Characteristics of Gifted Children and Talented Children and Possible Associated Problems

Characteristics

 Possible Associated Problems 

Gifted and talented children may:

• learn quickly and easily
• have the ability to abstract and reason critically
• see relationships between ideas and events

• become bored and frustrated
• dislike repetition and shallow curriculum
• hide abilities to gain acceptance
• receive negative adult attitudes to smartness

• exhibit verbal proficiency

• dominate discussion
•  have difficulty with listening skills
•  exhibit manipulative behavior

• have a high energy level

• need less sleep 
• become frustrated with inactivity, lack of challenge or active inquiry

• exhibit heightened curiosity

• take on too many activities

• be extremely persistent 
• concentrate on tasks of high interest for extended periods

• disrupt class routine
•  feel stifled by restrictions
•  resist interruption or schedules
•  be perceived as stubborn, uncooperative

• exhibit different learning styles 
• be accelerated: desire mastery, achievement 
• be enriched: desire depth of knowledge, the need to experience, emotional investment in subject  imagination

• become frustrated with absence of progress
•  be prone to being 'overdriven' and/or not be motivated by results
•  be resistant to interruption 
• be seen as time wasting or preoccupied

• exhibit unusual emotional depth and intensity

• be unusually vulnerable 
• feel confused if thoughts and feelings not taken seriously

• be highly sensitive be acutely perceptive

• be perceived as immature try to mask feelings to conform be vulnerable to criticism

• be concerned with adult/moral issues 
• be idealistic

• attempt unrealistic reforms
•  feel frustrated, angry. 
• become depressed or develop a cynical attitude
•  receive intolerance from age peers

• aim at perfection

• set unrealistically high goals
•  feel inadequate 
• feel frustrated with others
•  fear failure, inhibiting attempts in new areas

• exhibit independence, nonconformity

• have a tendency to challenge and question indiscreetly 
• have difficulty with rigid conformity, 
•  may be penalized 
• exhibit rebellious behavior

• have heightened self awareness, feelings of being different

• experience social isolation
•  regard difference as bad or worthless, resulting in low self esteem

• have a keen sense of humor

• use humor inappropriately or to attack others 
• feel confused when humor not understood 
• feel rejected by others

• possess unusual imagination

• be seen as weird
•  feel stifled by lack of creative opportunities

• respond and relate to older children and adults

• experience social isolation
•  be seen as show off, odd, superior, critical 
• be rejected by older children