How to tell if your child is gifted

November 17, 11:24 PMEducation ExaminerDonna Gundle-Krieg

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Is your child gifted, or just exceptionally bright?

Most people roll their eyes when parents worry about whether their child is gifted or not. However, parents of gifted children will tell you that it is more difficult to raise a gifted child than an average child. Gifted children have higher rates of depression and suicide, and are often lacking in social skills. Yet if gifted children are properly guided, they will become our future leaders rather than being depressed and frustrated. In addition, if they are not challenged, there will be a shortage of leadership talent in the future.

Is your child’s school doing enough to challenge your child academically? Due to sheer numbers, most public schools are forced to teach to the “middle” of the pack. They also tend to give considerable extra attention to those who struggle. They figure that those who are gifted will do just fine, and most of the programs for these future leaders are the first areas that are cut during budget crises.

According to one expert, there are three types of highly-capable students: the High Achiever, the Gifted Learner and the Creative Thinker, says Deidre Brady, Talent Development Coordinator for Huron Valley Schools.

A table recently published in the Milford Times illustrates the subtle difference between the groups:

The high achiever learns easily, works hard to get all A's, and consistently performs at the top of the class.

A creative thinker is able to complete higher level work, but often gets caught up in dreams and ideas that are not carried out.

A gifted learner, on the other hand, is beyond his or her peers. They only need to hear something once or twice before knowing it. On the down side, a gifted learner may not seem to fit in with the other kids.

Click here to see the Milford Times story, which includes a chart of qualities that help parents and teachers differentiate between a gifted child, a high achiever and a creative thinker.

Brady suggests that parents with concerns discuss them with their child’s teacher, and then set up a meeting with the district’s talent development coordinator.

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