Gifted Students & Behavior Modification

Improve your gifted child's behavior with simple behavior modification techniques.

The U.S. Department of Education defines gifted children as "Children and youth with outstanding talent perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment." This description may bring to mind an image of the ideal child and every parent's dream. However, many parents whose children have been identified as gifted continue to struggle with behavior issues. Incorporating simple behavior modification techniques eliminates these problems.

Gifted with ADHD or LD

Behavior problems in gifted children may indicate the presence of other conditions.

In most cases, behavior problems will disappear completely upon identification of giftedness and adaptation of the curriculum to suit the child's learning needs. For other gifted children, the behavior problems continue, indicating the possible presence of other conditions. Although seemingly contradictory, ADHD and learning disabilities often occur together in gifted children. In these cases, the child will perform above average in specific areas of learning but lag behind in others. Intellectual, social, and emotional function varies relative to the development of different parts of the brain. If your gifted child displays continued behavior problems even after a curriculum change, contact your child's teacher or counselor for possible further testing.

Behavior Modification

In the meantime, using special techniques at home can help improve your child's behavior and learning experiences. Both parents and teachers alike have successfully employed the behavior modification technique. According to learning specialists N. Mather and Sam Goldstein: "Behavior modification techniques never fail. Rather, they are either applied inefficiently or inconsistently, which leads to less than the desired change" (see References section). Simple and easy to use, these techniques successfully control behavior problems.

Successful Communication

Begin by identifying your child's problem areas. Relay clearly what you expect of your child. Avoid distracting your child by using as few words as possible. If necessary, issue one instruction at a time. Always maintain eye contact while speaking to your child. Gently remind him to "Look at me while I'm speaking." Ask him to repeat your instructions. Repeat these steps until understanding replaces any visible confusion.

Consequences

If the child resists direction, advise her in the same concise manner of the consequences. Keep the consequences age appropriate and proportionate to the crime, such as time-out (one minute per age of the child) or removal of valued privileges. Issue one warning, and proceed with discipline as previously discussed. Executing immediate and consistent discipline determines the successful outcome of this technique.

Praise, Praise, Praise

Show your pride and watch your child shine.

Now, for the fun part: In the event that your child meets your expectations, praise him. Have fun with it. Thank him or give hugs and high fives. Show your pride in his accomplishments, and watch him glow. You will both love it, and he will look forward to the next opportunity to make you proud.

References

• LD Online: Behavior Modification in the Classroom
• Attention Deficit Disorder Resources: Gifted Children with ADHD
• LDInfo: Gifted LD

Resources

• Attention Deficit Disorder Resources: Gifted Children with ADHD
• LDInfo: Gifted LD