http://add.about.com/od/basicsofaddadhd/l/blcharactgifted.htm

Characteristics Of The Gifted

http://images.about.com/all/bullets/dot_clea.gifCharacteristics Shared By ADHD and Giftedness

The following list is a list of general characteristics of giftedness. Individuals that are gifted may not show all of the characteristics. Additionally, in recent years, more studies have been completed on giftedness.

It is possible to be gifted in language, but not in mathematical reasoning. It is possible to be gifted in mathmatics, but not in language. Creativity seems to play an important role in giftedness.

1) High reasoning ability. Outstanding problem solving abilities. Views problems from many viewpoints. Can understand concepts and abstract thinking easily.

2) Ask pointed questions. Wants to know the why and the how. Intense curiosity.

3) Many different interests but sometimes develops one or two interests with high intensity.

4) Shows superior abilities in written and/or spoken language. Has a large vocabulary.

5) Is an avid reader. Reads books above grade level.

6) Learns quickly. High ability to retain and recall information.

7) Ability to grasp mathematical concepts and reasoning.

8) High creative ability.

9) Perfectionism. Sets high standards for self and can be extremely self-critical.

10) Can work well independently. Long attention span, especially in areas where intellectually or creatively challenged.

11) Extremely observant. Shows openness to new ideas.

12) In children, desire to interact with adults or children older than themselves.

13) Derives satisfaction and pleasure from intellectual challenge.

(http://add.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/giftedness%5Fand%5Fgifted.html%23Some)

good idea for thread. I never got diagnosed with ADHD until 21 because I am considered "gifted" (by public school standards I suppose? it goes back to second grade when I was first told). I remember being in several differentiated (another word for gifted :rolleyes: ) classes when I would get frustrated and the teacher would tell me "your learning curve is just different" or "I think you have to see the big picture and then the parts and then the big picture again to understand" they knew I was different. intelligent but different.

I thought I had a hard time in school (made good grades but slept through class) because I was really smart and thats why everything was sooooo boring. well now I'm in college and have to struggle to follow a lecture even when I really really want to! My family doesn't believe I have adhd because I didn't get diagnosed in gradeschool. If I could only have an essay test for my econ class instead of all those graphs...

I don't know if giftedness with ADHD is a godsend or a curse. Its like having two things that make me weird that most people think contradict eachother so neither one could be true. I don't get treated like i'm extra smart because we all know school isn't adhd friendly. I don;t get treated like I have adhd because i'm not hyperactiveand can hyperfocus. it would be hard for anyone to draw conclusions as to the validity of my diagnosis.

As for myself, in elementary school I was on the border line to be put in the 'special' classes, no, not the gifted section.
The only thing stopping them putting me there is that; "Toad is very intelligent, but..." -doesn't apply himself, -can't/doesn't/won't pay attention, whatever.
Problem is, I lived in a world inside my head, I am proud of that though, because I have the tool of creativity, bummer I don't use it to enrich my life.

I believe for the most part I am self educated, God knows I didn't get much from school, I like to read, I read everything
-ingredient labels
-stuff on peoples desks
-pamphlets
-news

Someone mentioned somewhere else here that they can't clean a room without stopping to read something that was on the floor,
Yeah. I know ;)