What is High giftedness
What is High giftedness (HG)
Short summary
High giftedness (often referred to as IQ 145+ /+3 standarddeviation) is seen in much literature as more than just a higher score on a test. It is a rare group with its own profile of thinking, learning and experiencing. Labels are a tool, not a complete description of a person.1
Definition and delimitation
In English scources, levels are often mentioned as highly gifted, exceptionally gifted en profoundly gifted. The boundairies vary by source, but a practical demarcation for highly gifted is IQ 145+ or comparable functioning.2
Note: IQ is an approximation and is subject to ceiling effects, especially at the highest scores. Diagnosis therefore always requires context, observations and and multiple scources of information. 3
How rare is it?
Estimates of prevalence vary and depend on the definition and measurement method. Schattingen van prevalentie lopen uiteen en hangen af van definitie en meetmethode. In practice: the higher the level, the smaller the group. This has consequences for finding peers and appropriate education.4
Frequently used terms
- Gifted: often around IQ 130+, 2 SD (standard deviation)
- Highly Gifted: often around IQ 145, 3 SD
- Exceptionelly gifted: often around IQ 160+, 4SD
- Profoundly gifted: often around IQ 175
Practical implications
At HG we see more often:
- Strong need for complexity and depth
- Learn faster or differently (not only faster)
- High sensitivity to mismatch with environment (school, peers)
See also
- Thinking differently in terms of quality
- Asynchronous development
- Diagnostics and testing