Connect Paediatric Assessment Services

16/06/2023

This new resource from the Ministry of Education is chock-full of information for early childhood educators supporting gifted tamariki.
Really worth a look!

15/05/2023

This information evening may be helpful for Christchurch parents of gifted and 2e kids:
👉 what to look for in schools
👉 what supports to ask for
👉 parenting gifted kids
Send in your questions to NZAGC for the host to answer
We are not affiliated with this event.

02/05/2023

Brain imaging shows the brains of gifted individuals develops differently:
👉 later to start pruning - higher level of learning for longer but later to start to develop executive functions
👉 higher volume and connectivity in the prefrontal cortex - quick recall of information and more complex problem solving
👉 more active DMN - more reflective, high creativity, and tendency to experience existential crises
👉 different sensory processing and emotional awareness

As no two gifted kids are the same, it's helpful to understand their individual strengths and challenges to make sure that they have all their needs supported at home, school and beyond.

Neuroscience has provided us with insights into the structural and functional differences in the brains of gifted individuals...

30/04/2023

Some training coming up for those supporting kids with FASD, as shared by FASD Can

Learn how early diagnosis and intervention can help children with FASD thrive

16/04/2023

Giftedness and ADHD are really similar. Our paediatrician and occupational therapists use screening protocols to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis of both gifted and gifted with ADHD.

14/04/2023

This is a great description of the lived experience of the difficulty navigating the world with the communication challenges common for people with FASD. A must-read for us all to raise awareness in the community. Our Speech Language Therapists can help pin point what skills exactly are tripping kids up, helping build a road map for support.

Learning how FASD affects each of us individually can make a huge difference in understanding the miscommunication we with this hidden disability often face.

22/10/2022

https://fb.watch/gkbpe3iNaA/

12/10/2022

Early identification is truly the best. We are so proud to have a paediatrician who is on the lookout for gifted kids in her diagnostic process, working alongside an occupational therapist with a wealth of experience in identifying and supporting gifted and 2e kids and young people.

TW: mental health concerns & self-harm

Without the correct supports, gifted individuals can struggle academically, socially, emotionally and otherwise. Recognizing giftedness early can lead to marked improvements in the quality of life of gifted individuals.

Whether this be selecting the proper educational environment, seeking mental health counseling or joining guardian support groups -- early intervention is critical to the success & wellness of gifted youth.

"Gifted children are more prone to depression and su***de because of their heightened sensitivities, perfectionism, introversion, overachieving behaviors, existential concerns, and feeling like they don't fit in." () These risks require thoughtful actions to intercede and support.

08/09/2022

So cool….

Elliott Garcia will be heard as Bruno the Brake Car alongside Thomas the Tank Engine.

06/09/2022

FASD (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) Awareness Day is Friday 9th September, the whole month of September is FASD Awareness month.
Tuesday 13th September 12 - 12:30pm is a lunch and learn discussion group. The title is: Implications to practice: Online Training and Support courses for Caregivers of children and youth with FASD.

Other great webinars from FASD-CAN that you can join in https://fasdmonth.nz/events/

30/08/2022

This will be a really handy webinar for lots of our Connect whanau.

FREE WEBINAR - 7PM - THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER - REGISTRATION LINK BELOW

Top Tips for Parents | How To Advocate For Your Gifted Child At Primary School

As parents, we want our gifted children at school to feel they belong, to be supported to develop their skills - social and emotional as well as academic - and explore their talents. If this isn’t happening for your child at school, what can you do about it?

Join our FREE 60 minute online workshop to get the guidance you need to be a strong advocate for your gifted child and to collaborate effectively with your school. Hear from our experts, Madelaine Armstrong Willcocks, Head of Programmes at the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education and Jo Brunskill, President of the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children, as well as a panel of parents who’ve successfully navigated these important school-home relationships..

To register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-advocate-for-your-gifted-child-at-primary-school-tickets-409641959127