Obsessions and Gifted Children
Wednesday September 6, 2006
It is not at all unusual for gifted children to become obsessed with objects or ideas. Sometimes the obsession seems to be fairly normal, like the obsession some little boys have with dinosaurs. Other obsessions are rather unusual, like the obsession a little girl might have for spark plugs. These children sometimes seem to be interested in little else. The little boy with a dinosaur obsession may have dinosaur books and toys, coloring books and stickers, and may also want to talk about nothing but dinosaurs.
Parents of children with these obsessions often worry that their child might have OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) or some form of Autism. However, obsessions in OCD are unwanted, anxiety producing thoughts.
The following articles can help you understand the difference between giftedness and OCD or Autism:
Poll: Does (or did) your child have any obsessions?
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Parents of children with these obsessions often worry that their child might have OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) or some form of Autism. However, obsessions in OCD are unwanted, anxiety producing thoughts.
The following articles can help you understand the difference between giftedness and OCD or Autism:
- Characteristics of Gifted Children
- What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder"
- What Are Some Common Signs Of Autism?
- "Red Flags" for Autism in 2-Year Olds
Poll: Does (or did) your child have any obsessions?
View Results
More polls from your guide
Comments
MY SON IS OBSESSED WITH HIS FOOD TOUCHING. HE VERY OFTEN WANTS HIS FOODS ON SEPARATE PLATES!
MY SON IS OBSESSED WITH KEYS…WHEN HE MEETS SOMEONE FIRST THING HE ASK IS WHERE HIS/HER KEYS…ANY IDEAS?
My daughter is obessed with dumping soap out and filling it with water. We can’t keep anything in the bathroom at her level that she can dump. She has also dumped bleach cleaner in her fish tank before. She said it was to see what would happen. I don’t get why she is obessed with it. Any ideas??
My son is obsessed wiht keys too…and doors and locks. He will open, lock, and close any door he can find. You can imagine how “fun” it is to go anywhere with him (doors are EVERYWHERE – you can’t avoid them!) and how many times we have been locked in someplace! He used to ask for everyone’s keys too. I told him he couldn’t have anyone’s keys and I informed well-intentioned friends and family not to give them to him. So, he eventually stopped asking. Good luck!
My child is 13 and ever since she was 4 years old has had an obsession with the meaning of life and languages.
My daughter is obsessed with her little friend at school. If my daughter does not see her friend in the morning before she goes in school she will cry and tell me to take her home. She also worries if her friend will go home early. It is all about her friend. She won’t play soccer if her friend is not there. Her friend is the sweetest little girl I like her alot but why is my daughter so obsessed with her.
I am currently fifteen and ever since I was young I have been deeply concerned with world problems, the meaning of life, and repeating words. It hasn’t been bad for about a year and a half.
Zorenitiy: many gifted children are more prone to existential depression. I know because I am gifted. Existential depression is when trying to figure out the meaning of life becomes obsessive and upsetting. I’ve always had a little bit of anxiety about it, but then I got really depressed because I thought I was meaningless and having friends and family tell me that I was important didn’t help. The important thing to do is to let them know you understand what they’re going through and give them a hug. Psychologists say that human touch is really good for making a person feel more stable. It worked for me.
I remember feeling very upset that as a child, no one would take my feelings on these things seriously. So, even though you don’t have the answers to this unanswerable question, talk to her about it. Also, I’ve come to a semi-conclusion that the meaning of life is whatever I make of it. Although, she’s probably already thought of that and is unsatisfied with the answer. I know I certainly was.
My boy is obsessed with Ceiling Fans. It’s been his fascination forever. Whe tought it was cute when he was 2 or 3. But now that he is 6, I am really concerned. We have bought the fan he liked for his bedroon. And has a collection of all kinf of fans. But Today, on his b-day, he is not interested like other kidsa on football, wii, soccer, coloring, movies,he just wants a ceiling fan with remote control as a present. I am getting really upset. He seems to be very smart, no problems socialising, he is the best reader in the class, some issues following his new rules at school, but he just started kinder a month ago, but he likes it. He is kind of dissapointed , because he thouhgt he was going to be at kinder learning engeneering clases, because he want to become an electric eng. So I may sound funny, but I am reallt concerned. What type of specialist should I go to check on his obsessions.
My five year old son has had an obsession with dinosaurs for the past two years