#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday February 16, 2016
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Discussing Giftedness with Healthcare Providers” w/guest Dr. Marianne Kuzujanakis
Before we begin, please tell us where you’re from and introduce yourself!
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate, presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA.
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria Australia here on Wednesday at noon for
Hello! Marianne here. Pediatrician. Homeschooler to PG son. PAC Chair. Honored to be part of this discussion!
Marie Chicago Artist n 2E!
As a reminder, we use a Q1/Q2 format for questions & A1/A2 for answers during
Welcome to Dr. Marianne Kuzujanakis and thanks for being our guest today!
Hi. Gail Post from Gifted Challenges. Psychologist, blogger, mom of 2 college-age boys
Lynda here. Mom to PG girl in Midwest. Looking to learn tonight!
If joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet.
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ & where you’re from; then follow the conversation!
Stay with the flow! All the links & a summary of this chat will be posted later on our blog at https://t.co/jUsAaAVgJr
Carol Bainbridge from Indiana.. mom to gifted young adult, writer about gifted kids, blogger.
Q1) Why is it important for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about ‘gifted’ issues?
A1. Most kids see MDs >12 times B4 age 5. MDs are 1st regular professionals to follow development. Ripe opportunity not 2B missed
A1) Because if they aren't aware, they will make incorrect diagnoses. When your only tool is a hammer, all problems are nails.
A1. GT prevalence 5-10% (not rare). Rivals LD/asthma/ADHD –topics discussed frequently in yet GT/2e rarely mentioned.
A1) Recognize, identify signs of giftedness, 2e, asynchrony, and to avoid misdiagnosis
A1) Many characteristics of gifted and 2E can lead to misdiagnosis if not understood
A1. YES! GT traits resemble Med Dx. GT strengths can hide Med Dx. Both GT/MedDx can hide each other. MD needs to understand this.
...assuming there are problems. Sometimes problems don't exist, but behaviors are seen as problems. Same result - misdiagnosis.
A1) We struggled with MDs who went to Harvard Med School! You'd think they knew something about gifted!
RT A1) We struggled with MDs who went to Harvard Med School! You'd think they knew something about gifted!
A1. So that their asynchrony isnt misunderstood as a mental health issue. That possibility can coexist though.
Hi! Yomaida, I'm a mom from Texas, homeschooling my 2nd grade son. Following the chat!:)
A) To identify potential problems assoc. with giftedness, reassure parents, get child help he/she needs
RT assuming there are problems. Sometimes problems don't exist, behaviors seen as problems.Misdiagnosis.
A1) Serious psychological damage can be done when HCP's are unfamiliar with giftedness.
A1. If GT unaware of OWN giftedness and/or 2e, at risk of self-harm/underachievement/closed mindset/addiction/isolation/etc…
A1) Like your point about being the gatekeepers - a wonderful opportunity to help parents, diagnose, offer advice
Absolutely! RT A1) Serious psychological damage can be done when HCP's are unfamiliar with giftedness.
RT A1) Serious psychological damage can be done when HCP's are unfamiliar with giftedness.
RT A1) Serious psychological damage can be done when HCP's are unfamiliar with giftedness.
A1) so 2E's such as anxiety blended w OEs, and asynchrony aren't misdiagnosed/treated. Can be VERY detrimental.
Just learned of yng gifted male seeing a counselor to deal with being transgender. Odds are he's not. Just not comfortable in skin.
Q2) What type of general information should a patient/parent be prepared to provide to MD/MH providers?
AS you all said...many reasons WHY MDs need to be cognizant of GT/2e. Next step is HOW to do it.
Especially misdx of ADHD RT A1) Serious psychological damage can be done when HCP's are unfamiliar with giftedness.
A1. Each student could very likely benefit from individualized instruction, including GT!
A2. 1st: Discussing GT w/MD can awkward. Feels like boasting. Some parents also feel MDs should care only for body, not mind.
We are working at the local level in Reno, NV currenlty.
Wonderful! Reno is location of DITD. RT We are working at the local level in Reno, NV currenlty.
