IMO, one of the most objectionable and offensive statements published by NAGC is the denial of the existence of any kids born gifted.
Are Children Born Gifted?
...
No child is born gifted — only with the potential for giftedness
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parents create responsive environments that allow their children to develop their potential to the fullest — that is, to create giftedness
A few thoughts:
1. This assertion is dismissive and invalidating. Affrontive.
2. Some parents may find that they've given birth to an infant who is noticeably advanced, alert, responsive, and remarkably different from other newborn infants, with different needs: "gifted."
3.
1st item on NAGC's list of Common Characteristics of Gifted Individuals is: Unusual alertness, even in infancy.
4.
Developing a child's potential to the fullest is NOT "creating giftedness."5. While all children may have gifts and talents, not all children are "gifted."
6. A nurturing, responsive environment may begin in utero. The fetus is a sentient being.
7. Articles on fetal development and intelligence may be found online.
"Any kind of drug use -- running the gamut from caffeine to heroin -- has the potential to limit the later intellectual development of the unborn child," Shawn K. Acheson, PhD, tells WebMD.
While the evidence is most clear-cut for alcohol, pregnant women should avoid all drugs, says Acheson, an assistant professor of psychology at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C.
"It's commonsense stuff, but I still see incredibly intelligent pregnant women who should know better continuing to smoke," she says.
...the prenatal auditory environment modulates the neural responsiveness of fetuses ...
