Gifted or Troubled? Emotional Challenges in Young Children

Giftedness or psychological issues

Dear Dr.
Chen,
I have quite a bit of information to share.
My child is currently in kindergarten, and last year in preschool, he learned all the content expected for kindergarten.
He now recognizes many characters and can understand most books without phonetic annotations.
He has finished reading all the books available in the kindergarten.
The kindergarten teacher has suggested that we consider enrolling him in first grade because he shows a lack of interest in the less in-depth teaching content in kindergarten.
He often complains of headaches or exhibits excessive emotional reactions, such as yelling.
Last April, the teacher recommended that we have our child undergo gifted assessment for early admission.
However, we assessed that his emotional intelligence and daily living skills do not match his cognitive abilities, so we did not pursue early admission.
After the first semester of kindergarten, he frequently loses control of his emotions or feels bored and disrupts the class.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Should we take our child to see a psychiatrist? (He complains of headaches, but does not mention them when engaged in activities he enjoys.)
2.
Which hospitals in our country offer gifted assessments? Is there one in Miaoli? (We live in Miaoli.)
3.
Should we allow our child to attend first grade? Will he repeat the same behaviors next year if he has already learned the curriculum?
4.
Should we consult a developmental specialist?
I would appreciate your advice as a concerned mother.
Thank you.

lan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/01/27

Dr. Chen Zhicai reply Psychiatry

Regarding the questions you raised, here are the brief answers: 1.
It is advisable to take the child to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, as the symptoms described are detrimental to the child's future development.
Even if the headaches are triggered by psychological factors, they indicate a low tolerance for frustration in this child.
2.
A nearby resource for child and adolescent psychiatry in Miaoli may be the China Medical University Hospital, where you can consult Dr.
Wang Ming-Yu.
Identifying giftedness is actually not easy, as it encompasses various talents; however, truly gifted children often exhibit patience in exploring things repeatedly and demonstrate personality stability.
3.
Sending the child to a first-grade boarding school will not resolve the underlying issues, as it is hard to imagine that future professions such as professor, researcher, physician, lawyer, or engineer (which may not necessarily require gifted abilities) would not involve enduring repetition.
Best wishes, Dr.
Chih-Tsai.

Reply Date: 2010/01/27

More Info

Hello, thank you for sharing your concerns about your child's emotional challenges and academic abilities. It sounds like you are navigating a complex situation, and it's commendable that you are seeking guidance. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Should you take your child to a psychiatrist?
Given the emotional outbursts and physical complaints like headaches that seem to arise in response to boredom or lack of engagement, it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional. Children who are gifted often experience emotional challenges, including frustration and anxiety, especially when they feel unchallenged or misunderstood. A psychiatrist or psychologist can help assess whether these behaviors are linked to emotional issues, such as anxiety or behavioral disorders, and provide strategies to manage them effectively.

2. Where can you find gifted assessments in Miaoli?
In Taiwan, many hospitals and clinics offer gifted assessments, often through their child and adolescent psychiatry departments or psychological services. You may want to check with local hospitals in Miaoli, such as Miaoli Hospital or other nearby medical centers that specialize in child psychology. Additionally, universities with psychology programs may also offer assessment services at a lower cost. It’s important to ensure that the assessment is conducted by qualified professionals who have experience with gifted children.

3. Should you allow your child to attend first grade early?
This decision requires careful consideration. While your child demonstrates advanced academic abilities, emotional maturity and social skills are equally important for success in a school environment. If your child is already showing signs of emotional distress in the current setting, moving to a more challenging environment may exacerbate these issues. It might be worth exploring options for enrichment within the current grade, such as differentiated instruction or advanced learning opportunities, before making the leap to first grade. Engaging with the school to develop a tailored learning plan could be beneficial.

4. Should you consult a developmental specialist?
Yes, consulting a developmental specialist could provide valuable insights into your child's emotional and behavioral patterns. They can help determine if your child is experiencing emotional challenges that need to be addressed, and they can also guide you on how to support your child's unique needs. This could include strategies for managing emotional outbursts, enhancing social skills, and fostering a positive learning environment.

In summary, your child’s advanced cognitive abilities paired with emotional challenges suggest a need for a comprehensive evaluation. It’s crucial to address both the intellectual and emotional aspects of your child’s development. Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping your child thrive both academically and emotionally.
Consider reaching out to professionals who specialize in gifted education and child psychology. They can provide tailored strategies to support your child’s unique needs, ensuring they are both challenged and emotionally supported in their learning journey. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a positive step towards fostering your child's well-being.

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