CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

Presenter: Pam Lyons

IN A SOAP OPERA WITHOUT A SCRIPT: Gifted children’s perceptions of the world

Gifted children’s interpretation of the world will be discussed using Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration. Our experiences of others and the world are filtered through our own understandings. This is true for gifted children who will attempt to understand others through the experience of their own level of emotional development. This can then lead them to misinterpret the intentions and behaviours of the children around them. It is important to listen to the gifted children themselves. Taking them seriously and acknowledging their feelings can lead to children and adolescents who have a better understanding of their social surroundings.

In this workshop we will look at the sensitivities and intensities of gifted children and give time for the parents to discuss characteristics of their own children. We will examine how it could feel to be placed in situations where you have little understanding of the motivations of those surrounding you.