Today, he's having behavior issues at school. I think a lot of it is sensory related (currently fighting the school for an SPD evaluation, I believe he is sensory seeking) BUT I am also wondering if some of it is boredom. As I began researching trying to figure our what his issue is I see that some gifted children do have some behavior issues.
But first - behavior issues. I want you to have some comfort here. I don't think anybody has ever done a poll here, but I'm betting that a HUGE percentage of highly/profoundly gifted kids have behavior struggles in elementary school and beyond. My DS8 (who is in second grade and is a Davidson Young Scholar) sure does. And if I gave you details, I'll bet you'd be raising an eyebrow or two!
There are lots of factors making it tougher on these kiddos. First - you have a boy, and elementary school is just generally stinko for little boys. And he's a very bright boy, bright enough that he feels different, probably. And that's hard, too. Especially when he gets peckish
hello David'sMommy!
it's funny - i haven't been around here in a long time, but my first post was (i think!) nearly exactly like yours.
my daughter, now 8, had a terrible, terrible time in her first year of school, too. she covered her distress for a while, but eventually she couldn't hold it together anymore and we started hearing (and noticing) deeply disturbing behavioural issues. she just wasn't herself at all, and it turned out to be a combination of things - every single one related to her giftedness. no matter how hard she worked at fitting in, she didn't: not academically, and not socially. you and your son are NOT alone. i think a lot of people arrive here when there's a crisis - if nothing was wrong, you wouldn't be asking the questions.
i know you're at the start of your investigation into giftedness, and you'll probably feel a ton of relief as you read more posts and chat with the experts here, but i did want to mention one thing. it's easy to question whether your child is actually gifted because in many ways (though the pace of learning will likely continue to shock you!) your child seems normal to
you! i always say it's a little like being on the highway - you get used to the speed, and only notice how fast you were going when you come off the ramp.
all the best!
DG
