The Uncanny Likeness Between Giftedness and ADHD with Julie F. Skolnick, M.A., J.D. — 2025

Giftedness and ADHD can share strikingly similar traits—creativity, curiosity, emotional intensity, impulsivity, and distractibility—often making it difficult to distinguish between the two. In this session, Julie Skolnick unpacks their overlaps, why proper identification matters, and how misinterpretation can impact self-esteem and success. She introduces the “glass half full vs. glass half empty” perspective, helping attendees shift perspectives and better support gifted and ADHD individuals. Learn how to recognize strengths, implement effective strengths-based strategies, and reframe challenges to empower individuals navigating these traits. If you’ve ever wondered, Is it giftedness, ADHD, or both?, this session is for you!

About Julie F. Skolnick, M.A., J.D.:

Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their twice exceptional students and clients.

Julie is the author of the award-winning book, Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child (TarcherPerigee, 2023), a beloved book lauded by parents, educators, and 2e adults alike.

A sought-after Keynote speaker, Julie’s presentations are inspirational and engaging with audiences often commenting, “I feel seen!” Julie hosts courses, memberships, and book studies for parents, 2e adults, and educators. She publishes the free weekly Gifted and Distractible Newsletter.

Julie and her husband raise three twice exceptional kids who keep them on their toes and uproariously laughing!

Located in Maryland, USA, Julie’s clients, and audience hale from all four corners of the globe.