Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children

The term ‘asynchronous development,’ is used to describe an uneven physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development. In gifted children, the development in those areas could be out of ‘sync’ or asynchronous. These kids may be extremely talented and may do better than kids their age.

But the problem with asynchronous growth in children could be that sometimes, asynchronous development in a child can keep a child from not being able to connect with kids his own age. He may feel out of sync when doing group activities. Want to know more about asynchronous development in gifted kids? Read on!

What is Asynchronous Development?

Asynchronous development is when a child’s intellectual development is ahead of their emotional and physical traits. Children who are asynchronously developed can feel out of sync with other kids. Sometimes adults may be surprised by the depths of their knowledge. Common asynchronous development characteristics include impulsiveness, sudden outbursts, lack of empathy on struggling to learn the subject matter, and high levels of expectations when it comes to their own learning and overall performance when factoring their chronological age.

What Does Asynchronous Development Look Like in a Gifted Child?

When a child gets too ahead of their peers in class or progresses at unprecedented rates, his parents may find it difficult to understand their child or connect with him. Asynchronous children develop at much faster rates when it comes to their intellectual and creative capabilities. This results in stunted growth in the emotional area and as for their physical growth, a child may feel frustrated that he’s not growing fast enough.

For example, an asynchronous child may be smart and know everything there is to learn about drawing and painting. However, their fine motor skills may not be developed to that extent, which means they won’t be able to draw and paint like adults.

The other issue that gifted asynchronous children may not develop so much in other areas. High IQ scores do not correlate with high skill levels in different subjects for various grades. It’s important to note that not all asynchronous kids are the same and teachers cannot take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to their overall learning and development.

How Does it Affect the Gifted Child?

Here is how asynchronous children may develop. Do read this with a pinch of salt, as not all gifted children with asynchronous development may have issues concerning emotional or physical development.

Emotional Development

Classic emotional development traits for asynchronous kids are listed below.

• Stunted emotional growth – This is a common factor presented among asynchronous kids. Since they are very skilled in a few areas.
• Frustration and stress – Children may get stressed too easily or snap back at their friends for simple problems or issues. They may get angry if they don’t get something right.
• Emotional detachment – Feelings of a lack of empathy, not being able to connect with others or understand what they’re going through, these are sometimes common among gifted children.

Physical Development

The physical development traits of a gifted child with asynchronous development are explained below:

• Uneven physical development – An asynchronous child may show signs of stunted physical growth. The child may love reading or spending time indoors studying rather than going outside and playing with kids his age. If the child is extremely extroverted, they might be very talented in sports and neglect their academics.
• Impaired metabolism and tendency to fall sick – Some asynchronous kids are prone to this. They may not develop at good rates, have a lack of appetite from being too busy and neglect themselves.

Tips for Parents of Asynchronous Kids

Given below are some for parents to raise their gifted child who is asynchronous developed.

• Comfort your child when he is struggling: Your 10-year-old child may have a lot of knowledge on various subjects and he may know about the universe, but at the end of the day, he is still a ten-year-old child who needs to behave like a child and not like a grown-up. If you see your child struggling with anything due to physical limitations like fine motor skills, comfort him and tell him it’s okay to fail. Don’t dissuade him but gently encourage and ask him not to beat himself over it.
• Create high-level intellectual activities for your child: Regular grade-school learning material won’t be enough for your gifted child. Asynchronous children learn at a faster rate than synchronous children, and you can make this out from their performance in schools. You will need enough and more activities to keep your child busy. Create an environment at home that is conducive to learning. Buy the books they want and design challenging projects for your child to work on.
• Speak to a counsellor regarding your child’s development: There is special counselling available for asynchronous kids and parents can use it for their child’s well-being. If you can, find a child counsellor who can help your child.
• Encourage your child: If your child wants to pick up a new skill, encourage him. Whether he is interested in art activities or scientific experiments, do not try to dissuade. Be positive and show support as a parent. Your emotional contributions will mean a lot to them when they grow up.
• Help him socialize with other kids: As parents, you have to understand that asynchronous kids may not get along with kids their age. It is important to provide a holistic learning and playful environment where they can interact with others and even older kids. Children should be given the opportunity to explore their interests, participate in discussions and voice their thoughts.
• Give guidance: Your child will always turn to you for support and guidance whenever he feels stuck. It’s important to keep an open mind and understand his problems. Take the time to talk to him and ask him if needs any help. You can ask him what’s on his mind or what is bothering him if he looks troubled. Getting to know your child better on an emotional and psychological level will help you provide better guidance and support as a parent.

Your child may be intellectually developed well-ahead of his age, but his emotional and physical development may still be taking place. As a parent, you have to take this into account and make sure they spend enough time socializing and participating in simple group activities with other kids.

That said, you should also give space to your kids for their learning. Don’t interfere with their learning, rather support and stimulate their minds and make sure to strive for a balance when it comes to their emotional and physical growth.

Also Read: 

Dysgraphia in Children
Social Anxiety and Phobias
Developmental Delay in Kids