ADHD Parenting Tips - Decoding ADHD, Giftedness, and Other Learning Styles in Our Children

I don't know what's worse, expecting everyone to have the same learning patterns and preferences or coming up with labels to sort those of us who do learn differently. I've never really been one for labels, because for better or worse, a label is a label and it comes with expectations.

As someone who was identified as a gifted and talented student years ago, while also fighting the label of ADHD in recent years, I can tell you that there is an awful lot of overlap. One major difference I've seen is that the behaviors are talked about quite differently. A child with ADHD is seen as a behavioral problem and children who are gifted are creative and expressive.

But is there really a difference?

I suppose deep down inside, there really is a difference in these different learning styles. And I suppose that some do create additional challenges and struggles, but as someone who carries the burden as well as having conducted evaluations of children, there is an underlying similarity.

ADD / ADHD

Perhaps the most controversial condition of our time. ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity. At the end of the day, it's more about variable attention.

Non-Verbal Learning Disability

Often abbreviated as NVLD or NLD, this learning style or preference is more about a person who does better with technical subjects. Also well known for children who struggle with social skills, and can be mistaken as ADHD.

Verbal Learning Disability

At it's most basic level, these students tend to struggle with both verbal and written expression. The most popular category here is dyslexia.

Gifted

There does not appear to be an agreed upon definition, but according to the NAGC, gifted individuals show exceptional promise and potential to excel in one or two areas.

Twice Exceptional

This is a term I have only recently heard used in the last year or so. This term refers to gifted individuals who also have learning differences or difficulties in certain areas.

Here's the underlying similarity I hinted at earlier:

Students who excel in one or two areas of life, will often not excel in other areas. That's just the way it is. One professor in graduate school referred to this phenomenon as the "double-edged" sword. In other words, there are great advantages and disadvantages that come with excelling in certain areas.

Of course there is more to each of these learning styles, but I want to emphasize that we are talking about differences here. I want you to focus on building strengths, and leveraging the strengths of other people rather than focusing on weaknesses.

To support your child, I'd like to give you free access to my ADHD Essentials Audio Kit. Download over three hours of valuable content on how you can support a child with ADHD and other learning differences.