By Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues
Giftedness is a term used to describe individuals who have an intelligence quotient (IQ) significantly above average, generally above 130. In addition to high IQ, these people often display a set of characteristic behavioral and cognitive traits. However, the expression of these traits can be influenced by neurodivergence, that is, by the presence of conditions such as ADHD and autism, which can both mask and intensify some characteristics.
Below, I present some of the most common traits observed in gifted people, from the perspective of observational neurolinguistics:
Intense Curiosity: An insatiable curiosity, which drives the constant search for knowledge and the exploration of new ideas. In individuals with ADHD, this curiosity can be scattered and make it difficult to focus on a single topic, while in autistic people, it can manifest as a deep and obsessive interest in a specific subject.
Divergent Thinking: The ability to think “outside the box”, generating multiple creative and original solutions to a problem. This divergent thinking is often accompanied by deep contextual analysis and the search for logical and effective solutions.
Rapid Learning: The ability to assimilate new information and concepts easily and quickly, often driven by an intense focus on areas of interest.
Advanced Vocabulary: The use of sophisticated language and the understanding of complex concepts are common in gifted people, even in childhood. In cases of neurodivergence with language delays, this ability may manifest itself through attempts to express complex ideas creatively.
Emotional Sensitivity: A marked emotional intensity and a great capacity for empathy are often observed in gifted people. However, in some cases of neurodivergence, empathy may be less evident, while emotional intensity may manifest itself in a more intense and challenging way.
Perfectionism: The search for high performance standards and frustration with errors or imperfections are common in gifted people, often driven by their own intelligence and high critical capacity.
Intense Concentration: The ability to concentrate deeply on an activity for long periods, especially when it concerns a topic of interest.
Independent Thinking: The tendency to question established rules and norms, always seeking to understand the logic behind things and propose alternative solutions.
Diverse Interests: A passion for different areas of knowledge and activities, driven by the brain’s need to explore and learn.
These traits are common in gifted people, but it is important to consider individuality and the influence of external and internal factors in the development of these behaviors.