Early signs of giftedness include:

• unusual alertness in infancy
• less need for sleep in infancy
• long attention span
• high activity level
• smiling or recognizing caretakers early
• intense reactions to noise, pain, frustration
• advanced progression through the developmental milestones
• extraordinary memory
• enjoyment and speed of learning
• early and extensive language development
• fascination with books
• curiosity
• excellent sense of humor
• abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills
• vivid imagination (e.g., imaginary companions)
• sensitivity and compassion

If a child exhibits a majority of these characteristics, parents may wish to have the child assessed by an experienced examiner to find out if the child is gifted. Firstborn children tend to be recognized more often than their siblings. When one child in the family is gifted, it is quite possible that others may also be gifted. Early identification is recommended (ages 3 through 8) because it permits early intervention, as important for gifted as for any other children with special needs.

<back to top>