​Support for gifted children with ADHD, autism, anxiety and mood difficulties

When a gifted child is also experiencing ADHD, autism, anxiety, low mood or other mental health concerns, it can be hard to know what is driving their difficulties—and what kind of support will actually help.

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I’m a clinical psychologist with a particular interest in supporting gifted children and their families. I take time to understand each child as an individual: their strengths, challenges, development, relationships and day-to-day experience at home and school.

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Comprehensive assessment with a clinical focus

I provide comprehensive neuropsychological assessments that look beyond a child’s cognitive ability or academic achievement alone. Alongside standardised intelligence and achievement testing—using instruments such as the Stanford-Binet, WISC and WIAT—I consider the child’s broader mental health and neurodevelopmental profile.

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Depending on the questions being explored, assessment may consider attention, learning, emotional wellbeing, anxiety, mood, autism and other aspects of neurodiversity. The goal is to build a clinically useful understanding of the child: how their strengths and challenges interact, what may be contributing to their difficulties, and what support is likely to help.

 

A thoughtful, individual approach

Children who are gifted are not all alike. A child’s advanced abilities may sit alongside differences in attention, learning, emotional regulation, social communication or mental health. These experiences can overlap, and a child’s needs may not be captured by a label or a general set of recommendations.

Rather than offering generic gifted education advice or reports, I work one-on-one with the child and their family to build a detailed understanding of what is happening and what may help. Where appropriate, I can also work with the child’s school, with the family’s involvement, to support a shared and practical approach.

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Working together to understand what’s going on

Assessment and therapy are guided by the child’s individual needs and the questions bringing the family to seek support. This may include understanding how giftedness interacts with ADHD, autism, anxiety, mood difficulties, learning differences or challenges with friendships, behaviour or school.

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The aim is to develop a useful picture of the child—not just a report—and to identify support that makes sense in their everyday life. This may involve sessions with the child, conversations with parents, and collaboration with the school or other professionals when helpful.

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If you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing, development or experience at school, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss whether this approach may be a good fit.

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An additional very useful service for gifted children is UNSW GERRIC