Being Gifted vs. Having a Learning Disability

When evaluating a student’s potential for learning, many educators often focus on IQ (intelligence quotient) to determine if a child is gifted or possesses a learning disability. However, students that fall into either category often require a similar level of support.

In simple terms, “gifted” is defined as “having great natural ability.” According to the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), gifted students exhibit high achievement capabilities in intellectual, creative, artistic and leadership competencies. As a result, a student with this extraordinary aptitude requires enrichment beyond the standard curriculum provided by most schools.

Much like gifted students, those diagnosed with learning disabilities often possess above average levels of intelligence, but they find it difficult to comprehend the learning process and require special accommodations to overcome their learning challenges.

A learning disability, as defined by the University of Virginia’s Children Hospital is: “A disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations are characterized by difficulty in reading, writing, and arithmetic.”

While the causes of learning disabilities are not clearly understood, these disorders are presumably related to dysfunctions in the central nervous system and may include Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.

Studies have shown that students who live with a learning disability often possess the skills to succeed academically and may even be gifted in intelligence, but they have problems completing their work or communicating in a crowded classroom. Providing individualized learning environments, increased testing times and alternatives for evaluating coursework are just a few of the simple ways educators can support students with learning disabilities.

Much like students that have learning disabilities, gifted students also face their own academic and social challenges. Often these students, many of whom possess one or more learning disabilities, have problems coping with being labeled as gifted and will underachieve on purpose. Signs that a gifted student is underachieving include lack of interest in school, turning in incomplete homework and earning lower grades.

Many gifted children also feel pressure to live up to the expectations of their parents, teachers and even themselves. As a result, gifted students will deal with their unique abilities in different ways. Some will avoid being a part of advanced-level groups or programs, while others use their abilities to excel in academics and extracurricular activities.

At first glance, gifted children may seem vastly different than those possessing a learning disability. However, many students with learning disabilities are gifted in intelligence. At Learning Strategies, we will design a program and provide a learning environment that fosters success and supports each student’s unique learning challenges and strengths.