What Qualifies as Mentally Gifted

There are diverse theories and answers to this question, mainly because there are various kinds of intelligence. While some believe that a high IQ equates to exceptional mental abilities, my perspective is more nuanced. Intelligence assessments, such as IQ tests, focus on specific mental capabilities, but they cannot comprehensively evaluate all aspects of intelligence.

IQ as a Measure

An IQ score is just one measure from a single test. A concise IQ test cannot evaluate all aspects of intelligence, as it tends to focus on logical thinking and reasoning. Someone might have a high IQ score but struggle with verbal or emotional expression. It is important to understand that an average IQ typically ranges between 90 and 110. Individuals are classified as gifted if they score above 130, but it’s crucial to recognize the subjective and relative nature of such test results.

Percentiles Theory

My approach to understanding giftedness is through the percentiles theory, which divides gifted individuals into four distinct categories based on their performance in different intellectual domains:

Special/Unique Talent: An individual excels in specific areas, such as memorization, ranking above the 90th percentile in that particular domain, while remaining average in other areas. Complex Talent: A person excels in two to three areas of the brain, ranking above the 80th percentile, while being average in other areas. Slight/General Giftedness: An individual ranks above the 75th percentile in all areas of the brain. Deep/Multitalented Giftedness: An individual excels in all areas, ranking above the 90th percentile in each domain.

While these classifications offer a broader understanding, it’s important to note that even within these categories, the level of giftedness can vary significantly. For instance, a very high IQ in the order of 150 may not necessarily be a gift but more of a challenge, depending on the context and the individual's unique abilities and talents.

Intellectual Giftedness

Most educational programs and psychologists define intellectual giftedness as having an IQ greater than or equal to 130 from an empirically validated IQ test. This number represents being two standard deviations above the average IQ score of 100 and scoring better than 98 percent of all scores from people of comparable age.

Unique Qualities of Mentally Gifted Individuals

Mentally gifted individuals exhibit a range of unique qualities. Here are three noteworthy traits:

Quirky: Mentally gifted individuals might be seen as quirky rather than just nerdy. This trait often refers to their unique way of thinking, which can sometimes manifest as unconventional behaviors or ideas. Intellectually Humorous: These individuals often possess a keen sense of humor that is often more intellectual than simply being witty. They can appreciate and create humor that is based on complex ideas or situations. Empathetic: This is a rare gift that many mentally gifted individuals possess. Empathy allows them to understand and share the feelings of others, which is very different from the lack of empathy seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders who are far less empathetic.

It is important to consider that not all mentally gifted individuals necessarily exhibit all these traits, and the degree and nature of these qualities can vary significantly from person to person.

Ultimately, qualifying as mentally gifted is a complex and multifaceted concept, and it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities that these individuals bring to the table.