High intelligence: A risk factor for psychological and physiological overexcitabilities

From gifted to high potential and twice exceptional: A state-of-the-art meta-review

Despite the abundant literature on intelligence and high potential individuals, there is still a lack of international consensus on the terminology and clinical characteristics associated to this population. It has been argued that unstandardized use of diagnosis tools and research methods make comparisons and interpretations of scientific and epidemiological evidence difficult in this field. If multiple cognitive and psychological models have attempted to explain the mechanisms underlying high potentiality, there is a need to confront new scientific evidence with the old, to uproot a global understanding of what constitutes the neurocognitive profile of high-potential in gifted individuals. Another particularly relevant aspect of applied research on high potentiality concerns the challenges faced by individuals referred to as "twice exceptional" in the field of education and in their socio-affective life. Some individuals have demonstrated high forms of intelligence together with learning, affective or neurodevelopmental disorders posing the question as to whether compensating or exacerbating psycho-cognitive mechanisms might underlie their observed behavior. Elucidating same will prove relevant to questions concerning the possible need for differential diagnosis tools, specialized educational and clinical support. A meta-review of the latest findings from neuroscience to developmental psychology, might help in the conception and reviewing of intervention strategies.

ADHD and giftedness: a neurocognitive consideration of twice exceptionality

Current models of cognition and behavioral diagnosis emphasize categorical classification over continuous considerations of function and promote the "differential diagnosis" of various conditions according to observational criteria. However, an overemphasis on a purely behavioral, categorical approach to understanding human function fails to address the comorbidity of different disorders and does not include a consideration of overlapping levels of function, from "pathological" through "normal," to "gifted" or exceptional. The frequent co-occurrence of "gifted" and "pathological" function is thus difficult to understand from a corticocentric and purely behavioral and observational point of view. This article reviews "giftedness" in relation to the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, coexistence of which is termed "twice exceptional." It additionally considers problems in assessing these functions using current neuropsychological tests and methodologies that are presumably based upon a corticocentric model of cognition.

Living With the Gift of Giftedness: An Exploratory Study on the Well-Being of Intellectually Gifted Adults

While it is now argued that intellectual giftedness is not causally associated with well-being, the individual and environmental determinants associated remain empirically underexplored. Trying to fill this gap, this study investigated potential risk and protective factors on the well-being and mental health of 219 Canadian intellectually gifted adults. Exploratory transversal analyses were conducted between 11 determinants frequently evoked in the literature on intellectually gifted individuals and hedonic well-being (positive/negative affect; ∝ = .85-.87; satisfaction with life; ∝ = .88), eudemonic well-being (existential crisis/meaning in life; ∝ = .76-.87; interpersonal connection; ∝ = 92) and psychopathologies. Results show that twice-exceptionality and lower socioeconomic status are risk factors for the development of psychopathologies, while being married/in civil union and having a higher perceived level of potential achievement are protective factors for hedonic and eudemonic well-being. Results are discussed in light of previous knowledge about gifted individuals.

Is AI on the Spectrum?

Some key traits of generative AI bear a striking similarity to autism spectrum disorder. Why does this matter?

Is AI on the Spectrum? Exploring the Parallels Between Artificial Intelligence and Autism Spectrum Disorder

An in-depth analysis of the similarities between AI behaviors and traits observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and how AI is being utilized in autism research and support.

The association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and self-employment

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms have been associated with the decision to become self-employed. Although these symptoms are generally regarded as disadvantageous, there may also be a bright side. To our knowledge, however, there has been no systematic, epidemiological evidence to support this claim. This paper examines the association between ADHD symptoms and self-employment in a population-based sample from the STAGE cohort of the Swedish Twin Registry (N = 7208). For replication, we used a sample of Dutch students who participated in the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (N = 13,112). In the Swedish sample, we found a positive association with self-employment for both general ADHD symptoms [odds ratio (OR) 1.13; 95 % confidence intervals (CI) 1.04-1.23] and hyperactivity symptoms [OR 1.19; 95 % CI 1.08-1.32], whereas no association was found for attention-deficit symptoms [OR 0.99; 95 % CI 0.89-1.10]. The positive association between hyperactivity and self-employment was replicated in the Dutch student sample [OR 1.09; 95 % CI 1.03-1.15]. Our results show that certain aspects of ADHD, in particular hyperactivity, can have a bright side, as they are positively associated with self-employment.

