Cognitive Differences
Both quantitative and qualitative differences in processing information were observed between the children who scored above IQ 170 and moderately gifted peers. These differences are examined in the following categorical descriptions.
The Simple is Complex
Exceptionally gifted children often have difficulty dealing with material other gifted children find easy. They see many possible answers and may be unable to focus on a simple level, reflecting higher levels of analysis and integration.
A Need for Precision
Often coupled with the idea of the simple being complex is a need for extreme precision. These children expect the world to make logical sense, argue extensively, correct errors, and strive for precise thought. Moderately gifted children often accept “good enough” where alternatives do not occur to them.
The Complex is Simple
The exceptionally gifted grasp abstract material by finding underlying patterns and often comprehend wholes so quickly they cannot break concepts into component steps. This can cause problems in classrooms where practice and stepwise demonstration are expected.
Ability to Reason Abstractly at an Early Age
Exceptionally gifted children can reason abstractly earlier and at higher levels than moderately gifted peers. They categorize data, see logical connections, develop matrices of categories, and can work on multiple problems in parallel. Many can explain complex analogies and think metaphorically.
Early Grasp of the Essential Element of an Issue
Some exceptionally gifted children grasp the essential part of complex ideas early and can formulate original problems to solve. Moderately gifted children show depth of understanding but less tendency to set their own problems before adolescence.
High Capacity for Empathy
Many exceptionally gifted children exhibit projective identification with subjects and strong direct empathy for others. They may describe creative or scientific processes in terms of becoming one with the material and often show advanced social and moral insight.
Exceptional Memory
Unusual memory capacity appears in many exceptionally gifted children, covering early language recall, detailed recollection of events, and prodigious memory for songs, stories, and facts. Moderately gifted children also show strong memories, often slightly later in development.
Inclination Towards Immersion
Many exceptionally gifted children learn nonlinearly, taking in large amounts of information and integrating it into a big-picture framework. They immerse themselves in broad interests and may combine disciplines (e.g., astronomy, astrophysics, science fiction). Moderately gifted children may amass facts but apply them less integratively.
Conclusion
Exceptionally gifted children often have needs that the regular classroom does not meet. Their rarity and distinct cognitive profiles make it difficult for schools to provide appropriate challenges, which can lead to social and emotional difficulties if their talents are neglected.
References
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