Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

Abilities, disabilities and possibilities: a qualitative study exploring the academic and social experiences of gifted and talented students who have co-occurring learning disabilities

  • Laura Tan
    ,
  • Claire Hughes
    ,
  • Juliet Foster
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well

Abstract

It is estimated that 1-2.5% of the UK school population are gifted and talented students who have co-occurring learning disabilities (National Association for Gifted Children, 2001). Many authors have published recommendations for helping to support this unique group. However, far fewer have supported these with empirical research. The current study used 1:1 interviews with secondary school and university students (N=18) to explore their academic and social experiences. As well as being identified as gifted and talented, the students also had a diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A semi-structured interview schedule was used to ask students about their extra-curricular activities, friendships, bullying, support and future ambitions. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of interview transcripts revealed eight themes: everyday life, extra activities, social development, support, identification, underachievement, mental health issues and suggestions. Students were capable of making friends and mixing with peers but experienced problems with bullying and social isolation. Teachers, mentors, family and technology were found to be helpful, however, support could be inconsistent and parents themselves may benefit from support groups. Finally, some commonly used strategies to help these students were collated and could be useful to help others who share the same or similar experiences.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of pedagogic development

Publication milestones

  • Published - 06/2016

Publication status

Published - 06/2016

ISSN

2047-3265

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/611815

Access to documents

318-829-1-SM.pdf, opens in new tab
Final published version, 416.15 KB

Publication metrics

Metrics

Download statistics
Download count
2