Spin off... if your child gifted?

[Suellen]

I'll bite. I think one of my girls is above average. Pretty sure she won't be graduating from college in the next year or anything. I have zero interest in having her tested but there is just something there.

She started talking at 5 months old (she associated anything she could throw with the word ball before she was 6 months old)
She was always able to concentrate on one task for 30 minutes or more even at a very young age (under a year)
She could pick out any animal from a line up when you asked her at under a year
She counted easily to 20 by 18 months
She potty trained herself

She was just always "different" from other kids her age and still is. I think it is hard to explain what you see in your own child without sounding braggy.

I contribute (probably incorrectly) a lot of her advances to the fact that she was two weeks late and had more time to cook.

Now... my other daughter..... sigh. She is four and still loves baby talk. UGH! I think it makes it even more obvious because her sister was so much more mature at her age.

I have to say.... I view neither of them as any kind of snowflake. As a matter of fact they are quite bratty lately. *sigh*

 

[GraysMom]

We dont have tests in K either. I'm not sure when the gifted program starts here.. dd8 will be going into 3rd and I"m pretty sure she'll be referred for the reading program and she should ace any spelling b's they have.. I have NO idea where she got her spelling abilities from but it sure as heck wasn't me or her dad.. She is gifted? Personally I just think she's very smart.. much smarter than I was at her age! I still dont know if we should have red shirted her or not.. her bday is exactly one week from cut off date..

Last year she did some type of state testing in 2nd grade.. we never got the results of those tests back? I was VERY curious as to how she did. It wasn't the Psaa's or what ever they are called she'll do those this year.

I think the Terra Nova achievement tests are given in second grade in some districts, so it may have been them. There are so many tests out there that it's ridiculous! So much of the school year is spent teaching to the test .

 

[HelenePA]

I think the Terra Nova achievement tests are given in second grade in some districts, so it may have been them. There are so many tests out there that it's ridiculous! So much of the school year is spent teaching to the test .

Maybe I should start a thread about that? or maybe my fan out there who started the SpEd one for me could

 

[cornflake]

First, define "gifted".

If you're going with this...

High IQ:

Mildly Gifted -- 115 to 129
Moderately Gifted -- 130 to 144
Highly Gifted -- 145 to 159
Exceptionally Gifted -- 160 to 179
Profoundly Gifted -- 180

Then yes, many children here are likely gifted and they have the paper and everything to prove it.

FWIW, I happen to know a few adults with tested IQs in the 150 to 180 plus range. (I'm talking real, official tests, not on-line test.) None of them have cured cancer. One works in a book store. One is a stay-at-home mom. One is a senior civil servant. One is a security guard who likes to build rockets in his spare time. They're very, very ordinary people, doing normal, ordinary things, who simply come across as a little quirky and nerdy.

If you're actually interested, look at Terman's studies of gifted children, from childhood to adulthood.

From Wikipedia:

I think the adults you know who've told you that may be fibbing. I've had a few people tell me that kind of thing too but they admit they got their score from online "IQ tests" aka games, or Mensa tests, aka games or ridiculousness.

The most-used IQ tests, S-B and WISC/WAIS top out in the 160s and anything beyond that is an unreliable extrapolation, which many psychologists don't like to do. As well, anything close to that is extremely, extremely rare. As a couple of other people noted, 130 is two standard deviations from the norm and the mid 130s is 2% of the population. Someone with an IQ at 145 is someplace around .1% of the population. Someone with an IQ higher than that doesn't generally come off as a normal, everyday person. I know of a guy who topped out IQ tests and, last I heard, was a bouncer in a small bar while he wrote a mathematical proof about the universe in his spare time. He told a reporter once that his having a conversation with someone with a normal IQ is like someone with a normal IQ having a conversation with someone with an IQ of 40, as the s-d spread has the same effect whichever way it goes.

There are a couple tests that use scoring off the norm but the most used of those is +15.

 

[skiingfast]

Erik Demaine (born 1980) Became an assistant professor at MIT at 20 years of age.

