Are Gifted Students Considered Special Needs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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On its own,

giftedness is not defined as a disability

or special need. Some gifted students do have special needs (known as “twice exceptional” or “2e”), but most don’t.

Is gifted considered special education?

But, as educators we often over look the other end of the spectrum, the gifted and talented students. Students placed in these programs do in fact fall under the umbrella

of Special Education

. … These students differ from typical students in terms of learning style, depth and complexity of understanding, and potential.

Do gifted students have special social and emotional needs?

Gifted children

experience the same social and emotional needs as other children

, but they also face some unique psychological issues. Some gifted students may have self-critical, evaluative concerns that cause them anxiety.

Is gifted a disability under IDEA?

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has recently issued guidance affirming that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects

intellectually gifted students

who have qualifying disabilities and need special education services.

Why do gifted students need special education?

Gifted and talented students and those with high abilities need gifted education programs that

will challenge them in regular classroom settings and enrichment and accelerated programs to enable them to make continuous progress in school

.

What is a gifted child personality?


Ability to comprehend material

several grade levels above their age peers. Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age. Strong sense of curiosity. Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics. Quirky or mature sense of humor.

What is a gifted individual?

Children who are gifted are defined as those

who demonstrate an advanced ability or potential in one or more specific areas when compared

to others of the same age, experience or environment.

Does Fape apply to gifted students?

And while

federal special education law does not apply to gifted students

, the fundamental promise of special education — the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students — is familiar to educators, and is a goal that should unite all parents seeking successful educational experiences for …

Are gifted students by law identified for special education services?

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has recently issued guidance affirming that the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

protects intellectually gifted students who have qualifying disabilities and need special education services.

What is 2e child?

They’re called

twice-exceptional

, or 2e, which means that they have exceptional ability and disability. They are gifted in some way but they also face learning or developmental challenges. Children who are both gifted and challenged can be tough to understand.

Does gifted mean smart?

Gifted and 2e children are neurodiverse and need a similar peer group. …

Gifted does not mean smart

. Gifted is a brain-based difference that is sometimes a gift and often times comes with a challenge, especially when trying to fit in with the general public.

Can giftedness go away?


Giftedness doesn’t go away

; only the contexts change throughout the lifespan.

Is being gifted Neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity refers to the differences in brain structure that lead to cognitive, sensory, and emotional differences. …

Giftedness is a form of neurodiversity

; the pathways leading to it are enormously variable, and so are children’s resulting learning needs.

What are signs of gifted child?

  • Unusual alertness in infancy.
  • Less need for sleep in infancy.
  • Long attention span.
  • High activity level.
  • Smiling or recognizing caretakers early.
  • Intense reactions to noise, pain, frustration.
  • Advanced progression through the developmental milestones.
  • Extraordinary memory.

How do I know if my child is gifted or just smart?


Keen observation

, curiosity and tendency to ask questions. Ability to think abstractly, while showing signs of creativity and inventiveness. Early development of motor skills (e.g., balance, coordination and movement). Finds joy in discovering new interests or grasping new concepts.

How does a gifted child behave?

For instance, gifted children can be

argumentative and/or manipulative

. (Adults often remark that these children are little lawyers.) … Children who see that they can manipulate adults can feel very insecure. A gifted child may try to outsmart parents and teachers.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.