Diane M. Kennedy, Rebecca S. Banks, Temple Grandin
Bright, talented children diagnosed with developmental or learning disorders are known as "Twice Exceptional" (or 2e). Because giftedness and disability often mask one another, many 2e kids aren't identified by our current mental health and educational systems; and as a result they don't receive the therapies or special educational services that can minimise their challenges and build on their talents.
Bright Not Broken sheds new light on this vibrant population by identifying who twice exceptional children are and taking an unflinching look at why they’re stuck. The first work to boldly examine the widespread misdiagnosis and controversies that arise from our current diagnostic system, it serves as a wake-up call for parents and professionals to question why our mental health and education systems are failing our brightest children.
Most importantly, the authors show what we can do to help 2e children, providing a whole child model for parents and educators to strengthen and develop a child’s innate gifts while also intervening to support the deficits. Drawing on painstaking research and personal experience, Bright Not Broken offers groundbreaking insight and practical strategies to those seeking to help 2e kids achieve their full potential.
Despite their giftedness, 2e children often underachieve, drop out, and have poor life outcomes. Bright Not Broken offers parents and professionals proven alternatives for identifying and supporting 2e children. This revolutionary book will resonate with parents and teachers everywhere, showing that there is hope for bright children who have been misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
About the Authors ix
Authors’ Note xi
Preface xiii - Temple Grandin
Introduction xv - Diane M. Kennedy and Rebecca S. Banks
Part I: Who They Are
Part II: Why They’re Stuck
Part III: How to Help Them
Conclusion: Ensuring the Best Future for Our Brightest Minds 209
Additional Resources 219
Notes 225
Acknowledgments 261
Index 267
"This book is truly inspiring and it shows that by simply changing our perception of these children, and then the testing and education that stems from that perception, we can help them become successful, contributing adults."
- psychcentral.com, March 13th, 2012