10 Facts You May Not Know About Gifted Children Infographic

10 Facts You May Not Know About Gifted Children Infographic

Giftedness is a trait which is hugely misunderstood, even amongst professionals who should be in the know! These 10 facts are here to shed light on what giftedness really is. I hope they dispel some of the myths and misconceptions many believe about gifted children.

1. It is widely acknowledged that giftedness is an inherent attribute.

Although a few believe giftedness can be achieved through nurturing, the overwhelming consensus is that giftedness is present at birth, an inherited trait.

2. Gifted children do not always excel in school.

Despite having above-average cognitive abilities, if a gifted child’s educational needs are not met appropriately, he may not show exceptional achievement in school. Many gifted children underachieve in school and often drop out.

3. Gifted children can and do have learning disabilities.

Gifted children with learning disabilities often go unidentified because their advanced cognitive abilities often mask their learning disabilities.

4. Gifted children often develop asynchronously.

A 12 year old child who understands high school algebra and science, but is unable to sleep at night alone without a nightlight is an example of asynchronous development in a gifted child.

5. Gifted children can have overexcitabilities (OE’s).

A constant buzzing sound which causes extreme irritability and the inability to move on until the sound is located and stopped or the gritty texture in`her mom’s turkey gravy which causes a gifted teen to totally refrain from eating the family’s holiday dinner are all examples of OE’s.

6. Gifted children often have difficulty finding like-minded friends.

Gifted children can have a difficult time finding friends or same-age peers who share and understand their intellectual interests and quirky traits.

7. Gifted children often feel like they don’t fit in.

Feelings of isolation and not belonging can eventually lead to emotional struggles, depression, dropping out of school and even suicide.

8. Gifted children are gifted in and out of school.

The emotional intensities, asynchrony and social struggles leave school with the gifted child and follow him home.

9. Being gifted is not a net-positive situation.

Being smarter or able to grasp and master concepts and skills above grade level is not a guarantee that any child has it made and will be successful in life.

10. Raising a gifted child is not easy.

Given the educational considerations, overexcitabilities, social struggles and asynchrony, life with a gifted child can easily come with its share of bumps in the road.

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