Is it possible to be “gifted” and “bright” and have a learning disability, especially a language based learning disability? Yes, and to further complicate the matters is the fact that if the deficit areas are in the average range it can be hard to qualify for services. An example of a profile might be someone with above average verbal skills; however their written output is reduced compared to their verbal skills, but because they “test well” and score in the average range they are not eligible for services. I have often sat in on IEP meetings strongly advocating for the child with such strengths and weaknesses and I am often frustrated by the lack of understanding. It is easy to believe that if you are good in one area then you must be equally good in all others but this is not true. It is also easy to believe that if you are average in an area everything is okay, but in fact that is also not true. We all have strengths and weaknesses and being “gifted” or bright in one area does not make us less prone to deficits in other areas. Here is more information on supporting bright and “gifted” individuals. http://www.sengifted.org/