How do you know what is normal gifted behavior versus a clinical syndrome? Psychologists, counselors, social workers, educators, administrators and parents are invited to register for a one-day workshop Friday, Oct. 30, at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College to get answers to this difficult question.
The event, “Diagnoses and Misdiagnoses of Gifted Children: Identification and Intervention,” will be led by Edward Amend, a gifted education and psychology expert. Amend will discuss common characteristics and assessments that lead to the misdiagnoses and/or dual-diagnoses of gifted children and common interventions appropriate for this unique group of children.
The cost of the program is $199, which includes coffee, lunch, a parking voucher and a copy of Amend’s book, “Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s, Depression, and Other Disorders.” The registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 26. Vanderbilt School of Medicine has designated the event for 6.0 CE credits toward the continuing education of psychologists.
“This past year, I have had an increasing number of inquiries about identified gifted students who also show signs of clinical disorders such as Asperger’s syndrome and attention deficit disorder,” Tamra Stambaugh, director of Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth and research assistant professor of special education, said. “It can be difficult for professionals and parents to determine whether or not a child is exhibiting common gifted behaviors or if there is a clinical disorder that also needs to be addressed. Dr. Amend is a leading expert in this area and I am excited he is willing to share his insights with us.”
The workshop will equip attendees with the information necessary to determine what typical gifted behaviors look like and when there may be cause for clinical diagnoses. Through case study, Amend will share interventions appropriate for these students.
Registration forms are available online at http://pty.vanderbilt.edu and may be requested by calling (615) 322-8261 or by e-mailing pty.peabody@vanderbilt.edu.
This workshop is co-sponsored by the Department of Psychology and Human Development and Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth.
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth has been serving the needs of highly gifted 8th-12th grade students from across the nation and abroad since 2000. For more information about Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth’s year-round offerings, visit http://pty.vanderbilt.edu. For more information about Peabody College, visit http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu.
Media Contact: Melanie Moran, (615) 322-NEWS
melanie.moran@vanderbilt.edu