Some gifted children are high
achievers, some are under-achievers and some have advanced
academic capability that is hindered by hidden learning disabilities.
Although in our society giftedness is often equated with
advance success and achievement, we now understand that giftedness
is much more complex.
Academic achievement is not always
a reliable indicator of being gifted. A more
holistic way to identify giftedness in children (and adults)
is to focus more on behavioral and personality characteristics
as a window into how a person thinks and perceives the world
with which they interact.
According to research by Linda K. Silverman, Ph.D., Gifted Development Center,
Denver, CO gifted children usually show many of the following characteristics:
- Good problem-solving abilities
- Rapid learner
- Extensive vocabulary
- Good memory
- Long attention span
- Sensitivity/compassion for others
- Perfectionism
- High degree of energy
- Preference for older companions
- Wide range of interests
- Excellent sense of humor
- Early or avid reader
- Ability with puzzles, mazes or numbers
- Curiosity
- Perseverance in areas of interest
- May question authority
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