Can a child be gifted and have a learning disability?

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Anonymous asks:

My son is really talented artistically, but he also has a hard time with academics. Could he be gifted and have a learning disability?

In Topics: Learning styles and differences, My gifted child, Learning disabilities

> 60 days ago

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Expert

DrSheldonHorowitz

Jul 6, 2009

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What the Expert Says:

The answer to your question is a resounding YES! Learning disabilities is the umbrella term used to capture many different types of specific disorders and while some people have problems in one or more specific areas of learning and performance, they may enjoy success and even excel in others. In fact, students with LD often demonstrate unusual abilities to “think outside the box,” and the products of their expression, be it artwork, poetry, music, or interpersonal skills, made possible by hard work and a determination of spirit, are no less remarkable and praiseworthy than those of their non-disabled peers. One look at the Voices of LD gallery or a read through of the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship winning essays on the LD.org website and your question will be answered without a shadow of a doubt. For a more detail overview of this topic, visit the LD.org site and look for the category “Giftedness” in the Related Issues area of LD Basics.

Resources:

http://www.ncld.org/

http://www.education.com/special-edition/learning-disabilities-rti/

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Additional Answers (1)

ginaa , Teacher writes:

Yes indeed! Learners with a disability in one area may well have remarkable abilities in another. The terms used for such children are "twice-exceptional" or â��twice-gifted.â�� Some of the world's most famous thinkers and celebrities have been learning disabled and have excelled at a certain talent or skill. Einstein, Edison, Charles Schwab, the millionaire owner of the discount stock brokerage firm, the list goes on...

I think it's really wonderful that your son is able to express himself through his artwork and it's a gift you should nurture and support as much as you can. To assess his abilities and devise an instructional plan that will work for him, you may need to talk with his school and get him tested. Understanding his unique needs and areas of strengths and weakness is the first step to helping him become a confident adult. The links below take you to articles that have a host of information on parenting a twice gifted child. I hope it helps and good luck!

http://www.education.com/topic/gifted-and-learning-disability/
http://www.twicegifted.net/id4.html

> 60 days ago

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