Psychologist says my daughter is gifted. Evaluation says she has a high IQ.

Claudette - posted on 03/04/2012

Hello Dorienne,

I have a seven year old daughter and she shows signs of selective mutism.However our speech therapist would not diagnose her with the condition yet. I have doing a lot of research and reading,we also live in Malta and not sure if you have found any professionals or centres where I could take her.Couls you kindly pass on any information that you have gathered on this condition in Malta and what's available.



Thanks a lot

Claudette

Dorienne - posted on 09/09/2009

I understand you perfectly. My 10 yr old son was diagnosed with Selective Mutism and he is also gifted. When I took him to a psychologist 2 years ago, she told me that his IQ was one of a 17yr old unfortunately she did not diagnosed him with Selective Mutism. Follow them through education but they need alot and alot of moral support. They need guidance in a social aspect. Here in Malta only few people know about this Anxiety disorder but you are lucky as you know about this condition very early in her life. You also need quidance. Seek also speech therapist and see what happens. If you need any information or help in any way contact me. Good luck for both of you.

Eva - posted on 09/04/2009

My children are all older now. When I was told with my first son he is a shining star, he is so bright, ...I sort of said okay. First one. He was just a normal boy to me, except he could read at 3. I went to all the parent classes, all the school hosted programs, to educate myself. The best advice I received was..be consistent, answer all their questions until they say "okay", (then they have been given enough information to satisfy them for their age) Nurture them with love at home, school will keep their minds busy. Keep lots of books available. Let them play....They need balance. Even though they may be really smart, the emotional and maturity side has to catch up. That takes a while. There are spurts of maturity, then regression. Gifted children also are very hard on themselves. They hate to fail. Life is full of failures, that is how we learn and move on. This is a good thing to keep in mind so your child doesn't get burnt out always trying to be the best. Enjoy...I have always felt very blessed.

Lisa - posted on 09/02/2009

Hi Carla

I don't have any knowledge or experience in relation to mutism, but as far as your question about whether you should parent a gifted child differently, my answer is yes. I have found that my three gifted children need a lot more stimulation, a lot more answers and a lot more routine in their daily lives than the "textbooks" say they should. I'm often criticised for treating them as if they were older than they really are. But I have found that when you throw away the textbooks and parent your gifted child according to their needs you end up with a happier child and a much easier road.

Sandra - posted on 09/02/2009

I think it is very important to give her reassurance that you love her when she fails as well as when she succeeds so she doesn't get too down on herself when that perfectionism really kicks in.

I dont know much about the mutism. Anyone?