A2. MDs focus on addressing deficits/delays. Parents need 2B assertive about GT. Important but can be difficult for .
A2) Developmental milestones, unusual development, emotional struggles (oe's), school/peer problems
A2. Developmental screens look for deficits. Sadly...They do not offer parents opportunities to talk w/MD about exceptionalities
2) evidence based research, possibly testing results, personal insight and understanding of their child.
A2. If already tested, bring in results. Discuss if accurate picture or not & why. MDs not trained on testing but can advocate.
A focus on objective data for the parent/child to bring in has been helpful in our opinion.
A2. Be specific. Don’t say “My child is gifted” Say HOW he/she gifted. Matter-of-fact. Take care to 1st learn abt GT yourself
A2. Some MDs open to from patients/parents in our media-driven world. Take advantage but B cognizant of MD time constraints.
A2. Bring GT brochures/documents to appts. Be a grassroots educator for GT. If your MD isn’t open to discussion, find another MD.
A2cont) as educators should "teach" to whole child. MD should "treat" to the whole child. Awareness lacks BIG TIME.
A2) Parents should share results of other testing which has been done and give background about milestones, soc./emot. OE issues
A2. I have done this with my current PCP whom kinda is like a deer in the headlights sometimes. Pushing for more understding imprtnt
A2. Consider parent/adult groups. Maybe offer one in MD office. EX: SENG Model Parent Groups https://t.co/u1KD0L8DdD
Hi all, sorry I'm late. Carolyn K. from Hoagies' Gifted, Inc.
RT A2) Parents should share results of other testing done and give background about milestones, soc./emot. OE issues
RT A2. Bring GT brochures/documents to appts. Be a grassroots educator for GT. If your MD isn’t open to discussion, .
A2. Many parents self-identify GT “only after” having child & life of being misunderstood.Deal w/that FIRST Not w/child’s MD
RT A1) Many characteristics of gifted and 2E can lead to misdiagnosis if not understood
RT A1) Many characteristics of gifted and 2E can lead to misdiagnosis if not understood
A2. Be collaborative. Take the team-player route. Confrontation rarely gets the best response. Goal = Best support for the child.
A2: our GP realized what was up, learned about Hoagies' Page, and came to me for resources with a couple patients over the years
A2. PLUS: Gifted may . Many MDs not supportive nor knowledgeable. Been there. Parents forced to advocate from all ends
A2: when J switched to pediat., he asked me to put business cards on his counter. I think it was J bragging about what mom did...
A2. MDs R trained to make Dx’s 2 be reimbursed. Don’t rush to Dx if you disagree. Parent often knows best. Seek 2nd opinion.
A2. Trust helps parent/MD relationship go a long way to identify real needs in GT child & prevent over-medicalization of childhood.
A2) Pediatrician can be helpful in diff. ways to gifted child at diff. developmental stages - early childhood thru teens
Exactly! MT A2) Pediatrician can be helpful in diff. ways to GT child at diff. development stages:Early child-teens
Q3) What is SENG’s Misdiagnosis Initiative?
MDs "ideally suited" for advocacy for child 0-18+ years.
A1: to help support early dev., hyper-sensitivities, and other aspects that parents may not know about (and help parent their own!)
A3. Impetus: AAP approved ADHD meds for age 4. Meds now used even in toddlers. Sadly no on
A3: an attempt to get folks to stop pathologizing gifted kids!!
A2) Parent also needs to know when/how to ask pediatrician for referrals to other providers
A2: MDs need to know NOT to prescribe meds just to get bored gifted kids to sit quietly in class.
Also for ins. coverage RT A2) Parent also needs to know when/how to ask pediatrician for referrals to other providers
Hello ! Caught up on reading tweets! 5/6 GIS , SMPG Facilitator
RT A3. Impetus: AAP apprd ADHD meds for age 4. Now even in toddlers Sadly no on
A3. SENG Misdiagnosis Initiative more than brochures too. Articles. Videos. More.
