Question: My 11−year−old son has an extremely high IQ, but is receiving very low grades in school. I am confused because he does his homework and always studies. Why do you think such a bright child is having such a hard time with his academics?
Answer: Many people don’t realize that a child can be gifted and have a learning disability at the same time. When extremely gifted individuals with superior intellectual abilities experience learning disabilities, they are referred to as "twice exceptional." It is difficult to identify a learning disability in a gifted child because the disability is not easily noticeable. Many bright kids are able to hide their difficulties by developing compensation strategies.
It is important to determine why your child is receiving poor grades. Is his poor performance due to boredom, lack of motivation or low attention, organizational or academic skills? If you suspect your child may be "twice exceptional," then a comprehensive educational assessment can help determine the different areas of strengths and weaknesses. Once these areas are identified, you and your son’s teachers can implement the interventions necessary to address the learning disability, while simultaneously providing opportunities for enrichment.
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