The literature research was based on the following research question: ‘How does the mind of a  highly gifted child work and what are the main interests, challenges and how can we aid them ?’ The initial goal of our research is to gain general insights into highly gifted children and their challenges, as well as their passions and the relation between those and giftedness. With special focus on the purpose, support the case owner in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by taking into account his specific needs and wishes. 

 

Gifted children have special intellectual and educational needs. Traditional school environments fail to help them develop their cognitive ability, resulting in boredom and frustration, as they don´t receive the necessary intellectual stimulation  (Riedl Cross, J., Cross, T. L., & Mishra, A.,2024). In the Future highly gifted individuals may struggle to find meaningful and intellectually satisfying career paths. For these types of cases, it is important to provide challenging and creative problems and new learning opportunities in a flexible and personalised program, Including proper guidance that aligns with the strengths and interests. 

 

In addition, high IQ children often encounter emotional and social difficulties.One of the factors that affects their emotional experience is overexcitability. Leading to an imbalance and thus a difficulty to lead social interactions and regulate their emotions(Wood et al., 2024). Their special way of reasoning, developed cognitive perception and interests make them feel misunderstood and isolated from their age-peers.

 

Some studies revealed that they are more vulnerable to emotional distress and family conflicts. (Eren et al.,2017). Beyond the emotional difficulties, they benefit from a strong emotional intelligence specifically in problem solving, stress tolerance, assertiveness, etc. However, they may struggle with emotional regulation or distinguishing emotions and objective facts.(Bar-On, 2007) Parenting plays a crucial role in the development of highly gifted children as it is equally important to balance intellectual stimulation with emotional and social development.Furthermore, they require encouragement, emotional support and guidance to manage their sensitivity and strong feelings. (Feldman & Andrews, 2019)

 

For many highly gifted kids mathematics is a primary mode of communication as well as intellectual expression.  Research shows that there is a correlation between creativity and giftedness as many children with high IQ excel in these skills. (Bermejo et al, 2010). Indicating that fluency, flexibility and correctness in problem solving are linked to giftedness, but creativity and originality are less related.(Leikin & Lev, 2012). These highlights the need for an educational and Mathematical thinking approach  thet encourages open-ended exploration and creative thinking rather than only focusing on accuracy and efficiency.