Neurodiversity Podcast

Am I the Impostor Among Us?

Sep 26, 2024

Lindsay Lee, an educational scholar and author, discusses the nuances of impostor syndrome, particularly among gifted and neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the connection between this phenomenon and perfectionism, exploring its impact on self-perception. Lindsay also emphasizes the importance of educator support for neurodivergent learners, especially in navigating feelings of inadequacy. The conversation delves into strategies like fostering self-compassion and creating supportive environments to help students overcome these challenges.

28:16

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Episode guests

Lindsay Lee

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Imposter syndrome is a common experience, particularly among neurodivergent individuals, leading to self-doubt and anxiety despite evidence of success.

Perfectionism significantly influences the perception of achievements, with socially prescribed perfectionism particularly correlated to feelings of inadequacy and impostorism.

Deep dives

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome, often felt as a sense of being a fraud or doubting one's own abilities despite evidence of success, is a common experience for many, particularly among neurodivergent individuals. This phenomenon can lead to feelings of inadequacy, as individuals struggle to internalize their achievements and often attribute their success to external factors rather than their own capabilities. The conversation highlights that this sense of impostorism is amplified in competitive environments, where individuals may constantly compare themselves to others, feeling they do not measure up. For many, the failure to acknowledge their skills and accomplishments can perpetuate a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, hindering personal and professional growth.

Intro

2min

Enhancing Educator Support for Neurodivergent Learners

2min

Understanding Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism

18min

The Impact of Imposter Phenomenon on Gifted and Neurodivergent Youth

2min

Navigating Imposter Syndrome: The Power of Support and Self-Compassion

4min

There’s a nagging feeling most of us experience from time to time, that tells us maybe we’ve fooled everyone. We shouldn’t have been placed in a certain position, or we’re not qualified to take on a project. On episode 243 we revisit a talk with Lindsay Lee, the author of a study about impostorism. Why do we experience it? What can we do to tamp it down?

Check out the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools webinar we hosted earlier this week! You’ll find great information that will help make your classroom or school a place where all students can thrive. If you like the webinar, we’d love to have you as a member of our Educator Hub, click here to join!

Dr. Lindsay Lee is an educational scholar focused on ensuring that all advanced learners, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. She is currently working as a research analyst and professional development creator & facilitator on a Jacob K. Javits-funded project to optimize gifted identification practices across the United States. Her research interests include equitably identifying advanced students, psychological and educational measurements, talent development across domains, and developing learning environments that encourage creative growth. She has published several research and practitioner articles, as well as book chapters on these topics.

In addition to her research, Lindsay is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). She has presented her research at numerous conferences and has received recognition for her work, including the 2021 NAGC Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award and the 2022 NAGC Research & Evaluation Network Dissertation Award.

BACKGROUND READING

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