The Solution to Misdiagnosis of Gifted Children & Adults
February 13, 2010
Triangle Psychological Services attended the NCAGT 2010 Conference as an exhibitor. The mission of our exhibit at the NCAGT Conference was to inform teachers, parents, school administrators, and gifted program staff members that the Triangle Psychological Services’ model of psychological testing is thorough and unbiased in regards to a diagnosis. We are committed to accurate and timely identification of gifted children and adults.
Because the symptoms of many diagnoses overlap it is not uncommon for gifted children and adults to be misdiagnosed and their giftedness to go unrecognized! We have first hand experience of children and adults who have been inaccurately “diagnosed” by teachers, themselves, physicians, friends and family with problems such as ADHD and Aspergers.
This is a sad situation.
Children and adults who are misdiagnosed will be misunderstood by others and by themselves. They will, in all likelihood, be labeled and thus receive negative feedback from others. This severely affects their feelings about themselves which, in turn, affects their interactions with others. Most of all, mis-labeling can lead to long term problems such as depression, anxiety, anger problems, troubled relationships, academic failure and even alcohol and/or drug abuse.
The TPS Psychological Testing Model
A child or adult who is referred for testing for Aspergers or ADHD (or some other diagnosis) will be tested using a general and “best practice” battery of formal and informal psychological measures. A thorough interview with the adult and/or parent helps us to understand the history of the issues. With permission, information is gathered from teachers and/or a close family member or friend. All of this information is vital and informs the experienced psychologist about the next level of assessment measures necessary to yield an accurate diagnosis.
Most importantly, a thorough and unbiased testing model yields practical, useful and informative recommendations for the individual, educators, family, and workplace. This provides the child or adult a realistic understanding of themselves and their struggles. They will have a chance to better understand their strengths and an opportunity to learn tools that can enable them to perform to the best of their ability understanding their weaknesses. And, above all, they will have the best opportunity to use their God-given gifts to their fullest.
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