ACADEMIC AND PERSONALITY-CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTED STUDENTS WITH CEREBRAL-PALSY - A MULTIPLE CEASE STUDY

Using a qualitative cross-case methodology over 3 years, I investigate d the ways in which gifted students with cerebral palsy and no speech indicated their cognitive abilities. Data collection method included p articipant observation, interviewing, document analysis, audiotaping, and videotaping, and data were analyzed using analytic induction, cons tant comparison, diagramming, and cross-case analysis. The participant s demonstrated several academic characteristics of giftedness, some of which were modified by effects of the disability Personality traits w hich often accompany giftedness were manifested: maturity, goal orient ation, persistence/determination, and patience. Giftedness was also ap parent in ways which were related to the disability: recognition of li mitations at a mature level, desire for independence from human aides and technological devices, and use of the intellect to circumvent the disability.