What determines Giftedness?

Love it or hate it, the term gifted is used to identify people who are outside the norms set by our culture or educational systems. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) defines gifted as children having abilities that are well above those of their same age peers. The Davidson Institute describes giftedness as brain-based, and says that gifted individuals are neurologically different. These individuals see and approach the world differently than their same-age peers.

Individuals who are gifted often …

  • learn and process complex information quickly

  • have unique interests and hobbies

  • explore interests in extreme depth

  • understand subjects and issues at levels well above their peers

  • take in new information quickly and easily

  • are highly curious and ask questions frequently

  • approach problems in creative and unique ways

  • are imaginative

  • have intense self awareness and/or social awareness

  • are highly sensitive and/or emotional

  • are interested and/or concerned with global issues

  • have a mature or unusual sense of humor