#041 Perfectionism, Diagnosis and her New Book with Emily Kircher-Morris

Today we talk to Emily Kircher-Morris about perfectionism, getting diagnosed (and whether we tell our kids) and her recently published book, Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Todays' Classroom.

Hit play and let's get started!

Memorable Quotes

"To me, perfectionism is an anxiety based response to feeling as though there's an expectation that somebody is not going to live up to, but that can look like a lot of different things." – Emily Kircher-Morris

"[Perfectionism] doesn't always look like somebody who is an overachiever or somebody who is constantly, trying to get all straight A's. It can look like that, but it can also look like somebody who is avoidant, in their approach to tasks or somebody who really is just worried about how other people perceive them, and so then they try to mask or hide what might be perceived as deficits." – Emily Kircher-Morris

"My thought is that a child can't self-advocate unless they know what's going on [being gifted/2E]… And I think what we're really doing [when we don't tell them] is we're sending the message that it's something to be ashamed of… [when] It's not better than, or less than, it's just different." – Emily Kircher-Morris

Resources

• Teaching Twice-Exceptional Leaners – a book by Emily Kircher-Morris
• About Emily Kircher-Morris
• The Neurodiversity Podcast

Bio

Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC, inspired by her own experiences as a neurodivergent person, is dedicated to destigmatizing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. Originally starting as a teacher and is now a licensed professional counsellor, specializing in supporting neurodivergent kids and adults (and their families).

The author of two books related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. "Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today's Classroom" (Free Spirit Publishing, 2021) focuses on supporting 2e learners in the educational setting, and "Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids" (Routledge, 01/22) is a guide for parents navigating the world of twice-exceptionality.

Emily hosts The Neurodiversity Podcast, speaks at state-wide, national, and international conferences and frequently provides virtual and in-person professional development to educators, mental health clinicians, and parents worldwide.

Subscribe & Review

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about your biggest takeaway in the comments.

For more episodes, you can subscribe and to help others find our podcast please leave a review.

You can find show notes and more resources at www.ourgiftedkids.com

See you in the same place next week.

Connect

Connect with me on LinkedIn Instagram & Facebook!