SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) presents:

When Lazy Doesn't Make Sense

presented by Cynthia Hansen

Join Cynthia Hansen on Thursday, September 13th, to learn about executive functioning challenges as a key factor in the success or failure of our twice‑exceptional population. She'll focus on the gifted or highly creative child and the divergent thinking styles that affect their thinking processes and executive skills. 

These low achieving students have come to believe that they are “lazy” or imposters because of their difficulty initiating tasks, staying focused, or completing even self‑initiated projects ---all symptoms of executive functioning difficulties rather than ability.

Though their production results may be similar to other students with LDs or executive skill dysfunction, the factors inhibiting their success may be quite different. The road to intervention requires alternate perspectives of their journey and their barriers to self‑advocacy. Researchers stress that executive function is a better predictor of academic success than IQ. Dr. Martha Denckla further asserts that difficulties with executive functions can become “production disabilities.” 

Teachers often misinterpret the behaviors of highly verbal gifted students with poor executive skills and rarely offer specialized assistance, especially if they test within state norms. Yet these are often students destined to become depressed, drop out, and never reach their full potential as young adults. 

An integrated model will be presented which takes into account the research from noted professionals in the special education, and educational therapy communities, along with the various environmental, social‑emotional, and intense experiences of our gifted and talented population. 

With audience participation, we will discuss various routes to scaffolding and intervention which prepare these children to confidently encounter progressively challenging educational demands and to encourage students to develop autonomous, lifelong learning strategies.

About Cynthia Hansen

In addition to being a SENG Model Parent Group facilitator, Cynthia Hansen is an AET Educational Therapist/Professional in private practice specializing in gifted and creative individuals with executive function delays, ADHD, dyslexia, and unique learning profiles; often consulting with public and private schools. Ms Hansen received her M.Ed and Teaching Certificates from UCLA and earned her post-masters certificate in Gifted and Talented Education at UCSB. Ms Hansen is the Parent Rep for CAG’s Pacific Region and the Marketing and Outreach Director for the Association of Educational Therapists. Cindy has had many mentors in her life, but it was her sons who propelled her into the world of gifted education.