Episode 81: Giftedness (Part 2): You’re a Zebra, Not a Weird Horse [featuring Dr. Matt Zakreski]

Divergent Conversations

The rich, layered experience of gifted and neurodivergent individuals often includes profound emotional sensitivity, rapid thinking, and unique challenges in daily life.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a speaker and clinical psychologist, discuss the complexities of neurodivergence and giftedness, including impostor syndrome, executive functioning, the concept of the rule of 5, mirror neurons, and the emotional depth of overexcitability.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover the unique traits of gifted and neurodivergent individuals, including the intense emotional experiences known as overexcitabilities, and learn how these shape one's perception of the world.
2. Dive into the concept of executive dysfunction, where Dr. Zakreski offers a straightforward explanation to help you understand why certain tasks can feel overwhelming, reframing "can't" instead of "won't."
3. Explore the persistent nature of impostor syndrome among neurodivergent individuals, and learn how embracing authenticity and self-compassion can alleviate feelings of self-doubt and foster deeper connections.

As you reflect on the diverse aspects of giftedness and neurodivergence, remember that unique ways of experiencing, processing, and interacting with the world are both valuable and valid. Whether or not you are neurodivergent or gifted, embrace your strengths, seek understanding for your challenges, and find communities where you can be your authentic self.

More about Dr. Matt:

Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a high-energy professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken more than 900 times all over the world on both stages and podcasts about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college to the workplace. Dr. Matt specializes in taking knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and clinical psychology and making that accessible and practical for people to improve their lives.

Dr. Matt is the co-founder and lead clinician at The Neurodiversity Collective, an active member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), as well as the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC) and the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).

• Book (Neurodiversity Playbook)
• Consulting: drmattzakreski.com/blank-3
• Podcast (Nerding Out on Neurodiversity)
• Website: drmattzakreski.com

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Thanks to Our Sponsor: The Gifted Learning Lab

✨ The Gifted Learning Lab:

The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Gifted Learning Lab

The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey.

The Gifted Learning Lab - Free Mini-Course