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The Gifted Child: Better Off? Or Branded?
By Kim Delmar Cory
in) a rollicking, verbal parental display of displeasure at a sporting event. Do parents of academically advantaged children exhibit similar tendencies, just in a more sophisticated, understated manner -- pushing for their child's success; elation and deflation at every win or defeat; living vicariously through their children's accomplishments? 
Networking with other parents of gifted children might allow parents a venue to discuss and learn more about their child's needs. It might also help them to feel connected to those with similar interests, which could in turn alleviate some of their frustrations. Gifted children often exhibit difficult behaviors, and guiding them can prove stressful.
If you as a parent are unable to locate support for you and your gifted child, start your own support group. That's what Marie Friedel, executive director and founder of The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children, did more than 30 years ago when she struggled to find resources for her gifted child. Other support organizations, such as The Council for Exceptional Children, ERIC Clearinghouse on Handicapped and Gifted Children and GT World, an online support community for parents of gifted children, can provide valuable help.
What happens when a child is not invited to participate in a school-sponsored gifted academic program despite a parent's belief in his or her academic potential?
"Parents might have their child tested outside of the school to provide evidence (of intellectual giftedness)," says Campbell. In Michigan and other Midwestern states, parents can resort to the MTSY, Midwest Talent Search for Youth. Similar organizations exist in other areas. Sufficiently high scores on this assessment tool could influence schools to allow a student to access gifted resources. Each state or region dictates their preferences in this area.
A problem parents must be aware of is the misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis of gifted children. Often bright