There is no universally agreed term for children who generally would be described as ‘exceptionally able’. The term exceptionally able is used in the guidelines to describe children who require opportunities for enrichment and extension that go beyond those provided for the general cohort of children.

• • Has an ability to relate to a broad range of ideas and synthesize commonalities among them.
  • Does not compartmentalize knowledge and searches for patterns and/or relationships between ideas.
  • Has a high degree of ability to think abstractly which develops early.
  • Grasps concepts and sees relationships at an extraordinary speed.
  • Displays a keen sense of curiosity/Is highly inquisitive.
  • Displays intense concentration when engaged in a task.
  • Is able to concentrate on a single activity for a prolonged period of time, and can go on tirelessly, when his/her interest is engaged.
  • Is an avid reader since young.
  • Is able to use vocabulary that is above his age peers both in written and oral forms.
  • Is able to use figurative language and analogies to express feelings and ideas.
  • Shows a sensitivity to the feelings of others.
  • Shows a strong sense of right and wrong.
  • Shows sensitivity and reacts to things causing distress or injustice.
  • Shows intolerance for vagueness/ambiguity.
  • Shows a keen awareness of world issues.

Here is the range (please note that the numbers can vary depending on the scale that’s used, the following table is based on the test of SB-5 and WPPSI-IV, WISC-IV).

Mildly gifted: About 1 in 6
Moderately gifted: About 1 in 50
Highly Gifted: About 1 in 1,000
Exceptionally Gifted: About 1 in 30,000
Profoundly Gifted: Fewer than 1 in 1 million

Contact us to find out more what are the internationally recognized assessments for preschoolers.