Using the metaphor of masks, this text explores the many ways in which giftedness (intellectual potential) has been overlooked because of an individual's cultural group, handicap or challenging condition. It presents suggestions to help develop the intellectual strengths of these children.

Using the metaphor of masks, this text explores the many ways in which giftedness (intellectual potential) has been overlooked because of an individual's cultural group, handicap or challenging condition. It should be beneficial to teachers, administrators, undergraduate students, counsellors, parents and those interested in multicultural perspectives and/or special education. The emphasis on diversity is echoed in the international perspective through the collaboration of contributors from the United States, Australia and Ukraine. Readers are presented with practical suggestions to help lift the masks and provide a more appropriate education to develop the intellectual strengths of these children.

CULTURAL CHALLENGES: THE KALEIDOSCOPIC MASK: Giftedness and Social and Cultural Challenges for: African Americans: USA. Hispanic Americans: USA. Aboriginal Populations: Australia. Immigrant Non-English Speaking Populations: Australia. Totalitarian Societies: The Ukraine. LEARNING DISABILITY: THE MYSTERIOUS MASK: Giftedness and Learning Disability: USA Perspective. Giftedness and Learning Disability: An Australian Case Study. SENSORY AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES: THE HIDDEN MASK: Giftedness and the Deaf. Giftedness and Vision Impairment. Giftedness and Cerebral Palsy. AUTISM: THE SILENT MASK: Giftedness and Autism: USA Perspective. Giftedness and Autism: An Australian Case Study. EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE: THE BEGUILING MASK: Giftedness and Emotional Disturbance: USA Perspective. Giftedness and Emotional Disturbance: Australian Perspective. CONCLUSION.