Bloom seedlings: an inclusive preschool program for children with behavioral challenges related to giftedness and twice-exceptionality
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Abstract
Children who are gifted or twice-exceptional (2e) share distinct qualities beyond academic achievement such as heightened neurological responsivity and asynchronous development (Bishop, 2019; Buica-Belciu & Popovici, 2014; Gere et al., 2009). Decreased knowledge and awareness of these shared qualities, combined with bias in the referral process for evaluation and identification of giftedness or 2e, contributes to under-identification, misdiagnosis, and misunderstanding of this population (Card et al., 2016; Webb et al., 2016). As a result, these children have decreased access to interventions that effectively address their needs.
Bloom Seedlings is an inclusive preschool program in which occupational therapy practitioners play a primary role in early intervention for children with behavioral challenges related to giftedness or 2e. Social-emotional learning, sensory strategies, mindfulness techniques, and engagement in meaningful occupations are infused in the curriculum to improve self-regulation and decrease impulsive behaviors. Educational modules and support sessions for professionals and caregivers are critical components to improve relationships between caregivers, educators, and children (Zinsser et al., 2019; Zulauf et al., 2019) and are integral to the program. Through engagement in Bloom Seedlings, participants experience improved occupational performance, health and wellness, quality of life, participation, role competence, well-being, and occupational justice. Occupational therapy practitioners can become strong leaders in giftedness and 2e through program development, program evaluation, and contributions to the research. Bloom Seedlings places occupational therapy practitioners in a primary role to increase health, wellness, and advocacy for children who are gifted or 2e.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International