Difference Between ADHD and Gifted (With Table)

Children with extreme intelligence or high skills in a specific area are called gifted. However, these children have increased chances of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A child with ADHD may have trouble in school, but they can’t be diagnosed until at least seven years old. It’s not always easy to tell the difference between ADHD symptoms and exceptional brain development.

Gifted children are easier to diagnose because they’ve already shown exceptional intelligence or skill. The signs of ADHD are more subtle and difficult to detect. This is why giftedness is detected before ADHD.

ADHD vs Gifted

The main difference between ADHD and Gifted is that ADHD youngsters struggle to concentrate on most tasks. On the other hand, Gifted children have more intense and concentrated concentrations than children who are not gifted.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a behavioral condition that makes focusing on simple requests and routines challenging. People with ADHD may also have trouble controlling their impulses. The symptoms of ADHD can significantly impact a child’s school performance and social skills. A person with ADHD has trouble paying attention and concentrating on tasks. It may be hard for them to focus during long lectures or reading. This can make schoolwork difficult and lead to poor grades in school.

At their age level, a talented student demonstrates exceptional proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, the arts, and sciences. A gifted youngster may also have advanced abilities in leadership, the artistic and performing arts, and other forms of creative expression. Gifted students may also excel at reasoning and abstract thinking. Teachers can spot exceptional pupils by conducting continuing evaluations and comparing a student’s performance to their peers.

Comparison Table Between ADHD and Gifted

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is when people have trouble paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors.

There are symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but ADHD sufferers’ attention, ability to sit still, and overall self-control are influenced by brain development and activity differences. ADHD can affect a child’s schooling, home life, and interpersonal interactions.

 Children with ADHD may be hyperactive, struggle to concentrate, easily distracted, and forgetful. They tend to act without thinking, are restless, and struggle to sit still or take turns.

A child with ADHD can be an attentive listener at one moment and completely forget what you just said a moment later. A child with ADHD may have trouble paying attention in class and completing homework assignments but may have no trouble focusing on games or television. If you’re concerned about your child, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for an evaluation as soon as possible.

Children with ADHD need more supervision than children their age because they may struggle to restrain themselves from dangerous situations or activities.

What is Gifted?

Gifted students have remarkable talents, abilities, or prospects that demand special adjustments to meet their academic needs. Given their age, gifted children are born with inherent talents significantly superior to the ordinary.

A gifted student possesses outstanding talent and is capable of high performance. If gifted students have a good command of essential knowledge and skills, they should perform at an advanced intellectual level in one or more subjects. The gifted student should be able to use logical thinking and show high motivation levels. In addition, the child should learn new knowledge and skills independently and faster than their peers.

A combination of genetic and environmental factors causes Giftedness. Scientists have found that giftedness runs in families where creativity is valued and encouraged. 

Gifted students can be identified through standardized intelligence tests, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV). However, not every student who gets high marks on an IQ test is considered gifted. A child must excel in at least one area of ability and achieve above-average results in other areas of ability.

Main Differences Between ADHD and Gifted 

1. Most brilliant children are very active, but most ADHD children are hyperactive.
2. Professional educational therapists, physicians, organizational coaches, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, neurologists, and child psychiatrists can help ADHD patients. In contrast, the difference between a gifted and a typical child can be balanced through psychotherapies and socialization.
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to focus, pay attention, sit quietly, and regulate their impulses. On the other hand, gifted pupils have exceptional talents and abilities that necessitate specific academic accommodations.
4. ADHD children become inattentive even when doing the most basic tasks. On the other hand, Gifted kids pay attention better than ADHD youngsters.
5. ADHD kids might quickly lose attention on easy tasks, but gifted kids can focus more intensively and for more extended periods.

Conclusion

The difference between ADHD in gifted and non-gifted children is how these symptoms present themselves. For example, a gifted child might be more likely to have periods when they pay attention to detail rather than have ongoing issues with paying attention. Likewise, a gifted child might only act hyperactive or impulsive when bored with the task at hand.

The challenge for parents is that even experts and professional psychiatrists find it difficult to diagnose ADHD. Parents may feel that their child has been misdiagnosed, but most psychiatrists are familiar with the signs of ADHD and will make an accurate diagnosis if the condition is present in their patient.

Gifted children are quickly identified, but there’s no easy test for ADHD. If you feel your child has been misdiagnosed, ask for a second opinion from another psychiatrist specializing in childhood disorders.

References

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02783193.2012.627551
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02783190409554245