3rd grade... Gifted... 138 IQ in K... intelligence is high but everything else seems to be below his age level... can't remember to do things... disorganized... meltdowns over nothing... refuses to do classwork as well as homework... fits of rage... very slow at everything... seems to have some serious problems ... I have people talk to him... they don't realize he is lying... it's common for gifted children to have this uneven development, to have these emotional problems, and other issues... Does anybody else experience these issues and have an advice?
Welcome, there is lots of information on the forum.
There are organizational skills and tips which can be taught. Specific organizational difficulty may be outgrown or may indicate LD/2e, with possible supports or accommodations provided in school.
Gifted kids may have asynchronous development, are often intense, and may be frustrated or complain of boredom if they do not have a challenge worthy of their potential.
Diet and allergies can be issues for some kids.
Rage and lying may indicate something deeper, possibly becoming a concern for his own safety or that of others.
Testing may help identify and separate different aspects of behaviors you are seeing, as well as provide strategies.
You may wish to learn all you can about gifted characteristics, organizational skills, testing, misdiagnosis & dual diagnoses, living with intensity. The Davidson Database, SENG website, Hoagies Gifted Education Page, and existing threads on gifted forums are great places to begin your research.
It sounds like he is willing to be honest with you, which is a big plus. Have you tried asking him about not completing homework, how he feels about school... the other kids, the curriculum content, etc? Have you tried introducing organizational strategies (assignment notebook, reward stickers, dry-erase board, color-coded folders, sitting with him and praising progress, showing an interest in what he is learning, reminiscing about how well you enjoyed that subject back in the day, etc)? You may wish to begin keeping a log, including positives and challenges throughout the day, as well as what was eaten. This may prove invaluable later.
Keeping a collection of his favorite projects and ideas as a portfolio showcasing his strengths may also be a good idea.
