The Gifted/Learning-Disabled Child: A Guide for Teachers and Parents

Abstract

What do Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Leonardo DaVinci, Walt Disney, Whoopi Goldberg, Lindsay Wagner, and Robin Williams have in common? All are reported to have learning disabilities. For many people the terms learning disabled and gifted are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Children who experience both exceptionalities are often overlooked and under-served in the classroom. Although researchers have acknowledged the gifted/learning-disabled population and have developed procedures for identification, the majority of school districts do not have procedures in place for screening, identifying, and serving these children (Dix & Schafer, 1996). In addition, information on this population has not been transported into the classroom so parents are not aware of the possibility of dual exceptionalities in these areas. These obstacles make it difficult for the gifted/learning-disabled child to be identified and an appropriate program developed. Parents and educators must work together as advocates for those children with gifts/learning disabilities to address this unique learning situation.