Gifted Awareness Week set to challenge ‘tall poppy syndrome’

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Gifted Awareness Week set to challenge ‘tall poppy syndrome’ and help parents recognise unique qualities of gifted children

Gifted children often misdiagnosed as ADHD, says GEC National Director

AUCKLAND, 14 June 2013 - An initiative by the Gifted Education Centre is set to launch across New Zealand next week, with the aim of helping parents and teachers recognise the qualities of gifted children and provide them with opportunities to meet their unique educational needs.

Gifted Awareness Week, which runs from 17-23 June, will feature events at venues around the country that provide a fun, social environment for gifted children and all those involved in their upbringing, along with information about the GEC’s services. The events will also be raising much-needed funds for the Centre’s on-going work.

The Gifted Education Centre is a not-for-profit, registered charitable trust that provides educational facilities for gifted children aged 3 - 12 years old via its One Day School, Gifted On-Line (GO) and Small Poppies programmes. The GEC holds classes every week throughout New Zealand to complement regular school programmes, and also provides support and education for parents and teachers of gifted children.

Sue Breen, National Director of the Gifted Education Centre, says a key reason why the Gifted Awareness Week initiative is needed is because gifted children are often misdiagnosed as having ADD or ADHD, or are placed on the autism spectrum.

“There are lots of fallacies and misunderstandings regarding gifted children. A gifted child will want to ask questions, explore ideas and find things out on their own, and often challenge the way information is presented to them. This can sometimes be seen as misbehaviour or wilfulness in a school setting,” says Ms Breen. 

“It can also often be difficult for kids to celebrate their achievements because they may be seen as ‘showing off’. Unfortunately, the tall poppy syndrome is still alive and well in New Zealand.

“Our task is to ensure that each gifted child is met with recognition and understanding, and provide support to develop his or her unique abilities and qualities to the full so they grow in wisdom, insight and compassion in the use of their talents in the wider world.”
Ms Breen says the week will also mark the birthday of George Parkyn, the New Zealander whose thoughts, international experience and passion to support gifted children were central to the founding principles of the Gifted Education Centre.

Information regarding local, regional and national events for Gifted Awareness Week will be available on the Gifted Education website: www.giftededucation.org.nz and also on the GEC’s Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/GiftedEducationCentre

For more information about One Day School or the Small Poppies programme, or to receive an application pack, contact the GEC’s Auckland Head Office on (09) 827 5271 (Toll free 0508 GIFTED) or email head.office@giftededucation.org.nz

ENDS

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