Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger's, Depression, and Other Disorders (2nd edition)

The author specifies which mental diagnoses a gifted person might get wrongfully, and why.But he also takes into account that a gifted person may actually qualify for a psychiatric diagnosis, and explains why the condition will often differ from normal people with the same diagnosis, and how to deal with this in a fruitful way.One important example explained by the author is that the brain of gifted people will work more intensely, even from a metabolic point of view -- the process of sensing, thinking and problem solving will demand more energy, and leave them exhausted afterwards.Especially for gifted children, I can only imagine how important it is to be understood and estimated for your talents, rather than being treated as a troublemaker or an abnormal case. In worst cases, which are not rare, gifted children are being (mis)diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety or depression and put on drugs, possibly for many years.The book is marked throughout by a deep, empathic respect for people's abilities and special talents. So it is definately worth to read if you are gifted and want to understand why your brain and mind, as a gifted person, works in a way that seems different from most other people. And will also be a good book for counselors, professionals and family members.I have suffered from low self-esteem, like many other gifted people, and been suspect of mental problems, but this book has been a great tool of empowerment for me. I have come to understand and appreciate traits of my mind which I thought were quirks, but which are actually signs of talent and mental capacity.A good thing is that the book is not too large, but rather concentrated. If you have some familiarity with psychiatric and psychological concepts, it will help, yet it is not very difficult to read.It is certainly not the usual brick-sized chitchat psychology book, nor is it a self-help book, but something even better, because rather than cognitive exercises, it gives you the background knowledge and evidence you need to understand yourself or others.There are case stories, but they are kept short and relevant. There also is a comprehensive note and literature list.

This is a very positive book that examines a wide range of misdiagnoses of gifted children and explains the reasons they can be so misunderstood. There is sensible, extensive information on dual diagnoses too (where gifted children also have other special needs.) There are several case studies that are extremely useful.It is well written, very well researched, confident, supportive and celebratory. Without it I wouldn't have had the courage to make sure my own child was properly diagnosed by someone who understands giftedness, asynchronous development and why exceptionally bright children sometimes display behavours that don't fit into the 'norm'.A must for anyone who feels that their bright child is being misunderstood in a destructive way by others.

Gifted children are at risk of misidentification. Giftedness may be misconstrued as ADHD or aspergers. Specific learning difficulties may be overlooked by educators if the child is bright enough to compensate. Often children who are both gifted and have an underlying difficulty may have only one half of this profile identified, or their strengths and weaknesses may mask each other so that neither are identified.This book provides a unique resource for parents or others who feel that the labels don't fit, or that something has been missed.

A distinctly uninspiring title conceals a truly uplifting book. Academic in style (referenced) yet accessible, it describes perfectly many of the traits and experiences I had always thought were typical of me. The authors describe those with an IQ of 155 of higher as profoundly gifted; I like that, because my IQ is 155. It's always nice when an author reaches out of a book and recognises your difference as acceptable!Enlightening for the professional and at times moving for those who read here about themselves

Helped me both professionally and personally. While being accessible it is based on wide knowledge and well referenced research. Highly recommended.

for parents, teachers and educational psychologists, this is an often overlooked issue which is addressed well in this book. It is important for people to reach their potential and this book helps to make that possible.

excellent overview, very objective

very good, pleased with it.

An excellent resource for professionals, parents of gifted children and even for gifted people themselves. Frequent misdiagnosis and common gifted behavior are confronted and explained.

Allgemeine Aussagen ohne konkret zu werden. Enttäuschendes Buch der "Experten". Keine wirklich neuen validen Informationen zu einem Gebiet das bisher definitiv zu wenig Aufmerksamkeit bekommen hat.

indispensabile la lettura per chi toccato dall'argomento....si arriva alla consapevolezza di quanto poco si sa in Italia dell'argomento e di quanto le famiglie siano totalmente sole senza nè supporto nè comprensione, dove nè scuola nè professionisti sono all'altezza.

日本ではまだまだ関わり方が認知されていないギフテッドに関する研究書です。先行研究のまとめから、具体例から、対応策まで、かなり詳しく書かれています。

For parents whose kids are on that thin line between the autism spectrum, adhd and giftedness, this book provides lots of insight. It tends to favour the gifted dx versus the others which some psychologists might not agree with but overall a useful read if you're in that period of your life.