Eide Neurolearning Clinic
6701 139th Place SW
Edmonds, WA 98026
ph: 425-742-2218
fx: 425-742-8115
email:
drseide@neurolearning.com
blog:
http://www.eideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com
Underachievement
By Fernette Eide M.D. and
Brock Eide M.D. M.A.
There is something
about the term 'Underachievement' that may make a bristle. Are
we placing too much expectations on our kids? Are we placing too
little? The issues surround underachievement are complex and
individual, yet underachievement worries plague our children as
well as us, and confronting the question might help to find a
solution.
It's hard to cover a
complex issue like testing and performance discrepancies, but
'different' than expected is at the heart of 'twice
exceptionality'. When a child performs much better than
expected, or much worse than expected, various factors need to
be weighed...perfectionism / reverse perfectionism, naive
test-taking ability, strong learning or processing styles,
hidden disabilities, hidden motivations or agendas, impaired
self concept, social immaturity, differences in sense of time,
emotional, physiological, or philosophical restlessness, or
extremely focused interests.
When a child can't
help but notice his differences from others in the classroom, on
the playing field, or in the social arena, often the best course
of action is to reassure them of our absolute support, help
guide them to understanding themselves better, help clarify
their goals and direct them to sources of help, and provide them
with haven as they try new things, learn new approaches, and
practice their skills.
For twice exceptional children, it is important for them to view their personal strengths and difficulties realistically, to weigh options & risks, and to be supported for the decisions they make. Sometimes being '2E' puts them at a center of a crisis that they did not choose- but it is their response to that crisis that will determine their feelings of self-purpose, satisfaction, and happiness.
About the Authors: Brock and Fernette Eide are physicians and consultants to a wide range of parent, teacher, and clinical professional groups seeking more information about brain-based difficulties and their solutions. Together they have authored more than 50 articles and they speak internationally for keynote lectures, seminars, workshops, and small groups. The Eides can be contacted through their website at: www.neurolearning.com or by email at: feide@u.washington.edu or drseide@neurolearning.com.