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Unit 19: Gifted Children: Definition, Types, Characteristics

Each subtype of giftedness can be strongly pronounced in one personality. At the same time, Notes
combinations are possible since the subtypes are not mutually exclusive. So, a gifted or talented child
may possess the characteristics of more than one type of giftedness.
The personality type may change with time as the child grows and develops. Therefore, the parents
should be attentive to their gifted children in order to provide timely support and advocacy.
Autonomous and successful personality types of a gifted child are usually easy to recognize and deal
with. The achievements of these children cannot be unnoticed. Challenging, underground, double-
labeled and dropout personalities of gifted children require special attention. They should be
recognized as early as possible for the parents to know what measures should be taken to address all
the special needs of such children.

What are the social characteristics of gifted children?

Self Assessment
2. State whether the following statements are 'True' or 'False':
(i) The successful gifted child personality type children are usually successful academically,
and identified as gifted at school.
(ii) At home successful gifted child personality type children need not independence and not
freedom of choice.
(iii) Challenging gifted children are very creative but often frustrated or bored, gifted children.
(iv) Underground gifted children personality type children are identified as gifted since they are
usually quiet and in secure.
(v) The dropout gifted children are angry and depressed because the school system does not
recognize their abilities, and does not address their special educational needs.

19.3 Characteristics of Gifted Children

In the above definitions of 'giftedness', psychologists have enumerated the following general
characteristics-
1. The giftedness is supper extreme on the normal distribution of any trait e.g. social, mental and
aptitude.
2. A gifted child is one who shows remarkable and outstanding performance in any worthwhile
task.
3. He possesses a superior central nervous system high degree of intellectual, creative and
imagination.
4. A gifted child makes outstanding contribution to the welfare, quality of living and our society.
5. Gifted child possesses high ideational level in productive and evaluative thinking.
6. He is problem solver, innovators and evaluators of cultural and educational experiences.
These characteristics may be classified into the following three categories (1) intellectual characteristics,
(2) personality characteristics, and (3) social characteristics.
(a) Positive Characteristics of Gifted Children
They possess positive qualities some are as follows:
(1) Intellectual Characteristics: The following are intellectual characteristics:
1. Have extensive rapidity in learning and comprehension,
2. Quick and clear self-expressions,
3. Good in abstract thinking and good insight,

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