affect their perception of us. In our times of political-correctness we are loath to imply that intellectual giftedness is the same as intellectual superiority. We use terms including “able learners,” “academically advanced,” “bright,” and so on. The term “gifted” implies that the person thus “blessed” was given special intellectual tools. A burden is placed on the “advantaged one” that one must earn the gift through hard work, accomplishment, and good attitude. Many people view…