FAQS: Frequently asked questions about giftedness

High aptitude and giftedness—
what do these terms mean?
What must we be aware of in
cases of extreme giftedness?
In general, the term “aptitude” refers to a person’s
achievement-related development potential. If this potential
is particularly high, it is referred to as giftedness. Thus,
aptitude and giftedness must be clearly distinguished from
achievement; they in fact represent the potential from
which, under favorable conditions, exceptional achievement
can develop.
Developing one’s own potential is a basic human
need. This is a lifelong process and depends on a variety
of different factors. Apart from the actual person, these
are primarily characteristics of the environment in which
the person lives. What opportunities are available? Do
people receive support and encouragement? And what is
expected of them? Giftedness needs to be encouraged
and challenged, it may only become apparent at a later
stage, and may even decline at some point. The family,
Kita, and school are important environments for children.
They strongly influence how gifted children develop.
The most highly gifted people are individuals with
extremely high ability scores, for example, people who are
ranked in the top 1 % of their age group in terms of ability.
By definition, these exceptionally and profoundly gifted
individuals are extremely rare. This extreme minority
status raises several challenges because, in most cases,
conventional environments are not suitable for them.
Difficulties are most apparent in the preschool and elementary
school years, when children are highly dependent
on their immediate social environment, that is, on parents,
early childhood educators, or teachers recognizing their
extreme giftedness and providing encouragement and
support. In many cases, this requires exceptional, age-atypical,
but precisely ability-appropriate opportunities, such
as the possibility to enroll in university courses in later
childhood. Without support, exceptionally and profoundly
gifted children may hide their abilities or become lonely
and not be able to make friends. With adequate support
and encouragement, extremely gifted individuals generally
develop very well. Most are very successful academically,
have friends, and are very satisfied with their lives.
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