Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Meeting needs vs. fitting world around them

You know what I find ironic/puzzling/upsetting(can't find the exact word) about the stories told here about 'meeting needs vs. fitting in'?
To GS10 teachers, GS10, then 5, would have looked exactly like most of the other children here. He acted out, he hated to change from one activity to another, he was miserable, he cried at the drop of a hat, he got into peoples space, he didn't play well with others, etc. But because GS had an evil stepmother, (and that's why we got custody) all his problems were blamed on having been abused, not a gifted child needing a challenge. Because of that background, we got all the services in the world(it seemed like!) offered for him.
Unfortunately, treating symptoms had no effect on the real cause, a gifted kid who was not being challenged appropriately. It took his 3rd grade teacher to recognize that. Unfortunately, a 45 minute pullout every day is all they offer for gifted services.

Isn't it sad that the child who acts out due to abuse gets services and lots of compassion(which they should!) but the gifted child who acts out in the same manner is expected to suck it up?

eta: I think it is Dottie who has occasionaly said tears work during some advocating sessions. Maybe we do need to evoke an emotional, compassionate response for these gifted kids who aren't getting their needs met academically?