How to Determine If Your Child Is a Genius

By eHow Education Editor

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Do you believe geniuses are born, not made? Do you wonder if you have one in your own home–—namely, your own child? Here is how to determine if your child is a genius.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Did your child need less sleep that the average infant or was he or she unusually alert for a toddler? These characteristics are found in most genius children.

Step2

Note that genius children often start recognizing caretakers and talking earlier than most children, and they also build a strong vocabulary quickly. Note such traits in your child.

Step3

Interact with your child. Does he or she use abstract logic for problem solving and have a high curiosity level, an extraordinary memory, a vivid imagination and an excellent sense of humor? These signs are often seen in geniuses.

Step4

Remember that genius children progress faster that normal. Note if your child has an unusually high speed of learning and can concentrate longer than other children the same age.

Step5

Test your child’s IQ level. You can either consult a child development specialist to conduct the test or look for a test online. A genius is marked by a high IQ.

Step6

Observe your child carefully. Watch for signs such as a high activity level, unusually sensitive or compassionate tendencies, and a heightened reaction to pain or noise.

Step7

Consult a child development specialist to get your child assessed and determine for sure if your child is a genius.

Tips & Warnings

Interact with your child continually. This is the best way to understand his or her psyche.
Never ignore any special needs of your child. This can have a negative effect on him or her emotionally.

Comments

WeeSandy said

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on 5/29/2007 Note that Steps 1, 2, 4 & 6 are not present in all gifted (i.e. genius) children. Some, in fact, need MORE sleep, are LESS active, and even do things later than their peers. The best test is Step 3, the capacity for abstract reasoning and logic at an earlier age than peers. An IQ test is a reasonably good indicator, but ONLY if your child speaks the language of the test as his/her native tongue, AND was raised by parents for whom it was the native tongue. Virtually all IQ tests are still culturally biased. If your child is one with a greater than average need for sleep, make certain that s/he gets adequate sleep before the test! Step 7 is also a great idea, but be careful to choose a reputable specialist. School teachers & counsellors are NOT qualified to determine giftedness in children! Check out this great article: http://www.stephanietolan.com/is_it_a_cheetah.htm

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