SENGinar - The Social and Emotional Impact of Misdiagnosis in Gifted Children and Adolescents

Misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis are common in the gifted experience;   especially with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Perhaps   one of the most prevalent reasons for this misdiagnosis and/or overdiagnosis   is the “just in case” approach. The argument seems to be that if a child   might have a disability, even if the symptoms don’t quite match the criteria   given their current age (or even if they do), being diagnosed can help them   find understanding and be supported through accommodations and/or   interventions. It’s often thought that to not do so would be more   detrimental. However, what if the diagnosis is wrong? What if the   accommodations and interventions don’t help the person, but actually cause  harm.

Although misdiagnoses is commonly discussed in the greater gifted   community, few studies document how the individual feels after being misdiagnosed. In this SENGinar, Cam   Werley-Gonzales facilitates a conversation with Margo Margan, a teen   misdiagnosed with ASD. Margo will share her story about how misdiagnosis   affected her specifically; how her misdiagnosis impacted her identity, and   how the services provided cost her valuable life experiences and changed her   relationships with those around her. This story shares the trauma of   misdiagnosis, particularly one that results in unneeded therapy and services. Hopefully this can help provide understanding if you or someone you know has   been through a similar experience.

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