Giftedness Seminar:- Sensitivity: from Vulnerability to Asset with Michele Juratowitch

Gifted children and adolescents not only think differently; they feel differently.  Sensitivity is one of the most prevalent characteristics of a gifted child.  The ability to think in advanced ways influences the way in which the gifted experience the world; how they respond to stimuli, relationships and events. The gifted child encounters complex thoughts and turbulent emotions. Whether coping with daily issues at home, in their school environment, within friendships or encountering changes in life, the sensitive way in which a child thinks about these experiences has a direct impact on their emotions and behaviour.

 How can parents understand and support sensitive gifted children and adolescents?  How can parents help develop self-awareness and an acceptance of difference?

 Michele Juratowitch, will discuss the gifted child’s sensitivity and ways in which parents can provide understanding and support. The Director of Clearing Skies, Michele provides counselling and support services for gifted children, adolescents and parents. Through her work with the Gifted Education Research, Resource and Information Centre (GERRIC) at UNSW, Michele regularly presents workshops for parents of gifted children and is a guest lecturer in the postgraduate course for teachers.  In 2003, Michele was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study the counselling and intervention needs of gifted children, adolescents and families.