Join committee members Dr Susan Nikakis and Ruth Evans on Monday the 31st of August at 7:30 pm (online) to discuss the recent publication “Giftedness: is there a case for neurodivergence?”. Please join us for what will no doubt be a robust and interesting discussion!
The article being dicussed is ‘Giftedness: Is there a Case for Neurodivergence?!’ by M. Wellisch, which can be found in the latest issue of the Australasian Journal of Gifted Education (vol.35 No.1, June 2026). Wellisch argues that giftedness is not a neurodivergence.
She discusses the historical trends towards associating giftedness with mental illness, social and emotional problems, overexcitabilities and neurodivergence, identifying key theories that have contributed to this trend. Then she shares research (including statistics) revealing that gifted primary students are typically more popular than their peers, and the number of gifted students with ASD or ADHD or SLD is actually very low compared to their peers. She also discusses the political movement around neurodiversity that has arisen out of disadvantage and prejudice and explores brain differences. Her conclusion is that ‘a close look at Doyle’s (2020) neurodiversity model reveals why giftedness is a bad fit: it includes only those who have clinical or acquired illnesses, mental and behavioural conditions, or learning disabilities.’ (p.36).
It is bound to generate some really interesting discussion; we hope you can join us!
Free for Members | $20 for Non Members
The article will be emailed to those who register closer to the event.
Share This Page
As part of the VAGTC Membership, You are eligible for Free Membership at the Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented (AAEGT). To Receive this, you agree to pass on to them my email address, contact number, and postal address.
