We're going to talk a little bit more today about brains: specifically what being gifted means about a child's actual, physical brain. I'm going to be talking about two concepts, neurobiology and neuroplasticity, and I want to define them for you here at the beginning so that it's clear what I'm referring to when I use them. Neurobiology, at its most basic, is the biology of the nervous system, and that is essentially what I'm referring to. I'm not talking about Neurobiology with a capital N, the branch of science that studies the biology of the nervous system. I am clearly not a Neurobiologist. But I do want to explore the neurobiology of gifted kids brains: the way they are structured and the way that they function.

Neuroplasticity, on the other hand, is the ability of the brain to respond to and change because of the experiences of an individual. Neuroplasticity is what allows us to change our thinking, to develop a growth mindset, to build skills and grow as humans.Both neuroplasticity and neurobiology are relevant and important to any discussion about giftedness and what it means. Neuroplasticity is important because this is what allows gifted kids to get through the particular challenges they face. It is very common for gifted kids to breeze through elementary school, but then struggle to complete assignments in middle school when they have to keep track of their own work, manage their own time, and complete more complex assignments, for example. Because their brains are neuroplastic, though, they can develop the study skills and time management skills to be successful beyond elementary school. They can learn to persist through challenges instead of throwing their hands up and saying they can't as soon as they hit something they aren't instantly good at.

Neurobiology is equally important to this conversation, especially since there is a lot of pushback against the whole idea of giftedness. And I will admit, it's not the best term. BUT it does exist, these kids have specific needs and specific challenges that are rooted in the neurobiology, the wiring of their brain. It is simply not true that every child is gifted and their gifts just need to be talented. It is not the case that since everyone can cultivate a growth mindset, gifted kids do not exist. They absolutely do. The proof is in their neurobiology.

In this episode, we are diving deeper into what makes a gifted brain, and how you can support them in developing skills that will help them through the challenges they might face.

Some relevant articles you might find interesting:

How Gifted Brains Function and Learn - Oak Crest Academy


Neuroscience of Giftedness: Physiology of the Brain – Gro-Gifted

Relevant podcast episodes:

Episode 93: Overexcitabilities and Gifted Children

Episode 49: Understanding Gifted Kids

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