Different Minds: Gifted Children With AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, and other Learning Deficits

Rating:
Summary: Must-own and must-read, for parents, teachers, professionals
Review: Different Minds: Gifted Children with AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, and Other Learning Deficits. Twice Exceptional children, those who are both gifted and learning disabled, are often overlooked by all sides of education. Their achievement is often not low enough to be considered special needs, nor high enough to be included in gifted education. But these children are far from average, and they need particular attention to all of their unique attributes.

Deidre Lovecky is considered one of the foremost experts in twice exceptional children. This long-awaited book is a summary of many years of clinical experience and observation, and should in the hands of every parent, teacher, and professional working with this unique population.

Different Minds starts with definitions and differences: gifted, AD/HD, Asperger syndrome, and other learning deficits commonly (and not so commonly) diagnosed in the same children. Diagnosis of dual exceptionalities can be difficult, and Lovecky cuts through the overlapping characteristics, with references to DSM-IV criteria. Through case studies, discussion and suggestions, Lovecky offers years of experience and wisdom on how to best nurture these children at home and at school.

Different Minds includes chapters on gifted, AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, cognitive issues, creativity, emotional aspects, social cognition and relationships, moral development, assessment, and resources for parents, teachers and professionals.

Different Minds should be required reading for everyone dealing with twice exceptional gifted children.

Rating:
Summary: Must-own and must-read, for parents, teachers, professionals
Review: Different Minds: Gifted Children with AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, and Other Learning Deficits. Twice Exceptional children, those who are both gifted and learning disabled, are often overlooked by all sides of education. Their achievement is often not low enough to be considered special needs, nor high enough to be included in gifted education. But these children are far from average, and they need particular attention to all of their unique attributes.

Deidre Lovecky is considered one of the foremost experts in twice exceptional children. This long-awaited book is a summary of many years of clinical experience and observation, and should in the hands of every parent, teacher, and professional working with this unique population.

Different Minds starts with definitions and differences: gifted, AD/HD, Asperger syndrome, and other learning deficits commonly (and not so commonly) diagnosed in the same children. Diagnosis of dual exceptionalities can be difficult, and Lovecky cuts through the overlapping characteristics, with references to DSM-IV criteria. Through case studies, discussion and suggestions, Lovecky offers years of experience and wisdom on how to best nurture these children at home and at school.

Different Minds includes chapters on gifted, AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, cognitive issues, creativity, emotional aspects, social cognition and relationships, moral development, assessment, and resources for parents, teachers and professionals.

Different Minds should be required reading for everyone dealing with twice exceptional gifted children.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Book for parents of "twice exceptional" children
Review: I am the mother of a six year old boy who is highly gifted but also has sensory integration dysfunction, ADHD, and many Asperger's traits. I have read numerous materials on giftedness and learning disabilities, but this book, along with "Uniquely Gifted" compiled by Kiesa Kay and also sold on amazon.com, has been the most helpful to me in understanding my son's unique learning and behavioral profile. Lovecky has extensive experience in evaluating twice exceptional children, and relates with specificity many case examples and provides concrete suggestions for helping these children. If you have a child like this, buy a copy for yourself, your child's teacher, the principal of your child's school, and any specialists that treat your child.