Precocious Children

Gifted/Exceptional Children - ADD, ADHD or ?
By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

The job of raising America’s children has changed significantly through the decades. From 1946 to 1964 the largest number of children ever were born—becoming known as the Baby Boomers.

During the 1950’s children were born into this world in response to the prayers of a generation of war-torn individuals searching for peace.

The 1960’s gave birth to the ‘flower child’—“Make Love Not War.” Unfortunately, the world wasn’t ready for peace.

The 1970’s became lost in disco in response to the ‘flower children’ going corporate. Materialism became the focus de jour—everyone wanted everything now—delayed gratification was no longer a virtue. Thus in order to keep up, both parents went to work. After school programs were slow to be implemented. Many children came home after school without a parent present—being left to their own devices or that of an older sibling, who might not have the ability to control a younger sibling. Without intent, the job of raising America’s children fell on the school system. Classroom crowding and creative program cutting became common place. Teachers were stretched to the limit to keep it all together.

The answer became a life altering decision—ADD and ADHD was the cause—drugs were the solution. Children were sedated so teachers could manage large numbers of children in the classroom. The majority of people have heard or seen the guidelines to diagnose ADD or ADHD.

Recent studies, however, indicate a significant correlation between children diagnosed as ADD or ADHD and those who are gifted/exceptional children.

The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children (NFGCC) has listed the following characteristics to help parents and educators identify gifted/exceptional children.