Ainan Celeste Cawley (born 1999) passed Chemistry O level at 7 years and 1 month (the youngest in the world) and studied Chemistry at tertiary level, at a Polytechnic, from 8 years and 4 months old

Sho Yano started college at nine years old and graduated summa cum laude at 12 years old from Loyola University

Michael Kearney earned the first of several degrees at 10 years old. He became a college teacher by 17 years old

Stephen A. Baccus began studying law at 14 years old, graduated University of Miami law school at 16 years old, and passed Miami bar exam at 17 years old.

And none have ever been on a date.

 

[vgrandy]

I think the adults you know who've told you that may be fibbing. I've had a few people tell me that kind of thing too but they admit they got their score from online "IQ tests" aka games, or Mensa tests, aka games or ridiculousness.

The most-used IQ tests, S-B and WISC/WAIS top out in the 160s and anything beyond that is an unreliable extrapolation, which many psychologists don't like to do. As well, anything close to that is extremely, extremely rare. As a couple of other people noted, 130 is two standard deviations from the norm and the mid 130s is 2% of the population. Someone with an IQ at 145 is someplace around .1% of the population. Someone with an IQ higher than that doesn't generally come off as a normal, everyday person. I know of a guy who topped out IQ tests and, last I heard, was a bouncer in a small bar while he wrote a mathematical proof about the universe in his spare time. He told a reporter once that his having a conversation with someone with a normal IQ is like someone with a normal IQ having a conversation with someone with an IQ of 40, as the s-d spread has the same effect whichever way it goes.

There are a couple tests that use scoring off the norm but the most used of those is +15.

Very Well explained.

 

[Magpie]

I think the adults you know who've told you that may be fibbing. I've had a few people tell me that kind of thing too but they admit they got their score from online "IQ tests" aka games, or Mensa tests, aka games or ridiculousness.

The most-used IQ tests, S-B and WISC/WAIS top out in the 160s and anything beyond that is an unreliable extrapolation, which many psychologists don't like to do. As well, anything close to that is extremely, extremely rare. As a couple of other people noted, 130 is two standard deviations from the norm and the mid 130s is 2% of the population. Someone with an IQ at 145 is someplace around .1% of the population. Someone with an IQ higher than that doesn't generally come off as a normal, everyday person. I know of a guy who topped out IQ tests and, last I heard, was a bouncer in a small bar while he wrote a mathematical proof about the universe in his spare time. He told a reporter once that his having a conversation with someone with a normal IQ is like someone with a normal IQ having a conversation with someone with an IQ of 40, as the s-d spread has the same effect whichever way it goes.

There are a couple tests that use scoring off the norm but the most used of those is +15.

Um, nope, no exaggeration. I do know at least four people in the highly/profoundly gifted range (I also live in a pretty big town). The tests were the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler and a battery of others, and ordered by the school system, administered through their local hospitals.

However, to be fair... only ONE person I know for sure tested 180 plus (not a specific number, a range), after several days of testing at the children's psychiatric unit in the local hospital, when she was eleven. The others were in the 150-plus range.

That person's mother cried when she got the test results (and not in a happy way). Oh... and then the school turned right around and said, "Okay, we admit she's gifted, but our Gifted Program is actually for high achievers. We do have a lovely spot in the LD class for her, however!"

Profoundly gifted people don't all come across as weird - some can have very good social skills.

 

[princessmom29]

I think the adults you know who've told you that may be fibbing. I've had a few people tell me that kind of thing too but they admit they got their score from online "IQ tests" aka games, or Mensa tests, aka games or ridiculousness.

