Giftedness - For many years,
psychometricians and psychologists, following the footsteps of Lewis Terman in
1916, equated giftedness with high IQ. This ―legacy‖ survives to the
present day, in that giftedness and high IQ continue to be equated in some
conceptions of giftedness. Since that early time, however, other researchers
(e.g., Cattell, Guilford, and Thurnstone) have argued that intellect cannot be
expressed in such a unitary manner, and have suggested more multifaceted
approaches to intelligence. Research conducted in the 1980s has provided data
which support notions of multiple components to intelligence. This is particularly
evident in the examination of ―giftedness‖ by Stenberge and Davidson in their edited
Conceptions of Giftedness. The many different conceptions of giftedness
presented, although distinct, are interrelated in several ways. Most of the
investigators define giftedness in terms of multiple qualities, not all of
which are intellectual, IQ scores are often viewed as in adequate measures of
giftedness. Motivation, high self-concept, and creativity are they key
qualities in many of these broadened conceptions of giftedness.
Mental Retardation is a term for a
pattern of persistently slow learning of basic motor and language skills
(―milestones‖) during child hood,
and a significantly below-normal global intellectual capacity as an adult. One
common criterion for diagnosis of mental retardation is tested intelligence
quotient (IQ) of 70 or below and deficits in adaptive functioning.
Autism is a brain
development disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and
communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all exhibited before the
child is three years old. These characteristics distinguish autism form milder
spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism affects many parts of the brain, how this
occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first year or
two of their child‘s life, Early intervention may help children gain self-care
and social skills, although few of these interventions are supported by
scientific studies. There is no cure, with severe autism, independent living is
unlikely; with milder autism, there are some success stories for adults, and an
autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing
that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.
Asperger’s Syndrome - (also Asperger‘s
Syndrome, Asperger‘s disorder, Asperger‘s AS, or AD) is one of several autism
spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interaction
and by restricted and stereotyped interests and activities. AS is distinguished
for other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development,
There is no single
treatment for AS, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is
supported by only limited data. Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and
function. The mainstay of treatment is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific
deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive
routines, and clumsiness. Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their
differences, but may continue to need moral support encouragement to maintain
an independent life. Adults with AS have reached the highest levels of
achievement in fields such as mathematics, physics and computer science,
Researchers and people with AS have contributed to a shift in attitudes away
from the notion that AS is a difference rather than a disability.
Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 (usually Down‘s
syndrome in British English) is a specific disorder caused by the presence of
all or part if an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Longdon Down,
the British doctor who described it in 1866. The condition is characterized by
a combination of major and minor differences in structure. Often Down syndrome
is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as
well as facial appearance. Down syndrome can be identifies during pregnancy or
at birth. Individuals with Down syndrome can have a lower than average
cognitive ability, often ranging from mild to moderate learning disabilities.
Developmental disabilities often manifests as tendency toward concrete thinking
or naiveté. A small number have severe to profoundmental disability. The
incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1, 00 births.