There appears to be a connection between being highly sensitive and gifted. Is this connection really there and if so, what should you take into account and how do you deal with your child if he or she is highly sensitive and gifted?
What is highly sensitive?
Highly sensitive means that you notice things in your environment more quickly. This means that you are sensitive to stimuli that come from outside. For example, someone who is highly sensitive may be more likely to notice when someone has problems or certain emotions. You may also be sensitive to loud sounds or smells. Highly sensitive people can have a huge range of experiences and usually do not cope well with large groups.
Is there a connection between highly sensitive and gifted?
There are many children who are gifted and at the same time highly sensitive . This appears to be a connection. Scientific studies have already been conducted on a regular basis. There are certainly children who are highly sensitive and gifted, but this always has to be the case. So you should not assume that all gifted children are highly sensitive and vice versa.
Gifted and highly sensitive?
Children who are both gifted and highly sensitive are often very creative and have social awareness. They also need a good atmosphere in the classroom and are empathetic. Children who are gifted and highly sensitive can also have various problems. They can be quite anxious and insecure. These problems may cause children to have difficulty at school or interacting with classmates. It is also possible that the child will be bullied or suffer from fear of failure. Many children who are gifted may feel that they are not well understood.
To test
If you feel that your child may be gifted and highly sensitive, you can have him tested for this. This can be done by a specialist. To find out whether your child is gifted, an IQ test can be done. For highly sensitive people you can opt for a personality test. You also have a kind of self-test on internet sites. These can be a good indication, but it is not something you should blindly trust. It is also important to talk to your child well, so that you are better informed and know what is going on in your child’s head.
What now?
Does it appear that your child is gifted and highly sensitive? Then good guidance is important. In any case, you will always have to listen carefully to the child. Take him or her seriously and, above all, listen carefully. The child can also receive training so that he or she can function better at school and with friends and learns to deal with the feelings he or she encounters. There are also programs where your child can meet other children who are also highly sensitive. These programs differ per region, so it is best to inquire about the possibilities.