The most-used IQ tests, S-B and WISC/WAIS top out in the 160s and anything beyond that is an unreliable extrapolation, which many psychologists don't like to do. As well, anything close to that is extremely, extremely rare. As a couple of other people noted, 130 is two standard deviations from the norm and the mid 130s is 2% of the population. Someone with an IQ at 145 is someplace around .1% of the population. Someone with an IQ higher than that doesn't generally come off as a normal, everyday person. I know of a guy who topped out IQ tests and, last I heard, was a bouncer in a small bar while he wrote a mathematical proof about the universe in his spare time. He told a reporter once that his having a conversation with someone with a normal IQ is like someone with a normal IQ having a conversation with someone with an IQ of 40, as the s-d spread has the same effect whichever way it goes.

There are a couple tests that use scoring off the norm but the most used of those is +15.

I'll bite on this. I know I may need a flame suit but here goes. I tested in the 160's on S-B battery when I was 10. People around here(the Dis) tell me how stupid I am all the time becuase I can't spell and make lots of typos. That is acounted for by the fact that I am also dyslexic. DH tested as mild to moderately gifted and writes much better than I. I am leaps and bounds ahead in math and science. So no, not all kids and adults with high IQ's come off as abnormal or even make all A's. I pulled high B's in AP English classes for the most part. I only got an A my senior year. My writing skills held me back. I could read and understand a paly or novel, discusss it in class, ect but written expression was often difficult for me. Math and science however were never any challenge for me.

 

[golfgal]

I think the adults you know who've told you that may be fibbing. I've had a few people tell me that kind of thing too but they admit they got their score from online "IQ tests" aka games, or Mensa tests, aka games or ridiculousness.

The most-used IQ tests, S-B and WISC/WAIS top out in the 160s and anything beyond that is an unreliable extrapolation, which many psychologists don't like to do. As well, anything close to that is extremely, extremely rare. As a couple of other people noted, 130 is two standard deviations from the norm and the mid 130s is 2% of the population. Someone with an IQ at 145 is someplace around .1% of the population. Someone with an IQ higher than that doesn't generally come off as a normal, everyday person. I know of a guy who topped out IQ tests and, last I heard, was a bouncer in a small bar while he wrote a mathematical proof about the universe in his spare time. He told a reporter once that his having a conversation with someone with a normal IQ is like someone with a normal IQ having a conversation with someone with an IQ of 40, as the s-d spread has the same effect whichever way it goes.

There are a couple tests that use scoring off the norm but the most used of those is +15.

While I am sure that may be the case sometimes, it isn't out of the realm of possibility that people here in general know several people that fall into the high IQ range. The general demographic of the people here are from professional careers in the upper middle class or higher income scale. That demographic alone will lend itself to naturally knowing people with higher IQ's. There are a fair number of doctors, lawyers, business executives, etc. (either posting or spouses of posters) here.

 

[Pembo]

I am a teacher in a small Catholic school, special education. I typically work with students who are having difficulties in school. I was asked to test a kindergartener who stood out.

He could read above a 4th grade level. He can compute numbers in his head faster than the teachers. We think he is doing math at a 3rd grade level. We had his IQ tested and it was very high. He is unlike any other child in our school. From the research the principal and I have done, he is definitely gifted. I am currently in the process of learning all I can about gifted and will be writing curriculum that will keep his interests this year. It is not an easy process. We want to challenge him but we have to remember he is still only a 6 yo boy. He has difficulty making friends however his interests are way beyond those of his age peers. He relates very well to adults.

From all the research I've done this year, being gifted is a challenge. It is our hope to sufficiently challenge this little guy while providing him with all the supports he needs.

This year he starts 1st grade. He will go to the 3rd grade classroom for reading and math. His parents chose not to accelerate him (skip a grade). But even if we had placed him in 2nd grade, he would still be working above grade level.

 

[LisaR]

Um, nope, no exaggeration. I do know at least four people in the highly/profoundly gifted range (I also live in a pretty big town). The tests were the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler and a battery of others, and ordered by the school system, administered through their local hospitals.

However, to be fair... only ONE person I know for sure tested 180 plus (not a specific number, a range), after several days of testing at the children's psychiatric unit in the local hospital, when she was eleven. The others were in the 150-plus range.