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
A3. Coming Fall 2016: Our team= two sessions at Nation Conf ( of will be team’s speaker)
A3. Also this year we’re finishing article on our Parent Survey research (>3,500 parents involved)
A3. BIG NEWS: 2nd edition of the “Misdiagnosis & Dual Diagnosis” will be published by late this year.
A3) Many in medical/educ. field overly quick to dx - results in misdiagnosis - leads to incorrect labeling /intervention
RT BIG NEWS: 2nd edition of the “Misdiagnosis & Dual Diagnosis” will be published by late this year.
boredom has become overused. I ask follow up question to determine what is going on. https://t.co/IzFx2MsiiK
A2: MDs need to know NOT to prescribe meds just to get bored gifted kids to sit quietly in class.
RT A3) Many in medical/educ. overly quick to dx - results in misdiagnosis - leads to incorrect labeling /intervention
RT A3. BIG NEWS: 2nd ed of the “Misdiagnosis & Dual Diagnosis” will be published by late this year.
Info is key. MT A3) Many in med/edu overly quick 2 dx:results in misdiagnosis: leads to incorrect labels/intervention
True, kids who don't get the work can be bored, too. But GT kids who are way ahead are often prescribed meds to calm
Fantastic! We need presentations about giftedness in more areas other than education https://t.co/nSoGS4UJ9M
A3. Coming Fall 2016: Our team= two sessions at Nation Conf ( of will be team’s speaker)
Q4) What types of testing should be done to provide MD/MH professionals with relevant information for a diagnosis?
Yup RT Info is key. MT A3) Many in med/edu overly quick 2 dx:results in misdiagnosis: leads to
YES ...We need to stop preaching to the choir & get outside the GT field & spread the message on GT & 2e.
A4: testing must include IQ and achievement tests to get full picture, otherwise just "ADHD screen" can mislead.
As an individual whom was misdiagnosed vs 2E I so believe in the importance of the Misdiagnosis initiative. I ws lft behind.
A4. First: YES to testing, but w/reservations. True outliers or those w/complex issues/delays benefit greatest from early testing.
A4. A bad tester is often worse than no testing at all. Make sure tester is cognizant of both GT & 2e
A4: 2e kids are often assessed like "peeling the onion." Each new assessment with new knowledge from the one before reveals more...
A4) IQ, but often additional testing needed, especially when 2e issues present
RT A4. A bad tester is often worse than no testing at all. Make sure tester is cognizant of both GT & 2e <-- sing it!
RT A4. A bad tester is often worse than no testing at all. Make sure tester is cognizant of both GT & 2e
A4. Know that most MDs unaware of broad scope of GT testing. Little on development and/or GT. Parents again need 2 advocate.
A4: and IQ isn't enough. Need to know ACTUAL academic levels to advocate proper placement. GT enrichment "class" is not enough.
RT A4. Know that most MDs unaware of broad scope of GT testing. Little on development and/or GT. Parents again.
A4) IQ testing results, achievement test results, anecdotal notes, diagnostic assessment, parent interview....
A4. Please give MAJOR Thumbs Up 2 for all Carolyn has done 4 gifted! I can’t imagine GT B4 Hoagies!
A4. Share test results w/MDs, but MDs often unprepared. Suggest CE courses https://t.co/O9jX7wU6YH
Someday…CME courses
RT A4. Please give MAJOR Thumbs Up 2 for all Carolyn has done 4 gifted! I can’t imagine GT B4 Hoagies!
A4) Peds. can educate parent to at least know that IQ testing is not achievement testing or the "group" testing done in some schools
RT RT A4. Please give MAJOR Thumbs Up 2 for all Carolyn has done 4 gifted! I can’t imagine
A4. Caveat: Test results reflect “One Day Only”. Poor test may be due to variety of issues & not child’s true giftedness
Many districts or parent groups also have community resources lists for parents.
