Is your kid gifted? It’s a question that many parents often think about.
I manage student applications at the Davidson Institute, where we’ve helped thousands of profoundly gifted children (or kids who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ tests) reach their highest potential. Previously, I taught humanities for nearly a decade.
Most gifted kids can learn and process information faster than kids their age and comprehend material several grade levels above their peers.
But they are not always well-behaved, high-achieving students. In fact, neuroscience experts say that giftedness looks different in each child.
Unexpected signs that your kid is highly gifted
1. Asynchronous development
Does your bright child struggle with simple tasks like tying shoelaces or remembering to brush their teeth?
These are just a few examples of asynchronous development — or developing more quickly in some areas than others. It’s common for gifted children.
A gifted 8-year-old could display the reading skills of a 7th grader, the math ability of a 5th grader, social skills at their grade level, and the emotional regulation of a much younger student.
2. Emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
Neuroscientists suggest that gifted children experience more intense emotional reactions to the world around them.
For example, they may have a hard time enjoying shows where a character gets hurt or is sad. Many also have a heightened sense of justice and can experience frustration and disappointment when they feel like a situation is wrong.
Due to their asynchronous development, they may not yet have the emotional regulation skills to navigate those big feelings.
3. Existential questioning
Gifted children often have an insatiable curiosity, especially about the existential aspects of life.
They may be more concerned about issues like death, poverty, climate change and injustices than their peers. Even a movie or book intended for children that tackles the topic of bullying, for example, can prompt them…
Read the full article here