Gifted Adults

When did you know you were different from other children? Is there a particular event that stands out? I always knew I was different.  I think the harshest realization was as a teen when the group of teens at our church made fun of me.  I always thought it was for other reasons than being gifted.  I was more interested in reading than boys or makeup, and I struggled with social cues.  I was the stereotypical awkward, wince-inducing nerd. When did you understand that it was giftedness that made you different? Not until I was an adult with my … [Read more...] about Discovering Giftedness as an Adult – Mary’s Story

This story is told anonymously. I have given the author the name of Julia (not her real name). When did you know you were different from other children? Is there a particular event that stands out? Probably around 3rd or 4th grade.  I had lots of trouble making friends after moving across the country. When did you understand that it was giftedness that made you different? Not until I was an adult with my own children.  I grew up thinking something was wrong with me.  I was even different within my own family, even though I believe they were … [Read more...] about Gifted, Depressed, and Embracing Individuality – Julia’s Story

When did you know you were different from other children? Is there a particular event that stands out? There was never a single moment of awareness, but more of an ever-present sense of being different. Without an understanding of what made me different, I experienced an inner belief that there was a core part of what makes up an individual that was fundamentally missing from me. Growing up with two brothers who were also identified as gifted meant that I experienced these feelings much more intensely in school and other social settings than I … [Read more...] about Gifted, Different, and Imposter Syndrome – Vanessa’s Story

What does it mean to be gifted and female? Gifted isn't being smart and getting good grades. Gifted isn't necessarily about being very good at something. Giftedness is a neurological condition that impacts every aspect of a person's life.Giftedness presents people with a unique set of opportunities and struggles because it typically places them out of the mainstream of society. If you add being female to the mix, it becomes even more complicated. Being a gifted yet "eccentric" or "different" man has its place in our society. Being a gifted … [Read more...] about Gifted and Female – A Series of Personal Stories

When did you know you were different from other children? Is there a particular event that stands out? My first memories of being different were of being rejected. I remember sitting on the floor of a school classroom working on a group project and the other kids making it very clear they thought I was different, and that different was not ok.I started homeschooling in grade seven because the rejection in school was too hard to live with and despite the wonderful fun I had pursing my own projects - memorizing Shakespeare, designing a space … [Read more...] about Giftedness, Loneliness, and Faith – Christy’s Story