Dr. Syras Derksen

INTELLECTUAL GIFTEDNESS

Definition: The term “intellectually gifted” describes an individual whose thinking and reasoning (also known as cognitive) abilities are significantly above average. This is measured by a standardized intelligence test, administered by a qualified professional. Generally, an IQ score of 130 and greater is considered to be in the gifted range, though cut-off scores for programs and research may vary slightly. Individuals whose IQ is above 150 are considered to be “profoundly gifted”.

What does it look like?

IQ is generally constant throughout a person’s lifetime, so adolescents who are gifted will have shown signs of high cognitive skills when they were children as well. Children who have intellectual giftedness may have shown the following:

Often the assumption is that if an individual is gifted, he or she will excel no matter what, especially in school. However, there are a number of potential challenges for students with a high IQ. 

The issues described above can often by addressed by providing engaging and challenging education and experiences for gifted teens. Nurturing their talents and strengths and encouraging them to go beyond expectations opens the door to great achievements. 

SOURCES

National Society for the Gifted and Talented: www.nsgt.org
Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development: http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/general/faculty/reis/GiftedUnderachievers.html