Hi all.

I'm looking for a good art therapist in or near Alexandria VA. Or a psychologist who understands the needs of gifted children who also does art or play therapy.

My son is gifted 2nd grader with asynchronous development. He is a perfectionist and has trouble dealing with and expressing his emotions. His mood issues (possibly mild mood disorder) usually show up at home--he holds it together in school and melts down afterward.

Unfortunately, my son's needs are not being met at school, where he is expected to do what exactly what everyone else is doing, regardless of his abilities. I am afraid to be frank with his teacher about his mood issues, because she is obviously looking for a way to get him diagnosed with a learning or other disorder, possibly so that she can get extra help in the classroom, and for an excuse not to provide GT services. The teacher claims that there are "no GT services in second grade" (Fairfax Co.) She feels that something is "off" about my son, listing behaviors not necessarily related to mood issues, such as not organizing his work, not wanting to "let go" when someone does something and not paying attention--and other behaviors that fall in the realm of the gifted personality and in general, 7 year olds.

When I ask her a question like, "How can I support your efforts at home to help him keep organized, or help him with his writing," she responds in a weird way, by mentioning ADHD, and then saying that she doesn't think he has it. In response to the paying attention issue, I told her he was probably bored and needed to be challenged. She doesn't seem to accept that or if she does, she doesn't seem to care.

Does anyone have any suggestions about how to deal with the mood issues, or how to work with the school?

Thanks!!!

OMG!!!! my son had a lot of the same issues..... he does have ADHD though.... he doesn't walk.......... the kid bounces!!!!! We are artists (Both parents, poor kid :)) so we have taught him photography. He has learned how to make movies with photographs. It helps his self confidence, but the organization part, oh well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree....lol

I don't know of an art therapist in your area unfortunately, but if you go to your local art council, they will. Also they will have kids classes and other cool stuff!

here is there web link:
http://www.artsfairfax.org/

anyone else can find there local here
http://www.nea.gov/

Hope this helps!

Thanks. We are creative and active too, and divergent thinkers, so organization takes a back seat. I know my son doesn't have ADHD--we have taken him to the professionals--but the way he thinks and acts can look similar, particularly if he's anxious or bored. Art is a wonderful way to connect and explore. I'll try the links!

You might find some help here with direction/folks to see, they are in fairfax but might have references for elsewhere if you are not so close to ffx.

http://www.weinfeldeducationgroup.com/index.html