What is Giftedness?
What is Giftedness?
Giftedness refers to exceptional intellectual ability or talent in one or more domains. It is a brain-based difference that can manifest at a young age and is defined as a state of having a lot of natural talent, intelligence, or ability. According to the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), giftedness is having an exceptional ability to learn or reason, or documented performance in the top 10% or less.
How is Giftedness Measured?
From a psychometric perspective, giftedness is often defined as an IQ of 130 or higher, placing gifted individuals at least two standard deviations above the population mean. However, it's important to note that IQ only partially represents giftedness.
What are the Characteristics of Giftedness?
- Unusual alertness
- High verbal ability
- Accelerated thought process
- Long attention span
- High activity level
- Less need for sleep
- Rapid learning ability
- Keen sense of observation
How Does Giftedness Affect Intellectual, Academic, and Social-Emotional Development?
Gifted students experience a different intellectual, academic, and social-emotional development trajectory than neurotypical individuals. They may need access to appropriate learning opportunities, specialized intervention, and accommodation. They may also need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally as well as in their areas of talent.
Is Giftedness a Type of Neurodiversity?
Yes, giftedness is a type of neurodiversity that involves a difference in learning and social-emotional skills. It is highly genetic and a 24/7 phenomenon. Some traits of neurodivergence include difficulty keeping up with time, hyper-focusing on one task or struggling to focus at all, high sensitivity to external stimuli such as sounds and smells, difficulty learning in settings such as school or trainings, abilities to solve advanced problems, and creativity.
What Challenges Might Gifted Individuals Face?
- Challenges in reading and writing
- Social interaction and communication
- Coordination and motor skills
- Learning disabilities
What Emotional Characteristics are Common in Gifted Individuals?
Gifted people may have a deep capacity for a wide range of emotions and form deep emotional attachments to people, places, and objects. They may also have emotional overexcitability, which is marked by intense feelings and emotions. Research indicates that gifted people have increased regional brain volumes and greater connectivity across brain regions.