How historical narratives shape notions of normalcy

In this deeply insightful guest call, we welcome Kaitlin Smith, a PhD candidate in the history of science at Harvard with a secondary focus in African American Studies. Kaitlin brings a powerful lens to the conversation around giftedness, drawing from her academic research, clinical background, and personal experience as a former support provider for gifted and intense Black adults.

This episode explores the intersections of giftedness, race, history, science, and social narratives—inviting us to reexamine what we consider “normal” and how systemic forces shape our understanding of intelligence and identity.

A Scholarly Look at Diverse Expressions of Giftedness with Kaitlin Smith

Join us for an enlightening session with Kaitlin Smith, MSW -- founder of Our Wild Minds -- in which we will explore diverse lived experiences of giftedness that people have in light of differences in social identity (e.g., race, gender, class, and spirituality). Kaitlin will share insights derived from scholarly research and personal experience, shedding light on how social forces and historical developments influence the recognition and experience of gifted traits. Attendees will engage with ideas that illuminate often-overlooked aspects of your intensities and learn strategies that will help you celebrate your (and others’) multitudes.

About Kaitlin: 

Kaitlin Smith, MSW is a writer, facilitator, and Ph.D Candidate at Harvard in the Department of History of Science where she is developing a dissertation on the history of the field of Black Psychology. Kaitlin is also the former founder of Our Wild Minds which offers online community and in-person experiences for highly creative, intellectually intense, and/or gifted Black adults from all over the world. Kaitlin's research and work with Our Wild Minds is informed by past training and work as a psychotherapist.

• The history of psychological science and its impact on marginalized identities

• Kaitlin’s personal experience with racism and bias in clinical training

• How the field of Black psychology emerged in resistance to biased systems

• Case studies including Oscar Moore and the Larry P v. Riles court case

• How Donna Haraway’s concept of situated knowledges can inform gifted advocacy

• The danger of universalizing objectivity in science and education

• Using historical context to reframe personal experiences of giftedness

• Opportunities for collective solidarity and support in gifted communities

• Questions for self-reflection around situated knowledge and identity

• Join the Embracing Intensity Community

• Kaitlin Smith’s gifted resources

• Kaitlin’s Substack

• A rich Q&A on the intersection of giftedness, race, and gender, and how these identities interact in systemic settings

• Reflections on how trauma and neurodivergence shape each other across personal and collective histories

• Insightful audience comments on the importance of reclaiming educational and psychological language

• Exploration of “the gifted rainbow” as a metaphor for the complexity and beauty of diverse gifted identities

• Practical examples of how to create supportive spaces for gifted and twice-exceptional Black individuals

• Honest conversation about grief, joy, and the non-linear journey of self-discovery as a neurodivergent person

• Kaitlin’s take on integrating history, embodiment, and radical curiosity into both academic and personal healing