There are various definitions for what we currently know as High Abilities. The most internationally accepted is that of the NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children, USA): « Highly capable people are those who demonstrate an outstanding level of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement that places them in the top 10%, or above, with respect to the normative group) in one or more domains. Domains include any area of structured activity with its own symbolic system (Mathematics, Music, Language…) or its own set of sensorimotor skills (Painting, Dance, Sports…). The terms giftedness, talent, and precocity are usually included under the “umbrella” of high abilities.
In Spain, it is considered that a total of 40,916 students have high abilities in school age. In any case, many experts believe that this percentage represents only 4% of the total number of highly capable individuals in our country. For example, one of the leading experts in high abilities in Spain, Dr. Javier Tourón, states that 90% of students with high abilities are undiagnosed.
How to detect high abilities?
Children with high abilities often present a series of signs and symptoms that can help parents and families detect them. Among the most common, we can mention the following:
- Early language development
- Early interest in complex topics
- Ability to learn new things quickly
- Creative and imaginative thinking
- Intensity in interests
- Difficulties relating to other children
- Advice for parents
Early detection is essential so that children with high abilities can receive adequate attention and develop their full potential. Once confirmed, parents can help their children in the following ways:
- Offer them a stimulating environment
- Encourage their curiosity and learning
- Provide opportunities for them to relate to other children
- Support them in their interests
In addition, there are a number of resources available to help parents and families of children with high abilities, among which we can highlight:
- Associations of families of children with high abilities: They are an important source of support for parents and families. They offer information and advice on high abilities, networking opportunities with other parents and families, and activities or events for children with high abilities. In Spain there are several associations:
- Spanish Confederation of Associations of High Abilities (CEAAC)
- Spanish Association for the Gifted and Talented (AEST)
- National Association of High Intellectual Capacities (ANAC)
- Enrichment and stimulation programs
- Enrichment and stimulation programs: They are designed to provide children with high abilities with challenging and stimulating learning opportunities. These programs can help children develop their cognitive, creative, and social skills. There are several enrichment and stimulation programs for children with high abilities, such as:
- Curricular Enrichment Program (PEC)
- Diversity Care Program (PAD)
- Extracurricular enrichment programs
We invite you to listen to our Doctor of Psychology, Nuria Ros, on La Tarde con Marina to expand on these guidelines and recommendations. With the right help and support, children with high abilities will be able to develop all their creativity and development potential. At Dide.org we are experts in detecting educational, emotional and behavioral potentials and difficulties early in order to intervene. You can access the diagnostic tool in this link.
