Education for the Gifted, Neurodivergent Child with Sam Young
Dec 8, 2022
auto_awesome
Sam Young, MEd, a two-time Fulbright Scholar and director of Young Scholars Academy, dives into the world of neurodivergence in education. He shares his personal journey with ADHD and emphasizes a strength-based approach to teaching twice-exceptional students. The conversation unpacks the complexities of masking in neurodivergent individuals, critiques traditional IQ testing for identifying giftedness, and advocates for inclusive learning environments. Prepare to challenge conventional notions of giftedness while supporting diverse learning needs!
Understanding twice exceptionality is crucial, as gifted abilities can mask challenges, complicating the identification of true needs in educational settings.
A strength-based, interest-focused educational approach, like that at Young Scholars Academy, empowers neurodivergent students to thrive by self-selecting classes aligned with their passions.
Deep dives
Understanding Twice Exceptionality and Strength-Based Approaches
The concept of twice exceptionality (2E) is explored, highlighting that these individuals possess both exceptional strengths and challenges. Often, the gifted abilities mask the struggles or vice versa, making it difficult to identify their true needs. For instance, a student excelling academically may be overlooked for support due to their high performance, while another struggling with a learning disability could be seen solely through that lens. Recognizing these complexities is essential for effectively supporting twice-exceptional students, who may thrive in specific areas while simultaneously facing significant hurdles.
The Impact of ADHD on Learning Experiences
The podcast delves into the experiences of individuals with ADHD, emphasizing how this diagnosis can manifest differently throughout one's educational journey. The discussion reveals that ADHD can lead to a persistent struggle in traditional educational settings despite a person's cognitive strengths. Specific anecdotes, such as difficulty comprehending texts due to cognitive patterns or being consistently placed at the teacher's desk for closer supervision, illustrate the challenges faced. Understanding these nuances helps educators and parents adopt more tailored strategies to empower ADHD learners, focusing on their unique talents while addressing their difficulties.
Giftedness: Definitions and Implications for Education
Giftedness is defined as being above average in certain areas, but its interpretation is complex and can vary based on context. For example, giftedness may be evident in traditional academic subjects or in non-academic areas such as mechanics or art. The conversation stresses the importance of looking beyond just standardized testing scores, suggesting holistic approaches that consider students’ interests and strengths. Notably, gifted behaviors can emerge in different scenarios, underscoring that education should adapt to celebrate individual talents rather than conform to a singular definition of giftedness.
Creating an Inclusive and Engaging Learning Environment
Young Scholars Academy emphasizes a strength-based, interest-focused approach to education that allows students to guide their own learning. The program is designed to engage neurodivergent students by offering classes they self-select based on their passions, facilitating deeper exploration of their interests. This method not only encourages independence and motivation but also builds a supportive community where students feel understood and valued. By fostering connections with mentors and peers who share similar intellectual curiosities, the program aims to create a nurturing environment that prioritizes well-being and personal development.
Sam Young, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional, neurodivergent, and gifted students and their families. Mr. Sam is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education.
In today's interview, we're covering:
Sam’s experience of the ADHD diagnosis
Using a strength-based approach in education
Defining twice exceptionality, and the three ways 2E people mask