Episode 80: Giftedness (Part 1): Defining Giftedness: Beyond High IQs [featuring Emily Kircher-Morris]

Divergent Conversations

There are many stereotypes about giftedness, what it really means, and the connection it might have to neurodivergent traits related to autism or ADHD, but it’s actually a much more complex and nuanced label.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Emily Kircher-Morris, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a rich background in both education and mental health, discuss the multifaceted world of giftedness and neurodivergence, unraveling the intricate layers of IQ, societal expectations, and the personal journeys that shape the lives of gifted individuals.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Dive into an enlightening discussion on the evolving definitions of giftedness and twice-exceptionality, and discover how universal screening in education can help identify students from marginalized backgrounds.
2. Gain insights into the social and emotional struggles unique to gifted individuals, including the pressures of perfectionism and the challenges of making social connections.
3. Learn about the theory of overexcitabilities and how sensitivities in gifted individuals relate to their cognitive and emotional experiences, shedding light on the biological and environmental factors that play a role.

Reflect on the importance of creating environments that support neurodivergent traits, challenge societal norms linking productivity to self-worth, and advocate for systemic changes that nurture the unique qualities of gifted individuals.

More about Emily:

Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. She started her career in education and now works as a mental health counselor in private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in supporting neurodivergent, twice-exceptional, and gifted people of all ages.

• The Neurodiversity Podcast: neurodiversitypodcast.com
• Neurodiversity University: neurodiversity.university
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported: amazon.com/Neurodiversity-Affirming-Schools-Transforming-Practices-Supported/dp/B0D81QWSX8
• Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classroom: freespirit.com/teaching-strategies-and-professional-development/teaching-twice-exceptional-learners-in-todays-classroom-emily-kircher-morris-2e-learners
• Twitter: twitter.com/EmilyKM_LPC
• Facebook: facebook.com/EmilyKircherMorris
• Podcast Facebook Page: facebook.com/NeurodiversityPodcast

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A Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Gifted Learning Lab, Resilient Mind Counseling, & Learning Nook

✨ The Gifted Learning Lab:

The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey.

✨ Resilient Mind Counseling:

Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated in North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, the LGBTQ community, and the BIPOC community. For mental health therapy, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, MedCost, Aetna, and self-pay. For medication management, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and self-pay. We can see clients all throughout North Carolina. If you are looking for medication management services, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office in case you need to come in. All of our clinicians identify as either Autistic, ADHD, or Autistic-ADHD, or have some form of neurodivergence or are neurodivergent-affirming. We strive to create a neuro-inclusive healthcare community. You can text or call our main line to get started at 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com. We look forward to helping you along your healing journey.

✨ Learning Nook:

Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available.

✨✨ Hurricane Relief for WNC communities:

This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc

Mentioned in this episode:

The Gifted Learning Lab

The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey.

The Gifted Learning Lab - Free Mini-Course

Hurricane Relief for WNC communities

This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc