Session G9
Tracks
Stream G
| Sunday, May 18, 2025 |
| 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM |
Overview
- The Psychology of Giftedness: The Next Big Thing in the Neurodiversity Movement? | Belinda Ratcliffe (60mins)
Presenter
Dr Belinda Ratcliffe
The Psychology of Giftedness: The Next Big Thing in the Neurodiversity Movement?
1:45 PM - 2:45 PMAbstract
Giftedness is rapidly gaining international recognition as a significant facet of the neurodiversity movement. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on giftedness within educational research and Australian school systems. Concurrently, there has been a heightened emphasis on identifying and supporting individuals diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in both educational and clinical settings. Despite this progress, there is stigma associated with the "G word," and psychologists often lack a comprehensive understanding of the psychology and neurobiology of giftedness, particularly its intersection with disability and mental health.
Previous research suggested that gifted students might have mental health on par with or better than their peers. However, more recent evidence indicates that some subsets of the gifted population are at significant risk of psychological disorders without appropriate support. Giftedness is frequently associated with overexcitabilities in various domains as well as increased risk for health issues such as environmental and food allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. These factors can predispose individuals to co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
There is also a known genetic link between giftedness and autism. Studies indicate that alleles increasing the risk of autism are also associated with higher intelligence and its correlates, such as education level, among neurotypical individuals. Rates of mental ill-health in autism are as high as 70%. Individuals with both autism and exceptional cognitive abilities are at particularly high risk, particularly late diagnosed women - who often experience severe internalising symptoms, feelings of inadequacy, and alarmingly high rates of suicidality.
In our clinic, we have long observed a high incidence of giftedness in one or more domains in older children, teens, and adults presenting for autism assessment against a backdrop of mental health challenges. Cognitive and social features often ascribed to giftedness, like language precocity or social difficulties, resemble certain characteristics of Autism or mental health issues. Second-opinion assessments revealed that these characteristics were often misattributed solely to giftedness, autism, or mental health issues, leading to misdiagnoses and improper interventions. Chronic neglect of needs can lead to life-long impacts, including trauma symptoms.
This workshop aims to equip psychologists with the skills and knowledge to better understand and support the unique needs of gifted individuals, with or without concurrent Autism, ADHD, or mental health issues. The workshop integrates current research and practice-based evidence with real-life clinical and case examples. Engaging reflective and interactive activities ensure a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience.
Previous research suggested that gifted students might have mental health on par with or better than their peers. However, more recent evidence indicates that some subsets of the gifted population are at significant risk of psychological disorders without appropriate support. Giftedness is frequently associated with overexcitabilities in various domains as well as increased risk for health issues such as environmental and food allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. These factors can predispose individuals to co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
There is also a known genetic link between giftedness and autism. Studies indicate that alleles increasing the risk of autism are also associated with higher intelligence and its correlates, such as education level, among neurotypical individuals. Rates of mental ill-health in autism are as high as 70%. Individuals with both autism and exceptional cognitive abilities are at particularly high risk, particularly late diagnosed women - who often experience severe internalising symptoms, feelings of inadequacy, and alarmingly high rates of suicidality.
In our clinic, we have long observed a high incidence of giftedness in one or more domains in older children, teens, and adults presenting for autism assessment against a backdrop of mental health challenges. Cognitive and social features often ascribed to giftedness, like language precocity or social difficulties, resemble certain characteristics of Autism or mental health issues. Second-opinion assessments revealed that these characteristics were often misattributed solely to giftedness, autism, or mental health issues, leading to misdiagnoses and improper interventions. Chronic neglect of needs can lead to life-long impacts, including trauma symptoms.
This workshop aims to equip psychologists with the skills and knowledge to better understand and support the unique needs of gifted individuals, with or without concurrent Autism, ADHD, or mental health issues. The workshop integrates current research and practice-based evidence with real-life clinical and case examples. Engaging reflective and interactive activities ensure a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience.
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Dr Belinda Ratcliffe, lead author of the award-winning Westmead Feelings Program 1 for Autistic Children, is a highly qualified Principal Clinical Psychologist and Researcher with a PhD in Autism, from the Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney. Belinda has received multiple prizes in recognition of her work. Dr Ratcliffe is a former Lecturer in Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychologist at Western Sydney University. She currently leads 'The Emotions Clinic Australia' - dedicated to making a lasting impact in Autism and Mental Health through direct clinical services, training, research and innovation. Dr Ratcliffe provides training, clinical supervision and consultancy in neurodiversity across Australasia, and has completed specialised training internationally, in the Psychology of Giftedness. Dr Ratcliffe has trained more than 3000 mental health professionals in the past 3 years across Health, Disability, Education, NGOs and private agencies. She collaborates on research, including with the Sydney Children's Hospital and University of Queensland.
