By definition, a gifted child’s intellectual development is advanced in one or more areas.  This means a gifted child requires special attention in the classroom in order to develop optimally at his or her own pace.

The term “asynchronous development” accurately describes a gifted child’s development. Gifted children are qualitatively different from their peers. They do not always act their chronological age. For example, a gifted child may intellectually grasp concepts well beyond what is expected at his or her age. It’s important to recognize, however, that gifted children are not similarly advanced emotionally or socially.

Asynchronous development means modifications are required when parenting and counselling a gifted child. I often counsel parents of gifted children to expect a wide scatter of their children’s abilities — in cognitive functioning, emotional development,  and social competencies.

— Dr. Patricia Turner, Registered Psychologist, Calgary, Alberta