How the hypercuriosity of ADHD may have helped humans thrive | Aeon Essays

ADHD isn’t merely a dysfunction. It’s best understood as an impulsive motivational drive for novel information

How the hypercuriosity of ADHD may have helped humans thrive | Aeon Essays

ADHD isn’t merely a dysfunction. It’s best understood as an impulsive motivational drive for novel information

Relative to Einstein: Quality of Life in Twice Exceptional Adults

Twice exceptionality, or 2e, is the recently-coined term for the intersection of learning disabilities (LDs) and giftedness in an individual. Typically, these learning disabilities encompass ADHD, ASD, and/or specific learning disorders such as dyslexia. Because giftedness may obscure or compensate for a student’s academic struggles, and because institutional fixation on disability may overshadow intelligence, twice exceptionality is often missed by teachers and other authority figures in a child’s life. Given the ongoing difficulties of screening for twice exceptionality, it is likely that many 2e students have gone unidentified throughout most of their academic careers, without receiving the accommodations that would most benefit their studies. Furthermore, 2e adults whose schooling predated widespread awareness of twice exceptionality are more likely to have been diagnosed later in life. The twin prongs of identification and intervention for 2e youth make up the bulk of studies in the field. Today’s 2e youth are better-identified, better-studied, and better-supported than any previous generation, but 2e adults remain an understudied population. In addition to the difficulties and contradictions inherent in twice exceptionality, late identification and lack of support are likely to have negatively impacted twice exceptional adults, both in and out of the classroom. The present study will examine the ability of 2e adults to effectively cope with stressors in their lives, as well as their current level of life satisfaction. Approximately fifty or more 2e adults will be recruited through email and social media, and via the disability department of a small liberal arts university. Participants will be asked about their diagnostic histories and their experiences with higher education, and will then complete the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S., 1985) and Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (Chesney, M.A., Neilands, T.B., Chambers, D.B., Taylor, J.M., & Folkman, S., 2006). Data will be collected and analyzed in March and April 2017. We hypothesize that there will be a relationship between the age of identification as twice exceptional and adult quality of life, operationalized by Satisfaction with Life and Coping Self-Efficacy. Additionally, we will explore the relationships between specific diagnoses and these variables, as well as factors of race and gender. This study will provide information on an underserved and understudied group, and we hope it will provide a deeper understanding of the needs and strengths of this population.

Methylphenidate Treatment and Risk of Psychotic Disorder

This cohort study of a Finnish national multiyear birth cohort uses instrumental variable analysis to investigate whether methylphenidate alters the long-term risk of psychotic disorder in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Methylphenidate and the risk of psychosis in adolescents and young adults: a population-based cohort study

Background There is a clinical concern that prescribing methylphenidate, the most common pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), might increase the risk of psychotic events, particularly in young people with a history of psychosis. We aimed to determine whether the risk of psychotic events increases immediately after initiation of methylphenidate treatment or, in the longer term, 1 year after treatment initiation in adolescents and young adults with and without a previously diagnosed psychotic disorder. Methods In this cohort study, we used population-based observational data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, the National Patient Register, and the Total Population Register, three population-based registers containing data on all individuals in Sweden, to attain data on sex, birth, death, migration, medication use, and psychotic events for all eligible participants. We screened individuals on these registers to identify those receiving methylphenidate treatment, and who were aged 12–30 years at the start of treatment, for their inclusion in the study. We used a within-individual design to compare the incidence of psychotic events in these individuals during the 12-week periods immediately before and after methylphenidate initiation. Longer term risk was assessed by comparing the incidence of psychotic events 12 weeks before methylphenidate initiation and during a 12-week period one calendar year before the initiation of methylphenidate with the incidence of these events during the 12-week period one calendar year after methylphenidate initiation. We estimated the incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% CIs of psychotic events after the initation of methylphenidate treatment, relative to the events before treatment, which were defined as any hospital visit (inpatient admission or outpatient attendance, based on data from the National Patient Register) because of psychosis, using the International Classification of Diseases version 10 definition. Analyses were stratified by whether the individual had a history of psychosis. Findings We searched the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register to find eligible individuals who had received methylphenidate between Jan 1, 2007 and June 30, 2012. 61 814 individuals were screened, of whom 23 898 (38·7%) individuals were assessed and 37 916 (61·3%) were excluded from the study because they were outside of the age criteria at the start of treatment, they had immigrated, emigrated, or died during the study period, or because they were administered other ADHD medications. The median age at methylphenidate initiation was 17 years, and a history of psychosis was reported in 479 (2·0%) participants. The IRR of psychotic events in the 12-week period after initiation of methylphenidate treatment relative to that in the 12-week period before treatment start was 1·04 (95% CI 0·80–1·34) in adolescents and young adults without a history of psychosis and 0·95 (0·69–1·30) among those with a history of psychosis. Interpretation Contrary to clinical concerns, we found no evidence that initiation of methylphenidate treatment increases the risk of psychotic events in adolescents and young adults, including in those individuals with a history of psychosis. Our study should reassure clinicians considering initiating methylphenidate treatment for ADHD in adolescents and young adults, and it challenges the widely held view in clinical practice that methylphenidate should be avoided, or its use restricted, in individuals with a history of psychosis. Funding Swedish Research Council, National Institute of Mental Health, UK National Institute of Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre.

