I think in most instances the diagnoses include the proviso that the behaviors interfere with normal life activity
And I would agree with this in my practice as a parent. If it's a real problem, why not work to solve it rather than shrugging it off by calling it an OE?
I have not seen evidence that OEs are "real." They are a theory about gifted people, but not a theory for which there's a great deal of evidence, as far as I know. IMO the idea of OEs keeps a lot of 2Es from being diagnosed and getting real, valuable help. (Our DS was diagnosed late with AS because people, including several doctors, assumed he was odd just because he's so smart. It lost us years of treatment.)
I'd say, if the behaviors and thoughts are interfering with life activities or causing suffering over some months or years, it's time to investigate.
DeeDee
