Educator Twilight Seminar – Mental Health in Gifted Learners with Psychologist Alison Brown and Victoria Poulos

Supporting gifted students brings unique rewards and challenges, particularly when it comes to their social-emotional development, mental health, and wellbeing. In this session, alongside Dr Alison Brown, a psychologist specialising in gifted education, we will explore the key factors that influence the wellbeing of gifted learners and discuss practical approaches to supporting them in educational settings.

Gifted students often demonstrate advanced thinking, heightened sensitivity, and social and emotional responses that differ from their age peers. Their asynchronous development can result in challenges with peer relationships, emotional regulation, perfectionism, anxiety, and a heightened awareness of social issues. These characteristics can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, frustration, disengagement, or behavioural concerns within the classroom.

This session will provide educators with a deeper understanding of the social-emotional characteristics of gifted learners and the impact these can have on wellbeing and learning. Participants will gain practical strategies to foster emotional resilience, support healthy habits, create psychologically safe learning environments, and respond effectively to common challenges experienced by gifted students.

Join us to develop the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to help gifted learners thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.