AuDHD Flourishing 84 The Neurodivergent Playbook with Dr Matt Zakreski
Feb 1, 2025
Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and 2e (ADHD & gifted) expert, discusses key insights from his book, 'The Neurodivergent Playbook.' He shares strategies for navigating emotional landscapes in gifted education, emphasizing tailored support for neurodivergent learners. The conversation also highlights the distinction between fear and anxiety, particularly in crisis situations, while embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. Additionally, Dr. Zakreski shares humorous personal anecdotes about managing everyday challenges, like socks, and the importance of self-care and balance in neurodiverse lives.
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Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) for Gifted Learners
- Socio-emotional learning (SEL) addresses the social and emotional needs of gifted learners, often overlooked in traditional education.
- SEL equips individuals with skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, and social skills, fostering kinder interactions and a more receptive learning environment.
Life's 'Hard Mode' and the Missing Manual
- Many late-identified neurodivergent adults feel like they've been playing life's video game on hard mode without the instruction manual.
- Dr. Matt uses the analogy of someone unknowingly riding a bike in a high gear, highlighting the struggles of undiagnosed neurodivergence.
Giftedness as a Learning Disability
- Giftedness can be a learning disability if individuals haven't developed learning strategies due to early academic success.
- When school becomes challenging, they may struggle because they never learned how to learn effectively.