That person's mother cried when she got the test results (and not in a happy way). Oh... and then the school turned right around and said, "Okay, we admit she's gifted, but our Gifted Program is actually for high achievers. We do have a lovely spot in the LD class for her, however!"

Profoundly gifted people don't all come across as weird - some can have very good social skills.

I find it incredibly strange that adults would feel a need to share their IQ with other adults. Seriously, who does that? I've spent time with all types of people and none of them has ever offered up not only their IQ results but also the exact test they had done to determine those results.

 

[golfgal]

I am a teacher in a small Catholic school, special education. I typically work with students who are having difficulties in school. I was asked to test a kindergartener who stood out.

He could read above a 4th grade level. He can compute numbers in his head faster than the teachers. We think he is doing math at a 3rd grade level. We had his IQ tested and it was very high. He is unlike any other child in our school. From the research the principal and I have done, he is definitely gifted. I am currently in the process of learning all I can about gifted and will be writing curriculum that will keep his interests this year. It is not an easy process. We want to challenge him but we have to remember he is still only a 6 yo boy. He has difficulty making friends however his interests are way beyond those of his age peers. He relates very well to adults.

From all the research I've done this year, being gifted is a challenge. It is our hope to sufficiently challenge this little guy while providing him with all the supports he needs.

This year he starts 1st grade. He will go to the 3rd grade classroom for reading and math. His parents chose not to accelerate him (skip a grade). But even if we had placed him in 2nd grade, he would still be working above grade level.

In this case "gifted" would be the proper term. For MOST "gifted" students, here or in any school, they are really just the top students in the class and for lack of a better term are called "gifted".

I was working well above grade level in kindergarten and my parents had me go 1/2 day to 1st grade vs being in the actual kindergarten room. I went to a Catholic elementary school and they didn't have kindergarten so all the K students went to the public school. I just went to the first grade room at the Catholic School for the morning. In 1st grade I went to the 3rd grade rooms for reading and math and did everything else with my class. I think it is an ideal compromise in a situation like this.

 

[princessmom29]

I find it incredibly strange that adults would feel a need to share their IQ with other adults. Seriously, who does that? I've spent time with all types of people and none of them has ever offered up not only their IQ results but also the exact test they had done to determine those results.

I know the IQ's of several adult friends becuase we were all tested together as children, and well, kids compare notes!

 

[Sydnie]

I find it incredibly strange that adults would feel a need to share their IQ with other adults. Seriously, who does that? I've spent time with all types of people and none of them has ever offered up not only their IQ results but also the exact test they had done to determine those results.

I don't think it's that weird. She knows 4 people, perhaps one of whom is herself. Add in her husband, her sibling and her best friend and you have four people. Also when someone is extremely gifted their IQ will be much more a part of their identity as people will probably ask them often what it is. So if you associate with lots of people with high IQs you are going to probably know what those IQs are.

My dad got his masters in Psychology and administered the tests to quite a few people during my childhood as part of his coursework, so there are a lot of friends and family members in our circle who would know each other's IQs should they care to talk about it.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

I wish there would be a reality show about child prodigies. I'm so fascinated by them.

Erik Demaine (born 1980) Became an assistant professor at MIT at 20 years of age.

Ainan Celeste Cawley (born 1999) passed Chemistry O level at 7 years and 1 month (the youngest in the world) and studied Chemistry at tertiary level, at a Polytechnic, from 8 years and 4 months old

Sho Yano started college at nine years old and graduated summa cum laude at 12 years old from Loyola University

Michael Kearney earned the first of several degrees at 10 years old. He became a college teacher by 17 years old

Stephen A. Baccus began studying law at 14 years old, graduated University of Miami law school at 16 years old, and passed Miami bar exam at 17 years old.

There is a show called Ingenious Minds on the SCI Channel that you might enjoy.

Here are more child prodigies:

http://science.discovery.com/top-ten/2009/child-prodigies/child-prodigies.html

 

[golfgal]

I don't think it's that weird. She knows 4 people, perhaps one of whom is herself. Add in her husband, her sibling and her best friend and you have four people. Also when someone is extremely gifted their IQ will be much more a part of their identity as people will probably ask them often what it is. So if you associate with lots of people with high IQs you are going to probably know what those IQs are.

