Giftedness in Children
What is Giftedness?
A ‘Gifted’ child has a natural ability to perform at a level significantly beyond their chronologically aged peers in at least one domain. This could include areas such as intelligence, academic skills, music, sport, visual arts. To be considered ‘Gifted’, there needs to be evidence that the child is performing at the top 2% of the population.
A ‘Talented’ child has outstanding mastery of a certain skill developed through training and practice.
Characteristics of Giftedness in Children
The following characteristics are often seen in gifted children. Each child is unique, and will not necessarily display all of these characteristics.
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Learns rapidly
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Exceptional memory
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Advanced reasoning ability
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Insatiable curiosity
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Desire to learn
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Quirky or mature sense of humour
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Quick thinker
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Vivid imagination
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Rapid comprehension
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Extensive vocabulary
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Concern for justice and fairness
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Emotionally sensitive
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Wide range of interests
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Excellent problem solving
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Perfectionism
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Outstanding abilities in music, art, or sport
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Highly creative
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Independent
Causes of Giftedness
There is no single factor that causes giftedness, rather it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of a child being gifted:
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Genetics: Family history of high intelligence.
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Environment: Exposure to a variety of enriching experiences from an early age, access to educational toys and resources, supportive parents who identify and encourage their child's talent, provided with opportunities to develop talents.
Identifying Giftedness
It is important to note that ‘giftedness’ is not a psychological diagnosis but rather a descriptive term. It is a term that allows for better understanding of a child exceptional abilities to ensure appropriate supports are provided to nurture their unique needs.
Intellectually gifted
To be identified as ‘Intellectually Gifted’, a child needs to obtain a Full Scale IQ score of 130 or above (i.e. top 2% for their age group) on a standardised cognitive test.
The most commonly used cognitive tests in Australia include:
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Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
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Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
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Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
A cognitive test is the measure most often used by schools to determine eligibility for gifted programs. There is no national policy outlining gifted education practices, and the criteria/cut off score required for entry to a ‘gifted program’ is highly dependent on the state, and local school.
It is not unusual for IQ scores to change slightly over time, with most volatility in IQ scores being during childhood. Research suggests that IQ becomes stable at around 12 years of age. The best time to assess a child for intellectual giftedness is between the ages of six and nine years.
Academically gifted
To be identified as ‘Academically Gifted’, a child needs to obtain a composite score of 130 or above (i.e. top 2% for their age group) on at least one specific academic area (i.e., math, reading, writing) on a standardised academic test.
The most commonly used academic test in Australia is:
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Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT-III)
Gifted in Music, Sport, Visual Arts etc.
To be identified as ‘Gifted’ in music, sport, visual arts, leadership, or other human activity, a child needs to be assessed by specialist/s with expertise in that particular domain. The child needs to demonstrate that they are significantly accomplished (i.e. top 2% of the population in that domain). This may be demonstrated through a display of work, an audition, performance, exhibition, portfolio, observation, or competition.
If you would like enquire about an assessment for Giftedness, please call 0475 585 073.
Contact
0475 585 073