Is your child gifted? Pediatric neuropsychologist lists 8 early signs of highly intelligent children

Intelligent children like to understand things themselves and like puzzles or strategy games. Their brains instinctively go looking for patterns, answers and significance (Image: Pexels)

The intelligence of children isn’t necessarily in their test scores or grades. A lot of very bright kids express their talent with curiosity, emotional sensitivity, problem solving skills and imagination. Their minds are quicker, deeper and more innovative than others, even though they might not excel in a traditional school setting. Identifying these signs early can help parents make sure kids are motivated, challenged and supported to achieve their true potential.

Intelligence, according to pediatric neuropsychologist Dr Rishabh Malhotra, is more than cognitive performance in school — it's also emotional maturity and an internal passion to discover the world. Children of above average intelligence frequently have an interest in how things work, crave logical explanations and often develop a passion for topics.

Signs of intelligent children

There is no one sign that proves a child is gifted, but rather a constellation of signs that slowly emerge to indicate a child’s intellectual strengths.

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They are curious

Bright kids need to know absolutely everything about everything. So they constantly ask questions and want to know why. They look at concepts that are way above their level and they don't take “Just because” for an answer. Their inquisitive nature results in them exploring subjects on their own.

Have advanced problem-solving skills

Above-average kids are demonstrate an ability to reason, troubleshoot and think logically at early ages. They like to understand things themselves and like puzzles or strategy games. Their brains instinctively go looking for patterns, answers and significance.

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Demonstrate early and strong language abilities

These kids tend to talk early, employ plenty of word power and/or fashion very long or sophisticated sentences. They love stories, conversation and learning new words. Their facility with language allows them to articulate thoughts and ideas well beyond their years.

Have strong memory

High ability children have excellent recall for details, instructions, incidents and facts. Their ability for long-term memory enables them to consolidate new experiences with memories of the past. They frequently remember what others forget.

They are highly sensitive and empathetic

More intelligent children experience emotions more deeply and understand how others feel. They can be very empathetic and thus can establish good relationships. This kind of emotional intelligence is an indication of their cognitive qualities.

Are focused on their interests

If interested in a subject, they are soaking wet sponges. The time interval can be greatly extended when children are learning dinosaurs, planets, art or numbers. Their enthusiasm displays self-motivated learning, not pressure from an outside source.

Have a sharp sense of humour

They get jokes, puns and irony at a younger age than their pals. Their wit can be sharp, and tends to indicate high verbal intelligence and creativity. Many may also get a kick out of creating their own jokes or sly comments.

They prefer older people for company

Bright children may relate better to older children or adults than they do with their peers. They actually are attracted to deep conversation and adult-like interaction. This predilection indicates higher order thinking and social understanding.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.