Understanding The Brains Of Gifted Children
Is there any way to know what is going on in the brains of gifted children? Most parents probably ask themselves at some point if their children are extra talented? But the truth is, most children are not.
However, there are different social notions about gifted children.
How does the brain work in gifted children?
At the age of six, it is considered that gifted children have the same IQ as a person who is 30 years or older. Their brains also usually work faster.
Some studies show that the cerebral cortex grows more slowly than in normal children. This means that the cerebral cortex of a gifted child reaches its maximum weight only at the age of 11, rather than at 6 years.
Instead, the brain of a gifted child grows more over an extended period of time. However, the physical processes that affect the brain of a gifted child remain a mystery.
Important considerations regarding gifted children
Some studies have shown that the neurons of gifted children have a greater number of bonds in areas related to memory and problem solving.
Some studies have therefore concluded that the brains of gifted children are more malleable. In other words, they can adapt more easily.
Other studies attribute intelligence to a genetic inheritance. Therefore, gifted children may well have relatives who are also gifted.
Some researchers have tried to define a specific IQ level to determine what is giftedness. They then assume that intelligence has something to do with this figure. However, an individual’s intelligence quota is not everything. It is also important to realize that intelligent or precocious children are not the same as gifted children.
How do I know if my child is gifted?
As I said, intelligence is not the only factor to consider in identifying giftedness in children. Often the following factors should also be taken into account: creativity, perseverance and motivation.
Specific features for gifted children
Determining whether a child has a special gift is not always easy for the parents either. During observations, however, parents may notice certain signals that are typical of very gifted children:
- They are very creative and very original. This applies not only to art, drawings and so on, but also play, ideas and methods.
- These children have an extensive vocabulary. They often speak in full sentences when other children of the same age barely say a few words.
- Gifted children have a fantastic memory, which also means that they have a great capacity to remember everything they have learned.
- They have a great ability to pay attention and concentrate.
- Children can also be very restless. As a result, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ) is often confused with ADHD . The problem, however, is rather that very gifted children find school lessons boring and challenging. Their learning takes place at a much faster pace.
- Children are drawn to social and moral issues at a young age. They are sensitive to inequality and injustice. They are also concerned about war, pollution, violence in close relationships and other social issues.
- In addition, they are often very empathetic.
Specific recommendations to remember
It is important to point out the importance of stimulating the brains of gifted children sufficiently. If not , their brains may not be developing enough and their talents may not even be noticed.
In short, there is no exact formula for how to proceed to determine if your child is gifted or not. In fact, even experts in the subject are unsure of exactly what is happening in the brains of these gifted children.
At the same time, the characteristics mentioned above are not the only factors that determine whether a child is gifted or not. It is important that parents contact professionals in the field if they suspect that their children may be gifted.
There is only one thing that is certain: all children, whether gifted or not, need all the love, support and understanding that parents can give them in order to have a happy childhood.
