The Paradox of Giftedness and Autism: Packet of Information for Professionals (PIP)--Revised (2008)

This "Packet of Information for Professionals" (PIP) was developed for professionals who work with gifted and talented students who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of PIP is to offer recommendations that will lead to a positive experience for twice-exceptional students who participate in specialized programs for gifted/talented students. This PIP was originally developed in 2007 for the Student Program Faculty and Professional Staff of the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC). It has been revised and expanded to incorporate multiple forms of special gifted programs including academic year Saturday programs, which can be both enrichment or accelerative; non-residential summer programs; and residential summer programs. Appended are: (1) Definition of Giftedness; (2) Disability Categories of IDEA; (3) Explanation of Federal Protections for Students with Disabilities; (4) Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); (5) The Assessment Process at the Belin-Blank Center's Assessment and Counseling Clinic; (6) Web Sites for People Who Work with Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and (7) Annotated Bibliography. [Funding for this paper was provided by Messengers of Healing Winds Foundation.]