A Profile of Gifted Individuals With Developmental Coordination Disorder

ABSTRACT

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, is an often overlooked or misdiagnosed disorder and little research exists on how it manifests among cognitively gifted children. The purpose of this study was to examine clinical profiles among 25 children diagnosed with DCD and identified as cognitively gifted to explore the twice exceptional profile of DCD among gifted children. We explore how DCD manifests among children with cognitive gifts, considerations for identification, and gifted education services.

KEYWORDS:

• developmental coordination disorder
• dyspraxia
• gifted
• high ability
• twice exceptional

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ophélie A. Desmet

Ophélie Allyssa Desmet is an Assistant Professor at Valdosta State University, specializing in Educational Psychology and Gifted Education. Her research addresses social, emotional, and motivational dimensions in talent development, underachievement, and twice- or multi-exceptionality. Email: [email protected]

Tania Gevaert

Tania Gevaert, LPt, is psychotherapist in private practice, specialized in giftedness and talent development. Her team focusses on social, emotional, and educational challenges of gifted children, students and adults. With specialty in underachievement and twice- or multi-exceptionality. Email: [email protected]

F. Richard Olenchak

F. Richard “Rick” Olenchak, a distinguished educator and psychologist, holds multiple professorships at Purdue University. With a PhD in Educational Psychology, he specializes in Giftedness and Talent Development. Formerly a Department Chair and Associate Provost at the University of Houston, Rick has led various educational organizations, including the National Association for Gifted Children. An accomplished author, he’s penned over 100 publications, earning accolades for books like Social-Emotional Curriculum with Gifted. Presently delving into the nuanced aspects of giftedness, his research spotlights the importance of “hope” in holistic student development, emphasizing his commitment to understanding twice exceptional students. Email: [email protected]