Read the scenario below and imagine that you are working with this child.

Mary, an eight-year-old student, is entering third grade in the fall. In the past two school years, she has been diagnosed with a speech disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. Additionally, the results of her intelligence tests suggest that she requires academically gifted resources. Because of all of her needs, she has been unable to make friends and reports feeling depressed and anxious about attending school. Mary's parents have hired you to work with her on developing her social skills. You have been invited to attend the school staffing to offer your suggestions for helping her parents, teachers, and school support staff (school counselor, school psychologist, and school social worker).

1. Imagine that Mary is going to be in a gifted class with new students. What problems might Mary have in making friends in her class?

2. Do you think that other gifted students in Mary's class might also have problems making friends? Why or why not?

3. Considering Mary's speech disorder, ADD, and need for gifted services, what strategies might help her to learn best in the classroom and at home?

4. How do learning disabilities such as the ones that Mary has differ from other types of disabilities?