The other thing to consider is the profound emotional DAMAGE done to an HG+ child who is
more than capable of
comprehending adult conversations like that mentioned above.
My daughter was absolutely frozen with disbelief and horror. This was someone that she TRUSTED, that she adored.
Even as an adult, I found it hard to process this series of statements. As a 9yo child-- impossible. This was an epiphany for my child-- and NOT one that I'd have wanted for her. She's deeply bitter and cynical, and is often very reluctant to self-advocate because she KNOWS how superficial most people are about it.
I guess it is safer and better in the long run to know just how cruel and self-centered most other human beings are, but wow. Believe me, an HG+ child has NO difficulty with the underlying message; "You're nothing to me, in spite of how nice I've always seemed-- surprise!"
To know it at such a tender age is really distressing and damaging.
Highly gifted kids are still children.
