A Reflective Conversation with Jane Piirto

This article offers a conversation with Dr. Jane Piirto, author, and professor at Ashland University, where she teaches in the Department of Inclusive Services & Exceptional Learners and the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies. Here she discusses what she is currently working on, how the five dimensions of overexcitability relate to ADHD, whether or not students identified as gifted and talented are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, and how teachers can capture this overexcitability and intensity and use it to enhance their learning and creativity. She also discusses the most important thing for regular classroom teachers to know about their gifted students, how gifted programs focus on a student's individual strengths, and where she thinks gifted education is headed. Also provided is an exercise in guided imagery for staff development, and a poem by Dr. Piirto.