High potential and gifted and individuals vary substantially in the nature and level of their abilities. Gifted and talented students frequently require rigorous, relevant and engaging learning opportunities adjustments to the curriculum.

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 Characteristics of High Potential and Gifted Children 

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High Potential and Gifted children:

• demonstrate the capacity to learn at faster rates

• demonstrate the capacity to find and solve problems

• display the capacity to make connections and manipulate abstract ideas

• possess individual learning needs, strengths, interests and abilities

• differ in their level of giftedness across and within learning areas

• differ in abilities and aptitudes demonstrated in a single area or across a variety of domains

• differ in level of achievement

• display different learning behaviours

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It is recognised that parents are excellent identifiers of giftedness in their children. 84% of the children whose parents say that they fit three quarters of the following characteristics, go on to score at least 120 IQ (within the superior range). Over 95% show giftedness in at least one area, but are often asynchronous in their development (development occurs at different times). Consequently, weaknesses in development may depress their overall IQ scores (Dr Linda Silverman - www.gifteddevelopment.com).

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Approximately 14 % of children who are identified as being intellectually gifted may also have a learning disability, whereas only about 4 per cent of children in the general population may also have a disability (e.g., specific learning disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD). This is referred to as Twice Exceptional or 2E to represent children who are gifted and also have an additional special need. These children have complex needs, being both “gifted and talented” and also having other special needs.

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 Why identifying a child’s high potential and giftedness is important 

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• Can assist you to decide when it’s right for your child to start preschool and school

• Can ensure your child get the right learning opportunities at preschool and school

• Can assist your child to avoid certain challenges of being gifted (e.g., frustration, boredom or disengagement at school). Therefore, assessment is essential to ensure that learning area content and adjustments align with the needs of each child

• Can assist you to identify additional new learning opportunities in your child’s area of giftedness or talent.

 

​It is important to note that giftedness is a natural ability. Therefore, it may not be reflected in actual achievement.

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Sources: (NSW Department of Education Website ); (Australian Curriculum Website); Wormald, C. (2015, March 25). Intellectually gifted students often have learning disabilities. The Conversation. 

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