It’s easy to find misconceptions about children and adolescents with high intellectual abilities. These beliefs, often based on myths, not only distort reality but also affect the support these children receive to fully develop their potential.
A common myth is thinking that these children are self-learners in all circumstances, learning on their own without any need for assistance. While it’s true that they may show independence when studying, they also require the guidance of an adult who can help channel their curiosity. They need someone to challenge them to learn more and better, providing an environment where they feel recognized and accepted, just like any other student.
Another misconception is that if a child has a high IQ, they will inevitably perform well in all academic areas. The truth is that performance can be influenced by emotional, family, social, and motivational factors. Additionally, it’s not unusual for some of these children to develop specific talents, excelling in certain areas while others may lag behind. Sometimes, their achievements evolve unevenly: a child may have advanced language skills but struggle to express their thoughts in writing, or they may possess high reasoning ability but lack the vocabulary to communicate their ideas effectively.
Motivation is another misunderstood aspect of these children. Not everything interests them equally, and what often captures their attention is the degree of challenge presented by an activity. Repetitive and mechanical tasks can demotivate them since these tasks fail to satisfy their need to learn something new or solve complex problems.
There’s also confusion regarding the relationship between intelligence and creativity. Although some definitions of giftedness include high creative performance along with intellectual ability, creativity does not always go hand in hand with a high IQ. There are very creative individuals with an average IQ, and vice versa.
It’s often believed that intelligence remains stable throughout life, but in reality, it needs to be stimulated. Intelligence, like any other skill, develops and strengthens with use and practice. If it’s not utilized, it can stagnate; hence the importance of an environment rich in stimuli and learning opportunities.
In the social sphere, it’s frequently said that children with high abilities struggle to adapt. However, social difficulties are not necessarily linked to their intelligence but rather to certain attitudes, such as arrogance, impatience with the pace of others, or inflexibility. It’s crucial to teach them how to relate to different types of people and manage their emotions so that they can form healthy relationships with their peers.
Another common image is that of these children being loners. While it’s true they may spend a lot of time engrossed in individual activities like reading or research, this does not mean they always prefer solitude. Like any child, they seek understanding and suffer when they feel rejected or isolated.
There’s also a belief that because of their high level of understanding, these children don’t need limits. However, they are still children and, as such, need a clear framework of rules and boundaries to feel secure. They don’t have the social experience to always make the right decisions, and adults must guide and protect them.
Another myth is believing that talent is solely the result of pressure and expectations from adults. While stimulation is key to skill development, the foundation of talent is innate and cannot be solely attributed to parental pressure or effort. However, finding balance is important, as excessive pressure can be counterproductive, leading to anxiety and frustration.
Finally, there is a tendency to think that children with high abilities will automatically become successful and creative adults, but this is not always the case. Educational, cultural, and economic opportunities, as well as the development of social and emotional skills, are crucial factors in helping them reach their potential throughout life.
Debunking these myths is essential to understand that these children and adolescents form a diverse group with unique needs. Only by understanding their characteristics realistically can we provide the support and guidance they need to grow happily and develop their capabilities to the fullest.