Autistic Sensory Processing:

High Definition, Not Oversensitivity

Twice exceptional (2e) | Education | Research Starters | EBSCO Research

<p>Twice exceptional (2e) refers to individuals, particularly students, who exhibit both exceptional abilities and disabilities. These learners may show outstanding talent in areas such as academics, creativity, or leadership while simultaneously facing challenges in areas such as reading, attention, or social interaction. Identifying twice exceptional individuals can be complex, as their strengths may obscure their weaknesses, or the focus may be disproportionately on one aspect of their abilities. This duality often leads to under-recognition, with many 2e students navigating educational systems without appropriate support.</p> <p>The concept of twice exceptionality gained prominence in the late 20th century as educators began to understand that high intelligence does not always equate to high performance across all areas. These individuals may struggle with neurobiological conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, which can complicate their learning experiences. Traits such as perfectionism, sensory sensitivities, and uneven development further illustrate the unique challenges faced by twice exceptional learners. It is essential for educators and caregivers to recognize and nurture both the strengths and needs of these individuals to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.</p>

Seeming to belong: Camouflaging and pragmatic self-perception in twice-exceptional adults across neurodivergent profiles

Background and objective Social camouflaging and pragmatic self-perception are key aspects of communication in neurodivergent populations. However, little is known about how these processes manifest in adults with autism, high intellectual ability (HIA), or twice-exceptionality (2e: HIA+autism). This study aimed to examine group-based differences in communicative adaptation and perceived pragmatic competence across these profiles. Materials and methods A total of 109 Spanish-speaking adults participated. Social camouflaging was assessed using the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), and pragmatic self-perception was measured with the Communicative Competence Profile (CCP). Statistical analyses explored differences across groups and by gender. Results Significant differences emerged in all CAT-Q dimensions. Autistic participants reported the highest levels of camouflaging, followed by the 2e group, while only the compensation subscale distinguished autism from 2e. Regarding pragmatic self-perception, the HIA group scored highest, suggesting stronger communicative confidence, whereas autistic adults scored lowest. The 2e profile consistently occupied an intermediate position, though closer to autism, especially in subtle pragmatic aspects. Gender effects were limited overall but more noticeable within the Autism group. Conclusions Findings reveal distinct patterns of social camouflaging and pragmatic self-perception across neurodivergent profiles. Twice-exceptional adults show intermediate but autism-leaning traits, underscoring the complexity of their communicative adaptation. Results emphasize the need for inclusive frameworks that account for diverse communication styles within neurodivergence. Resumen Antecedentes y objetivo El camuflaje social y la autopercepción pragmática son aspectos clave de la comunicación en poblaciones neurodivergentes. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre cómo se manifiestan estos procesos en adultos con autismo, alta capacidad intelectual (HCI) o doble excepcionalidad (2e: HCI+autismo). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar las diferencias entre grupos en la adaptación comunicativa y la competencia pragmática percibida en estos perfiles. Material y métodos Un total de 109 adultos hispanohablantes participaron en el estudio. El camuflaje social se evaluó mediante el Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), y la autopercepción pragmática se midió con el Communicative Competence Profile (CCP). Los análisis estadísticos exploraron diferencias entre grupos y por género. Resultados Se encontraron diferencias significativas en todas las dimensiones del CAT-Q. Los participantes autistas reportaron los niveles más altos de camuflaje, seguidos por el grupo 2e, mientras que solo la subescala de compensación distinguió al autismo del 2e. En cuanto a la autopercepción pragmática, el grupo HCI obtuvo las puntuaciones más altas, lo que sugiere mayor confianza comunicativa, mientras que los adultos autistas puntuaron más bajo. El perfil 2e se situó de manera consistente en una posición intermedia, aunque más cercana al autismo, especialmente en aspectos pragmáticos sutiles. Los efectos de género fueron en general limitados, pero más notables dentro del grupo con autismo. Conclusiones Los hallazgos revelan patrones diferenciados de camuflaje social y autopercepción pragmática en los distintos perfiles neurodivergentes. Los adultos con doble excepcionalidad muestran características intermedias pero con tendencia hacia el autismo, lo que subraya la complejidad de su adaptación comunicativa. Los resultados enfatizan la necesidad de marcos inclusivos que contemplen estilos de comunicación diversos dentro de la neurodivergencia.

Methylphenidate and Short-Term Cardiovascular Risk

This cohort study examines the risks of cardiovascular disease after 6 months of methylphenidate treatment in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Nut intake and hyperuricemia risk in young adults

Objective:The relationship between dietary nut intake and hyperuricemia risk remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different nut intake and hyperuricemia risk with a cross-sectional study.Design:A semi-quantitative FFQ was adopted to collect dietary information. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured by standard methods. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were implemented to analyse the relationship between individual nut intake and hyperuricemia risk.Setting:Qingdao University in Shandong Province, China.Participants:During 2018–2019, a total of 14 056 undergraduates (6862 males and 7194 females) aged 15–25 years participated in the study.Results:After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile intakes of pine nut (95 % CI (0·51, 0·98)) was significantly associated with 29 % reduction in hyperuricemia risk, the highest quartile intake of walnut (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI (0·58, 1·05)) was marginally negatively associated with hyperuricemia risk.Conclusions:The present study showed that the relationships between intakes of different nuts and hyperuricemia risk were different. Increased dietary intakes of walnut and pine nut are negatively associated with the hyperuricemia.