What Is Giftedness in Children? Signs, Support & Therapists

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

Understanding Giftedness in Children: Beyond High Intelligence

Giftedness in children goes far beyond academic achievement—it’s a unique developmental profile that may include heightened intellect, sensitivity, creativity, asynchronous development, and even co-occurring challenges. Recognizing and supporting gifted children requires expertise, empathy, and often, a team of professionals.

What Is Giftedness?

Giftedness is typically defined as having exceptional intellectual or creative ability, often accompanied by:

  • Advanced problem-solving skills
  • Curiosity and intensity
  • Emotional depth and sensitivity
  • Unique learning needs
  • Asynchronous development (cognitive vs. emotional or physical age differences)

While gifted children may excel academically, many experience emotional, sensory, or developmental challenges that require targeted support.

Key Traits of Gifted Children

Giftedness varies widely, but common characteristics include:

Cognitive

  • Rapid learning and long attention spans (when interested)
  • Advanced vocabulary and abstract thinking
  • Love for complex ideas and independent exploration

Emotional & Social

  • Intense emotions and empathy
  • High sensitivity to criticism or failure
  • Preference for older peers or adults

Behavioral

  • Perfectionism or frustration when not excelling
  • Strong moral or justice concerns
  • Impulsivity or boredom in structured environments

What Is Twice-Exceptionality (2e)?

Twice-exceptional children are gifted but also have learning differences such as:

  • ADHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Dyslexia or Dysgraphia
  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
  • Anxiety or Emotional Dysregulation

These children may go unidentified or be misunderstood, as their strengths can mask their challenges—and vice versa.

How Is Giftedness Identified?

There is no single test for giftedness. A full evaluation may include:

  • IQ testing (typically 130+)
  • Academic assessments
  • Teacher and parent input
  • Social-emotional and sensory evaluations
  • Observations of problem-solving and learning style

DrSensory encourages multidisciplinary assessments to uncover the full developmental picture.

Effective Therapies for NVLD

Gifted children may need more than enrichment—they often benefit from therapies that address emotional regulation, sensory integration, motor coordination, and social skills.

✅ Occupational Therapy (OT)

  • Sensory integration for children with sensory sensitivities
  • Executive function coaching (planning, organization, emotional regulation)
  • Fine motor skills for those with handwriting or coordination difficulties

✅ Speech-Language Therapy (SLP)

  • Support for asynchronous language development or social pragmatics
  • Public speaking, articulation, or expressive language skills
  • Social communication training for 2e learners

✅ Physical Therapy (PT)

  • Postural support and gross motor coordination
  • Helping with hypotonia or dyspraxia in gifted children
  • Sensory-motor development for classroom success

Parenting Gifted Children: At-Home Strategies

Supporting a gifted or 2e child involves more than academic challenge. Tips include:

  • Balance structure and autonomy
  • Encourage failure as a path to learning
  • Validate emotions and teach emotional regulation
  • Build routines that reduce sensory overload
  • Support interests—even if they’re years ahead developmentally

Collaboration with therapists, teachers, and other professionals is key.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can gifted kids have learning disabilities?

Yes. This is called being twice-exceptional (2e), and it’s more common than many realize.

Is giftedness officially diagnosed?

There’s no single standard, but giftedness is typically identified through IQ testing and educational assessments.

Do gifted kids need therapy?

Many do—especially if they are 2e, emotionally intense, or have sensory or motor challenges. Therapies can help them thrive beyond academics.

What is asynchronous development?

It’s when a child’s cognitive abilities outpace their emotional, physical, or social development. This is common in gifted kids.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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