How to tell if your preschooler is gifted

By Jill Levey |  babycenter.com

Medically reviewed by Kelley Yost Abrams, Ph.D. | Nov 8, 2019

When is a child considered gifted?

Gifted children can show an exceptional ability to reason and learn, according to the National Association for Gifted Children. Or they perform in the top 10 percent or higher in at least one area, such as math, music, language, art, dance, or sports.

An exact definition of giftedness can be hard to pinpoint because there’s no universal standard, but the traits described below are more common in gifted children.

When is a child considered gifted?

Gifted children can show an exceptional ability to reason and learn, according to the National Association for Gifted Children. Or they perform in the top 10 percent or higher in at least one area, such as math, music, language, art, dance, or sports.

An exact definition of giftedness can be hard to pinpoint because there’s no universal standard, but the traits described below are more common in gifted children.

Creative

• Has inventive and creative ideas.
• Is quick-witted and has a sharp sense of humor.
• Has a vivid imagination and the ability to fantasize.
• Is independent and unconcerned about social norms.
• Is open to new experiences and has a wide variety of interests.

Behavioral

• Is unusually active.
• Is relentlessly curious and seems to never stop asking questions.
• Can concentrate on one task for long periods of time.
• Is passionate about interests.
• Is highly determined and perseveres in areas of importance to them.

Social and emotional

• Experiences intense emotions.
• Is highly sensitive and empathetic to others’ feelings.
• Is unusually self-aware and may feel different from others.
• Can easily get feelings hurt and has a strong need for emotional support.
• Can be idealistic and have a strong sense of justice.
• Has advanced levels of moral judgment.
• Can reach high levels of frustration when having difficulty meeting self-driven or others’ expectations.