A Comparative Analysis of Parental Perceptions of Gifted Children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Afra Selcen Taşdelen – Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa - ORCID
Marilena Leana Taşcılar – Istanbul Medeniyet University - ORCID
Abstract
In the present study, the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short Form responses of parents (N=61) of their gifted children diagnosed with ADHD were compared with those of parents (N=66) of gifted children aged 6-17 years in terms of total ADHD score, oppositional defiant behavior, cognitive problems-inattention and hyperactivity scores. The statistical analysis showed that parents of gifted children reported significantly lower levels of total ADHD, oppositional defiant behavior, cognitive problems-inattention and hyperactivity symptoms in their children compared to the ADHD symptoms observed in gifted children with ADHD. The results of the present study firstly indicate that the Turkish adaptation of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised Short Form is an accurate instrument to identify ADHD symptoms in gifted children. A comparison of the behavioral symptoms exhibited by gifted children and those diagnosed with ADHD has demonstrated that ADHD can be a valid and distinguishable diagnosis in the gifted population. The present study also reaffirmed the critical role of parents in observing, recognizing, and reporting their gifted children's ADHD symptoms.
Keyword: Twice Exceptionality
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