Day 3 Session 2: The Importance of Building Metacognition in High Functioning Neurodivergent Individuals

Mike Postma, Ed.D

Gifted and multi-exceptional Individuals may struggle with asynchronous development (socio-emotional vs. intellectual) due to an intense limbic system. It is therefore extremely important that they be taught the skills needed to close that gap through a metacognitive process of positive self-recognition/self-development. This presentation will review the importance of metacognition and provide strategies for narrowing the gap.

Due to intense sensory prints (epigenetics), the individual’s limbic system is vulnerable to being overloaded resulting in a tendency to react to stimuli in an emotional (fight, flight, freeze) manner rather than a rational one. This ‘asynchrony’ can be on full display whenever the individual encounters resistance in any number of settings, which, in turn, can serve to alienate the child from peers and even adults leading to the inevitable question: “What’s wrong with me?” This is why it is imperative for g/2e children, teens, and even adults, to engage in a metacognitive process of what it means to be “them.” Beginning with neurobiology, I teach g/2e individuals how their brain grows and interacts with the rest of their body and why they may be more vulnerable to intense feelings, emotions, and actions. This is followed by a series of strategies designed to build up those innate ‘superpowers’ to a point of positive rumination, acceptance, and ultimately, self-worth. This session will identify how and why metacognition is one of the primary factors needed for neurodiverse individuals to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.

Dr. Michael Postma is the former Executive Director of SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted) and is the current President of Gifted & Thriving, LLC. Dr. Postma has worked in the field of gifted in a variety of roles for the past 24 years. He lives in Bellingham, WA along with his wife Julie and three neurodivergent young adults.

Please join us for this event! 
You are invited to a Zoom Session for The GHF Gifted Home Education Conference: Celebrating the Gifted / 2e Family. (Link leads to the event in the GHF Forum – Member Content)
When: Sunday June 5, 2022 1:45pm Pacific / 4:45pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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