by Erika Southey
Giftedness is often linked to IQ alone. In my exploring the subject and reading some books relating to it – several authors mention that IQ does not define ‘giftedness’.
A book that changed my life and brought hope is: ‘Enjoying the Gift of Being Uncommon’ by Willem Kuipers. Here he illustrates; that due to some individuals not having a high IQ – they are overlooked.
Kuipers highlights two types: XIP (Extra Intelligent Person) and Xi (Extra Intense). The Xi being labeled (just to mention a few): ‘difficult’, ‘hard work’, ‘chatterboxes’, ‘misfits’, ‘trouble’ etc. Xi; on which very little research has been done. I sometimes think: ‘The visionary that got away’.
Not fitting into any category, leads to individuals often sinking into a pit of despair. If not managed – it can result in all sorts of addictive and disruptive behaviours. Just speak to some and you’ll be shocked. There are no tell-tale signs in their exterior that indicate that they do some ‘walking on the wild side’.
Not being understood by others let alone one’s family or loved ones; can be quite daunting. Desperation and frustration often leads some individuals to finding ‘understanding’ in the wrong places. Not all are fortunate to have a key person who understands them.
In searching for ‘partners in crime’ I found a group dealing specifically with the ‘misfits‘ – namely InterGifted on Facebook. An initiative started by Jennifer Harvey Sallin who saw a desperate need for like-minded individuals to connect.
InterGifted – a safe place for ‘different’ thinking
Polish psychologist Kazimierz Dabrowski identified five areas of “overexcitabilities” or “supersensitivities.” These; already visible from early childhood are: psychomotor, sensual, emotional, intellectual and imaginational. Though more than one manifests – one is dominant.
Most of these individuals have come through life being dumbed down or told that they must fit in – or else. Unfortunately, some working environments and managers reinforce this; which in turn leads to a frustrated employee and a stressed environment.
In a social set-up – these individuals don’t socialize much due to being pushed out or seen as ‘odd’.
It’s easy to put ‘disorder’ to behaviours that do not fit what society thinks is a norm.
A combination of creativity and analytical thinking – such individuals can bring innovative ideas to the table in the right corporate environment. That is – if they are managed correctly or placed in a company that welcomes ‘unusual’ individuals. They just fit!
Did some of the content resonate with you? Do you have a supersensitive and/or overexcitable child?
Contact InterGifted Group on Email or visit their Facebook Page to see what they are about. There are plenty of informative articles on the topic; including coaches who specifically deal with gifted individuals.
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