Educational Exceptionality as a Risk Factor and Strategies for Increasing Early Adolescents’ Resiliency

The authors argue that if the risk factors of early adolescence & educational exceptionality (gifted, learning disabled, or otherwise exceptional) are compounded by additional stressors like gender identity conflict, cultural differences, &/or family disruption, a high risk situation exists. Strategies are discussed for increasing exceptional early adolescents’ resiliency, thereby lowering the risk of many developmental problems, including suicide. (95 refs.)