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Traits of Giftedness
No gifted individual is exactly the same, each with his own unique patterns and traits. There are many traits that gifted individuals have in common, but no gifted learner exhibits traits in every area. This list of traits may help you better understand whether or not your child is gifted.
Cognitive
Creative
Affective
Behavioral
Keen power of abstraction
Interest in problem-solving and applying concepts
Voracious and early reader
Large vocabulary
Intellectual curiosity
Power of critical thinking, skepticism, self-criticism
Persistent, goal-directed behavior
Independence in work and study
Diversity of interests and abilities
Creativeness and inventiveness
Keen sense of humor
Ability for fantasy
Openness to stimuli, wide interests
Intuitiveness
Flexibility
Independence in attitude and social behavior
Self-acceptance and unconcern for social norms
Radicalism
Aesthetic and moral commitment to self-selected work
Unusual emotional depth and intensity
Sensitivity or empathy to the feelings of others
High expectations of self and others, often leading to feelings of frustration
Heightened self-awareness, accompanied by feelings of being different
Easily wounded, need for emotional support
Need for consistency between abstract values and personal actions
Advanced levels of moral judgment
Idealism and sense of justice
Spontaneity
Boundless enthusiasm
Intensely focused on passions—resists changing activities when engrossed in own interests
Highly energetic—needs little sleep or down time
Constantly questions
Insatiable curiosity
Impulsive, eager and spirited
Perseverance—strong determination in areas of importance
High levels of frustration—particularly when having difficulty meeting standards of performance (either imposed by self or others)
Volatile temper, especially related to perceptions of failure
Non-stop talking/chattering
Source: Clark, B. (2008). Growing up gifted (7th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
What does Gifted and Talented mean for your child?