A4) I "teach" testing to mixed groups. No one knows tests other than their own. Psychs know IQ and Ind. Achiev. Schools, group tests
A4. Also...Negative: Tests $$$$. Insurance may not pay. Be cautious of low-cost: tester may be unaware of GT complexities
RT I can imagine it 'cuz I lived it. I remember the humble beginnings of Hoagies, a labor of love. <-- still is :-)
A4) Peds. may feel pressured to be authoritative about GT issues with parents, but may not know a lot - need to refer out
A4) testing price varies by market. Boston/Mass is high $, but NH is much lower. Ask around. Pick 2e familiar tester if any chance..
RT A4) Peds. may feel pressured to be authoritative abt GT issues w/ parents, may not know a lot - need to refer out
YES! MT A4) Ped. may feel pressured 2B authoritative abt GT issues w/parents, but may not know a lot:need 2 refer out
RT A4. Also...Negative: Tests $$$$. Insurance may not pay. Be cautious of low-cost: tester may be unaware of GT
YES! Pay now or..as they say, pay later. MT It's worth the money - IF you have a good tester.
Q5) Where can people find information to share with their healthcare providers about giftedness?
A5: Gifted misdiagnosis brochure from SENG!
I just wanted to add I think physicians are in a unique position & can advocate understanding in GT, show true concern for patients
A5) Many MDs are also gifted, but don't know about the many dimensions of giftedness - they should find reading about it interesting
A5. Dr. von Hahn worked w/us at 2 develop UpToDate on . This is available for ALL clinicians: https://t.co/KqpA93sX5F
RT Physicians are in a unique position & can advocate understanding in GT, show true concern for patients
A5. Many FREE articles on SENG/NAGC/GHF/Davidson Institute/GT blogs/state GT. Find what resonates w/your child’s situation.
A5) Makes me think of MDs through the lifespan - even geriatricians would benefit from understanding giftedness/misdx issues
Q6) Where can people find healthcare professionals who do identify as working with the gifted?
A5) In other words, MDs who treat gifted people of all ages would benefit from understanding giftedness
GDC has some funding, or at least they did.
YES!! MT A5) Makes me think of MDs thru lifespan:even geriatricians would benefit frm understanding GT/misdx issues
Absolutely! https://t.co/catE7xGscI
A5) Makes me think of MDs through the lifespan - even geriatricians would benefit from understanding giftedness/misdx issues
SENG is still working to get gifted into the discussion with MDs, Psychs, Counselors, etc.
This always saddens ME! MT What can poor do? We should start a non-profit group 2 help poor parents pay 4 testing
RT SENG is still working to get gifted into the discussion with MDs, Psychs, Counselors, etc.
RT SENG is still working to get gifted into the discussion with MDs, Psychs, Counselors, etc.
Was just gonna say to ask you...RT A6: wish I knew!
A6. Challenging question. Many groups still debate legality and/or risks to advertising healthcare professionals on websites.
A6. Word-of-mouth a good option. But like anything YMMV w/any specific recommendation. Personality match w/your child is crucial.
RT This always saddens ME! MT What can poor do? We should start a non-profit group 2 help poor
A6) Some state gifted organizations may have lists
A6) word of mouth, consulting w gt specialist, and parents of other gt children.
Does the lack of coverage for testing help perpetuate the disparity between haves and have nots? https://t.co/TaucdYx9Yk
This always saddens ME! MT What can poor do? We should start a non-profit group 2 help poor parents pay 4 testing
A6) Local parent gifted advocacy groups are often "in the know" about who to go to
A6) State and local gifted organizations might know good testers. Gifted outreach programs also know. That's how I found one.
YES! MT Does the lack of coverage 4 testing help perpetuate the disparity betwn haves & have nots?
A6. SENG Liaisons may know GT-aware professionals in your locale. Contact them & state grps. https://t.co/tusM4P2UJa
love that idea! Need to keep an idea list!
We'll archive the chat and share the link via later today.
Yes, This should all take place automagically through the schools, but until then...
Thanks for hosting this, , and thanks for being our guest, Great discussion tonight!
We thank the talented staff for their continuing support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
A6. SENG just began recognized professionals list. Refer PhDs/MDs u know w/knowledge/exper. https://t.co/i1U1DX4fQx
