Episode Summary

We are in the therapy room today, and I’m thrilled to welcome Erica Whitfield to the Autism Blueprint Podcast. As a specialist in working with gifted and neurodivergent children and teens, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion.

Did you know that a study from the Carver College of Medicine found that kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and an IQ higher than 120 are six times more likely to have suicidal thoughts? This alarming statistic underscores the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by gifted and neurodivergent children.

In this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of giftedness, the emotional and social struggles these children encounter, and the critical role that parents and educators play in supporting their well-being. Erica will share her insights on executive functioning, perfectionism, and the importance of empathy in helping these exceptional kids thrive.

Be sure to listen until the end of the episode, where Erica discusses her upcoming Happiness and Confidence Summit, a fantastic opportunity for parents and educators to gain valuable tools and strategies for supporting children emotionally. 

Join us for a conversation that is both enlightening and essential for anyone involved in the lives of gifted and neurodivergent children!

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Topics covered:

• Understanding Giftedness and Neurodivergence





• Struggles of Gifted Kids





• Perfectionism and Anxiety in Gifted Kids





• School Refusal and Trauma Responses





• Gender Differences in Giftedness





• Sensory Integration





• Navigating School Systems





• IEPs vs. 504 Plans





• Therapeutic Approaches for Gifted Kids

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Meet Erica

Erica Whitfield, LMHC

Erica has over 15 years of therapy experience working with children and adolescents and is the Founder of Positive Development, a therapy practice in Jacksonville, Florida. Erica helps kids manage stress and anxiety and improve their executive functioning skills. She is also the creator of the Happiness and Confidence Summit which is an online event that brings expert speakers together to educate parents, teachers and therapists about how to help kids thrive.

Mark your calendars for June 12th!

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Click here to sign up for the Happiness and Confidence Summit. It’s FREE!

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Listen to this episode:

The post The Intersection of Giftedness and Neurodivergence: Insights from Erica Whitfield appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.