Gifted Children and Adults

“Gifted” in this context is a term used to describe people of high intelligence. Various professionals measure this level of intelligence differently: as an I.Q. above 130; a test score that ranks two or more standard deviations above the norm; or a standardized intelligence measure in the top 2.5%. A child may be called gifted if he or she works 2 or more grade levels above his or her age; or if the work approaches adult-level.

Gifted children often have very specific needs and face particular development challenges. Balancing their need for advanced intellectual stimulation with their often overlooked and disproportionately less advanced social needs can be a challenge for parents. Some studies also show gifted youth to be at higher than average risk for eating disorders, Asperger’s syndrome, and other difficulties. In addition, boys and girls often manifest their giftedness very differently, making it sometimes challenging to detect. If you suspect that your child may be gifted, seek support.

Gifted adults can likewise have special needs. Often they have learned to under-achieve, to mask their intelligence in order be socially accepted, or they have internalized a very poor self-image. Many gifted adults were raised with a limited or nonexistent peer group, in terms of others who could match their intellectual prowess while neither over- nor under-valuing it. Additionally, they may have been told that they could achieve any goal they chose, but were not given support in sorting out their own desires and talents, nor assistance in understanding how to turn dreams into realities. Or they may have relationship difficulties, not having skills to balance their own intellectual and emotional needs.

If you or your child(ren) are gifted, or suspect that you might be, you may find it particularly important to work with a therapist who has experience with the issues you face. If you are interested in the possibility of our working together, please call me for a free telephone interview. I have experience working with gifted children and adults, and have training in the specialized needs of this population. I am also a member of Mensa.

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