I think it is also important to recognize that there are differences between kids who are being raised in their biological families and kids who are not. And I think in a gifted kid this can be even more intense. Obviously not everything is attributable to this...but I believe that a lot more actually is than many APs (myself included) have acknowedged. This is not excusing bad behavior, but rather, considering the impact of early experiences on brain development and how to best understand and respond to help the child regulate.
Yes, absolutely. Early childhood trauma may follow some adoptees their whole lives. Not to say they are eternally damaged, but that the trauma will be part and parcel of their being. I sometimes wonder if it is possible to pick apart which issues are adoption related and those which are part of giftedness in a child.
