Professor Miraca Gross is the director of the largest research and information centre on gifted kids in the southern hemisphere and has been working with gifted and talented kids since 1974.

Professor Gross says that the modern understanding of Gifted & Talented has expanded the scope – a child can be gifted academically, creatively, physically or emotionally.

She says that while geniuses – the type of child that goes to school and university years in advance – are relatively rare, 10 per cent of children are gifted, which means they are advanced and/or talented in a certain area.

It is important to get your child properly tested by someone fully qualified.

What are the reasons for testing a child?

1.      To provide details about learning needs, including strengths and weaknesses

2.      To help identify a child for a gifted program

3.      To discover any learning disabilities requiring intervention

4.      To help advocate for appropriate educational accommodations

Q&A with Professor Gross

Do you get your child tested?

Yes - an IQ test is always very helpful under these circumstances.  It is a good way of measuring the type of critical thinking needed to excel at school.  You should only get your child to do one when they are 4 or older, because before that they lack the concentration span.  It can only be administered by a qualified psychologist that is specially trained.  Your school may have one on staff, otherwise your state association for the gifted and talented has a list of those qualified to give the test.

What's the next step for the parent and child?

It is always important to notify your school that your child is gifted.  This allows them to make sure the child doesn't get bored.  If a child is forced 'learn' to read when they already know how they will become frustrated and may start acting out.  This way they can work out adjustments in the curriculum for the child - these days a lot of schools already have plans or classes in place for gifted children.

How important is the school's role in helping to harness your son or daughter's potential?

Vital - in helping to enhance that gift, and also in assisting in identifying if your child is gifted.  A teacher may notice indicators that a parent doesn't have the opportunity to see.

Do parents ever have difficulties with gifted children?

It is important for parents to make contact with their state association for gifted and talented children and other parents of gifted kids.  This is not so they can sit around and brag, this is so they and their children can meet people who have had a similar experience.  Being gifted, especially in anything other than the physical, isn't something we find easy to admit.  It's important that the child and parent do not feel alone in their experience.

Related links

Download the Gerric PDF - Parent courses

Gerric website