Sensory Sensitiveness and Sensory Integration of Gifted Children

Abstract

Giftedness is the state of being recognized for their superior performance compared to their peers in general. Existing literature addresses only gifted children’ needs and problem situations in social-emotional areas. Although, the revieved literature related various needs of gifted children are limited. Accoring to clinical studies in psychiatry which is related with environement and experiences for gifted individuals, the relationship between intelligence and hypersensitivity is directly related and sensitivity may increase as intelligence increases. Furthermore, these children may have different difficulties and abilities than other children because they have a neurological system that perceives and responds to the environment differently. Although this performance situation is generally associated with school success and the superiority of cognitive development, better understanding of the gifted children’s developmental process and differences may help to regulate guidanceaccording to these children’s different needs. For this reason, in this review study, the definition of giftedness, sensitivity areas and sensory integration needs of gifted children are included. Besides, the common practices used in solving the problems related sensory integration disorders/problems experienced by under-represented gifted children are examined/reviewed.