I am twice exceptional......this is a bold statement for any adult
to make. I know many people hate labels (and aren't they for children
anyway?) To me labels are the way that we understand ourselves and if we understand ourselves we can function better in the complex world we live in. Labels unlock practical solutions to our difficulties.
I am gifted and dyslexic.....not an easy thing to say but it
explains so much of my life so far. The dyslexic part is easier to say, it is a label that many people seem happy to accept these days. People are generally sympathetic and interested when you mention you are dyslexic. They want to know how you found out and does it still affect you as an adult.
The gifted part is much harder. It seems to be such an emotive term that provokes anger and scorn from many. 'Who are you to think your child is gifted?' and worse still 'What do you mean you're gifted, do you think you're better that other people?' Sadly most people who genuinely use the term are not trying to boast but rather are trying to make sense of not fitting in. In many cases they have experienced challenging parenting issues which they are trying to understand and come to terms with. For adults it can explain many years of emotional turmoil and feeling different. For me I have to grasp the nettle as being gifted makes my life make sense in a way that other things don't.
I hope in my blog to share on a personal and professional level about dyslexia and giftedness. There will be articles for both parents and teachers. I will share some top tips, resources and personal experiences may help you on your own journey.
The gifted part is much harder. It seems to be such an emotive term that provokes anger and scorn from many. 'Who are you to think your child is gifted?' and worse still 'What do you mean you're gifted, do you think you're better that other people?' Sadly most people who genuinely use the term are not trying to boast but rather are trying to make sense of not fitting in. In many cases they have experienced challenging parenting issues which they are trying to understand and come to terms with. For adults it can explain many years of emotional turmoil and feeling different. For me I have to grasp the nettle as being gifted makes my life make sense in a way that other things don't.
I hope in my blog to share on a personal and professional level about dyslexia and giftedness. There will be articles for both parents and teachers. I will share some top tips, resources and personal experiences may help you on your own journey.
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