Redefining Connection: Supporting Gifted/2E Social-Emotional Development in an AI World

The rapid evolution of generative AI has reshaped the educational landscape, offering unprecedented cognitive tools while introducing complex psychological dynamics for gifted and twice-exceptional (2E) learners. For these asynchronous individuals, AI could be deeply intertwined with their internal world. While it can act as an empowering cognitive scaffold, it can also directly impacting their social and emotional development. Adopting a holistic "whole-child" framework, this session provides a research-informed, compassionate roadmap for families. We will move beyond viewing AI merely as an academic tool, exploring instead how it influences the inner life of the gifted adolescent. Parents will gain ideas for cultivating psychological resilience, nurturing meaningful connections, and fostering a positive sense of self, ensuring that our unique learners do not just adapt to a tech-driven future but truly thrive emotionally and socially.

Dr. Enyi Jen earned her PhD in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies from Purdue University. Her research focuses on social and emotional development, strength-based approaches, talent development, and twice-exceptional learners. Her work includes international teaching, research, and professional development across Europe, Asia, and North America. For more information about her work, please visit https://www.wholechildlens.com/