My dad got his masters in Psychology and administered the tests to quite a few people during my childhood as part of his coursework, so there are a lot of friends and family members in our circle who would know each other's IQs should they care to talk about it.

I also think that if you come across someone very smart, it isn't an off the wall question to ask what their IQ is or ask their spouse what their IQ is, sort of asking a tall basketball player how tall they are.

 

[Sparx]

I think the adults you know who've told you that may be fibbing. I've had a few people tell me that kind of thing too but they admit they got their score from online "IQ tests" aka games, or Mensa tests, aka games or ridiculousness.

The most-used IQ tests, S-B and WISC/WAIS top out in the 160s and anything beyond that is an unreliable extrapolation, which many psychologists don't like to do. As well, anything close to that is extremely, extremely rare. As a couple of other people noted, 130 is two standard deviations from the norm and the mid 130s is 2% of the population. Someone with an IQ at 145 is someplace around .1% of the population. Someone with an IQ higher than that doesn't generally come off as a normal, everyday person. I know of a guy who topped out IQ tests and, last I heard, was a bouncer in a small bar while he wrote a mathematical proof about the universe in his spare time. He told a reporter once that his having a conversation with someone with a normal IQ is like someone with a normal IQ having a conversation with someone with an IQ of 40, as the s-d spread has the same effect whichever way it goes.

There are a couple tests that use scoring off the norm but the most used of those is +15.

This post summed up all of my feelings about this thread. I don't know what's in the water where some of you guys live, but the fact that some of you know multiple people with these 140+ IQs is statistically very improbable.

 

[HelenePA]

Does everyone but me know their IQ? The only one in my family I know is my SpEd dd's and I think its wrong.. they tested her when she was pretty much deaf, right before she got ear wax removal surgery and tubes in her ears... lol I can ask to have her retested but in the long run they said it pretty much doesn't matter since the IEP's go on her abilities not IQ. And No I wont share that number with anyone.. the only ppl who know it are the ppl at school and me and my dh (her dad)

 

[golfgal]

Does everyone but me know their IQ? The only one in my family I know is my SpEd dd's and I think its wrong.. they tested her when she was pretty much deaf, right before she got ear wax removal surgery and tubes in her ears... lol I can ask to have her retested but in the long run they said it pretty much doesn't matter since the IEP's go on her abilities not IQ. And No I wont share that number with anyone.. the only ppl who know it are the ppl at school and me and my dh (her dad)

I have no idea what my IQ is. I only know DS19's because we had him tested for learning disabilities and it was in the report.

 

[LisaR]

I know the IQ's of several adult friends becuase we were all tested together as children, and well, kids compare notes!

You went together and got tested??

I'm going to assume that you all had testing done within weeks of each other and didn't actually go in and get tested together since that isn't what IQ testing is.

Interesting that you had a group of friends that were all tested at the same time and all came back with high enough IQ's that you still remember their scores 15+ years later. It might be worth having the water tested in your area because that seems like a statistical anomaly.

I also think that if you come across someone very smart, it isn't an off the wall question to ask what their IQ is or ask their spouse what their IQ is, sort of asking a tall basketball player how tall they are.

Seems like an off the wall question to me. If I came across someone that I thought made a lot of money, I wouldn't ask them how much they made. Why would I ask someone that was smart what their IQ was?

And do you really encounter that many incredibly smart people in your lifetime that you ask about their IQ? Where are you meeting these people that are beyond smart? I know doctors, lawyers, engineers, and I even know the CEO of a major scientific company and I have never once thought to ask them what their IQ is. And honestly, most of these people come across as very normal people, not some highly gifted individuals that must have above average IQ's.

This post summed up all of my feelings about this thread. I don't know what's in the water where some of you guys live, but the fact that some of you know multiple people with these 140+ IQs is statistically very improbable.