Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources Cognition, Sensory Processing and Arousal Article

Someone from another group I belong to posted this link. I thought it was an interesting article about sensory processing issues in the gifted. It explains a lot about DS7.

Happy reading!

http://www.usautism.org/PDF_files_newsletters/thurman_marlo_payne_NJ_09.pdf

Abstract.
Children of higher intelligence take in more information than their peers of average cognitive ability. However, because the sensory skills of filtering, regulation and modulation mature with age, innately asynchronous sensory development in the gifted, twice-exceptional and high functioning autism and Asperger�s populations places our most intelligent youth at risk for academic, social and emotional problems. When compounded by learning disabilities, most asynchronous children simply cannot access enough cognitive energy to compensate andfunction successfully in their day-to-day lives. This, in turn, leads to cognitive and emotional
fatigue, heightened physiological arousal and ultimately mental health symptoms.

This paper will discuss the unique relationship between intelligence and sensory regulation, and will illustrate the impact of modulation abilities on learning, social and emotional function and the mental health diagnoses commonly seen in our most intelligent, yet out-of-sync populations.

Thank you for posting this. It explains a lot.

Very interesting. I have tried to find information about my son's fatigue issues for the last four years. The educational psychologist that tested him four years ago mentioned my son's fatigue problem and told us that he needed to be tested over more than one day to get an accurate assessment, but I never really understood why and whenever we went to doctors I only came away with more questions.

I found out yesterday that we did get authorization from our insurance for my son's neuropsychological assessment, but they have to schedule his tests all in one day, so once again, I don't know how accurate the test will be once he gets to the point of fatigue.

In the article it says when the twice-exceptional learner must consume larger than normal amounts of cognitive energy in compensation of their learning disabilities and sensory challenges, a shortage in cognitive energy results.

It also talks about how they can tap into their emergency reserves but the reserve system is fueled through an adrenal or "fight or flight" response and the borrowed energy does not give the user the same outcome as would be obtained through the use of original cognitive energy.

I also thought this part was interesting: "Even when referred for assessment some of my most intelligent, creative and talented clients do not test with high IQ scores. I have seen files where poorly trained clinicians have reported score scatters ranging from the 99th percentile to the 5th percentile as "average ability." Then later the author says "We cannot continue to compare these children to typical IQ peers. We also need to understand sensory arousal and realize that some aspect of asynchrony places these kids at risk for modulations disorders and mental health symptoms." and "We really must have ways to address the energy issues that shut our kids down." I address my son's energy issues by letting him son take breaks throughout the day. He takes a break after each subject. I am sure this would be a big problem in a public school situation, but this is what my son needs to learn and perform well and to keep from having the fight or flight adrenalin issues.

Thank you for helping me add to my list of questions for the neuropsychologist.

I was told the same thing and my son was tested over several days. I also wondered why the fatigue.

Fascinating article. My son, 11, was also born 3 months premature and many of these preemies seem to have heightened sensitivities anyway. Interesting combination of information here.