SEN or Gifted

[tryingsomethingnew]

Morning all,

Forgive me for not being sure about this. I have a girl in my class, super bright about maths and facts, but lacks writing skills and social skills. I think SEN but parents think gifted. Being obscure here on purpose but what's your opinion. How do I deal with something like this. Primary age. Juniors.

I’m a junior teacher too. Can’t she be both?

If she is lacking writing and social skills to the point of it causing issues with progress and friendships then maybe suggest an IEP for those areas?

You could try signposting to info on thevterm 'dual exceptionality'-children with SEN who are also considered G and T

also known as 'twice exceptional'

Yea this is what my research is pointing to. I think she is both. Parents are focused on the exceptional. I don't know how to suggest both. It's like they're only hearing the gifted. But I also feel strongly about her neurodiverse ways. Lack of eye contact, lack of sympathy, over tactile....I'll ask a question, and the answer will not be about the subject, it'll be about what they want to talk about.

Talk to school SENCO?

You comment on her "neurodiverse ways" but is she actually significantly impaired by these traits? Are the social skills issues causing impacts that are negative/upsetting for her, are her writing skills significantly below ARE?

Is she happy at school/at home or struggling?

"I'll ask a question, and the answer will not be about the subject, it'll be about what they want to talk about."

How old is the child? At age 7/8 this is not that rare. More of an issue at 10/11.

Sounds like my DS, he got a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome back when that was still a thing.