Asynchronous development
Asynchrony means “out of sync” and refers to a difference between a child’s mental age and chronological age. This difference can lead to many social and emotional complications. Academic Asynchrony is when students excel far beyond grade level in their area of giftedness, or in one facet of one area, but not in all areas.This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity.-Asynchrony increases as IQ increases. The farther removed the child is from the average in intelligence, the more pressing his or her adjustment problems become. The most difficult time period for gifted students due to their asynchronous development is ages 4-9. This is when their asynchrony with their age-level peers is most obvious.
Over-excitabilities
To a gifted child it is intensely frustrating when one’s awareness outstrips one’s emotional control. Some behaviors intensified by this are anxiety, sensitivity, frustration, depression, and possibly perfectionism. Dabrowski, a Polish psychologist, identified five areas of excitability in gifted students.
Psychomotor is indicative of a surplus of energy.
Sensual has a heightened awareness of all five senses.
Intellectual focuses on activities of the mind, thoughts, and thinking.
Imagination is an intensity of creative imaginary free play
Emotional has exceptionally emotional sensitivity.
Perfectionism
A combination of thoughts and behaviors generally associated with high standards or expectations for one’s own performance
Possible behaviors to signal perfectionism in your student:
Procrastinates
Isolates oneself
Highly critical of self and others
Controlling
Poor time management skills
Calls him/herself stupid
Worries
Hides sense of humor
Tries to please
Student's can cope by...
Monitoring expectations
Being aware of own anxiety level
Setting realistic goals
Receiving guidance regarding potential anxiety
You can help your students by…
Giving praise for efforts and determination
Helping them set realistic goals
Teaching them to take pleasure in accomplishments
Seeing setbacks as learning opportunities
Helping them focus on a passion or creative achievement
Encouraging them to be aware of their anxiety level
“A combination of challenge and realistic expectations allows students to experience intellectual challenge as a positive learning experience rather than something to be avoided.”