Lifting the Cloak of Invisibility: A Collective Case Study of Girls Who Are Gifted With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• In Event: 75.062 - Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 75.062-4 - Poster Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) in girls can result in emotional issues, placing stress on peer and family relationships. Girls who are gifted with ADHD often experience the masking phenomenon. Consequently, school days are spent with few educators recognizing either their talents or their challenges. This collective case study examined the experiences of girls who are gifted with ADHD in order to gain understanding of the coping mechanisms used by this population as they navigate the academic and social pressures of their middle-school years. Through analysis of multiple data sources, themes emerged in areas related to school, relationships with peers and family, and strategies used to center and refocus during times of stress.

Author

• Matthew Fugate, Purdue University