"I think my child is highly gifted."

When parents dare to say this sentence out loud, they usually do not do so with pride, but with a certain amount of fear in their luggage. It is not a triumphant exclamation, but rather an attempt to apologize to a society that still finds it difficult to accept or even appreciate and encourage deviations from the norm.

But that's exactly what we should do! Giftedness is a gift - it is not for nothing that we speak of "gifted children". These include children who teach themselves to read, write and/or do arithmetic at kindergarten or preschool age. They begin to speak in complex sentences at a very early age and don't even bother with baby talk. In short: children who are simply more advanced than their peers in some areas. However, children who are exceptionally musical and can recognize and name even the smallest variations in pitch are also considered highly gifted. Who can sense and empathize with the (hidden) emotions of others. Or children who rival Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt or Tony Hawk at a young age.

Gifted children are simply "more" - and that "more" is not necessarily better is more than just an old truism. After all, being a schoolchild on the one hand and a toddler on the other can feel quite challenging. Understanding and wanting things cognitively, but not yet being physically able to do so, leads to a lot of inner tension. Tension that can sometimes be released loudly.

And this is precisely why gifted children need a great deal of understanding and needs-oriented support. They sense that they are different and therefore often feel like outsiders. They are also in a constant battle with themselves. If they also experience rejection at school or kindergarten, where it would be so much easier if they didn't stand out but behaved in an "age-appropriate" way, the whole thing can quickly backfire. With understanding, support and the right encouragement, however, gifted children are given the chance to explore and develop their own potential.

The intelligence quotient (IQ) is tested for an official diagnosis. People with an IQ value greater than 100 are considered gifted. From a value of 130, one speaks of giftedness. People with an IQ above 145 are considered highly gifted. Ultimately, the IQ score is just a number. However, this number can open many doors or even be a prerequisite for receiving appropriate encouragement and support. IQ is determined using standardized tests, which are geared towards children aged 5 years and older. Younger children are only tested in exceptional cases and the test usually has to be repeated at a later date in order to determine the actual value without errors.