Overview
This 2.5 hour seminar (recorded for participants who are unable to attend live) is designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to better understand and support gifted children, adolescents, and adults, including those who are twice exceptional (2E).
Why Giftedness Matters
Giftedness is emerging as a key focus in the neurodiversity movement. It involves unique neurobiological traits such as heightened complexity, sensitivity, and intensity. However, giftedness is often misunderstood or overlooked, especially in the context of disability.
Did you know?
🔵At least 10% of gifted individuals are also diagnosed with disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, or Learning Disorders.
🔵These individuals face unique challenges, and research shows that the combination of autism and exceptional cognitive ability increases the risk of suicidal ideation by six times (Casten et al., 2023).
This seminar will deepen your understanding of:
✅ The psychological needs of gifted and twice-exceptional individuals.
✅ How to recognize and address the overlap between giftedness and disability.
✅ Practical tools and strategies to enhance your clinical work.
Through engaging teaching, experiential activities, and real-life case studies, you’ll leave with greater confidence and a clearer framework for supporting this population.
🎥 Pre-register to receive 30 days of access to the live recording.
👩🏼🎓Certificate of participation available on completion of the seminar
Please note - if you would like additional training in mental health and neurodivergence (including Autism, ADHD and/or intellectual disability) please visit us at www.courses.theemotionsclinic.com.au for a suite of further professional development in this area.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will increase their knowledge, skills and confidence via teaching, experiential activities and case studies in the following areas:
- Contemporary approaches to giftedness - the case for giftedness as the next big thing in the neurodiversity movement!
- Understanding screening and identification of giftedness
- Understanding overexcitabilities (or OE's) - the psychological and neurological “super highways” and their impact in giftedness
- Contributors to well-being & mental ill-health in giftedness - follow a case study to help illustrate why big feelings, anxiety and existential depression are understandable!
- Giftedness and disability - follow a case across the life span to learn about complexities in screening and assessment, and impact on mental health
- Treatment of mental -ill health in 2E individuals
Presenter(s)
Dr Belinda Ratcliffe (PhD, Clinical Psychologist ) & Laura Dunne (Lecturer, Clinical Psychologist)
About the presenter(s)
Dr. Belinda Ratcliffe is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience and a PhD in Autism and Mental Health from the University of Sydney. As founder of the Emotions Clinic Australia, she provides compassionate, evidence-based psychological services for neurodivergent individuals and those navigating life-changing diagnoses or grief. Dr. Ratcliffe has a special interest in Giftedness, Autism, Twice-Exceptionality (2E), and existential giftedness, focusing on helping clients explore life’s big questions through Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). She offers person-centred assessments and tailored mental health care. A multi-award-winning researcher and published author, Dr. Ratcliffe is lead author of the Westmead Feelings Program for Autistic Children with Mild Intellectual Disability. Known for her warmth and rigor, she has trained over 3000 professionals across the Asia-Pacific and is dedicated to helping clients embrace their strengths and navigate transitions with compassion.
Laura Dunne is a Clinical Psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, and member of the Australian Psychological Society. Co-author of the Embracing Neurodiversity program, she lectures in Educational and Developmental Psychology at the University of Notre Dame and is a Board Approved clinical supervisor. Laura has extensive experiencing offering therapy and comprehensive assessments for Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders, and Giftedness, focusing on evidence-based care for children, adolescents, adults and families.
Notes
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