The system for the gifted is lagging behind... It is not a case of 'they are geniuses, so they will be fine.'

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The term "gifted" is heard often lately, but its actual meaning is somewhat difficult to grasp. This article provides a brief explanation of what it means to be gifted.

Are the gifted really geniuses?!

If you ask what "gifted" means, you might hear, "Oh, I know! That's a genius with an IQ of 130 or higher!" but honestly, the reality of being gifted is far from this and often involves complex characteristics.For starters, IQ is not a definitively accurate measure of intelligence, and it can change significantly depending on when the test is taken.Also, there are people who are defined as gifted because they have an incredibly high IQ, but whose abilities are otherwise average. It really depends on the individual.

Are they socially adept? Many actually hit a dead end.

By the way, regarding the gifted: they are considered to be geniuses who are also socially adept, but if left alone without support, many of them will basically hit a dead end (especially mentally) (though some do not). Incidentally, this is treated differently from developmental disabilities, and those who have both giftedness and a developmental disability are called 2E (twice-exceptional).

Characteristics of the gifted (personality and nervous system)

Let's list the characteristics of the gifted for now.

For this section, the reference material used is "Adult Giftedness: Why Is It So Hard to Live Despite High Intelligence?" (by Jeanne Siaud-Facchin, translated by Kinuko Tottori, Chikuma Shobo). is used.

Essential elements of a gifted personality
・Has sensory hypersensitivity
・Constant emotional involvement
・Possesses excessive sensitivity
・Absorbs all the emotions of others through empathy
・The five senses are overdeveloped

Neurological characteristics of the gifted
・Brain activation is extremely developed
・The number of neural connections is very high, and the neural network extends to all parts of the brain
・Because information is processed through rapid associative branching, the neural structure becomes complex
・Latent inhibition (the function that prioritizes and selects stimuli or information processed by the brain) does not work, so information from the surroundings is taken in without filtering
→ The mind is constantly full
・Cannot clearly access the information needed when solving problems
・The right brain is highly active, and because intelligence based on intuition and imagery is strong, they cannot easily structure thoughts into words or language

The trap of appearing normal at first glance

By the way, people with these characteristics often appear "normal at first glance," so in childhood, they are dismissed as "eccentric but smart kids," and as they become adults, they are often viewed as "unable to read the room," "difficult to deal with," or "tiring." That is why I say they can hit a dead end.

Adult giftedness has become invisible.

Furthermore, society only pays attention to gifted children, but gifted children grow up to be gifted adults. However, there are too many cases where they cannot receive support after that.

Summary

In Japan, the perception that being gifted means being a genius with an IQ of 130 or higher is still prevalent. No, I really want to say this loudly: that is wrong!! Also, in 2023, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology allocated a budget of 80 million yen for "support for children with exceptional talents," but in Japan,the system and support structure are still in the development stage.
While some Western countries have made significant progress in support (such as Canada and Australia), in the United States, for example, systems vary by state... In Northern Europe, there is support for the gifted, but for 2E individuals, it has only just begun in some places.

I would be grateful if you could recognize that being gifted is not just an image of a genius, but an existence that requires institutional support. I will say it again: the gifted need support!

I have created a magazine about the gifted.