Exploration of characteristics, behaviors and educational needs of children with gifted autism spectrum disorder through grounded theory

The aim of this study, which was designed as a grounded theory, was to explore characteristics and behaviors of children with gifted ASD, to examine in depth the effects of differences on each other, and to establish a pioneering model that will reveal the features, behaviors and educational needs that can contribute to the diagnostic criteria in these children. Three boys with ASD and their parents participated in the study. Data were collected through retrospective parental interviews, social setting videos from infancy to the present, medical, educational and developmental reports, and one-year social observations. The research data was analyzed by using open, axial and selective coding and continuous comparative analysis technique and reported in order to answer each research question. As a result of the research, it was revealed that children with gifted ASD experienced diagnostic confusion due to their ASD and giftedness, their features and behaviors were not understood, their cognitive profiles were ignored, they were supported in areas where they had limitations, but their cognitive needs were not met. Certain skills that children with gifted ASD may and cannot do due to their ASD and giftedness cause misunderstanding in their social environment and cannot be identified as gifted. Children with gifted ASD use their intelligence to compensate for behaviors of autism. As the IQ level of children with gifted ASD increases, their tendency to hide ASD and gifted behaviors increases. Keywords: Twice exceptional, ASD, Giftedness, Children with gifted ASD, Grounded theory.