5 Common Myths About Giftedness...Busted!

Myth #1: Everyone is gifted. 

Fact: While everyone has unique talents and traits, not everyone is considered “gifted.” Gifted people think about and process things differently than others do. Giftedness is a real, observable trait—just like height and hair color. Is everyone tall? Does everyone have red hair? Obviously not. And not everyone is gifted.

Myth #2: Gifted people are rare or unusual. 

Fact: About 10 percent of the population is considered gifted. And many more people may be at least somewhat gifted without receiving the label. Like many things, giftedness is on a spectrum.

Myth #3: Gifted students always do well in school and don’t need any special help. 

Fact: Gifted people tend to have unique challenges in school. They often need special support. Some gifted people do very well in school, especially if they have supportive parents, friends, and teachers. However, without proper support, gifted children are at risk of acting out, dropping out, or mentally “checking out.” On the other hand, there are many “non-gifted” students who excel in school. Just because a student makes good grades, doesn’t automatically mean he/she is gifted.

Myth #4: People with ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities can’t be gifted. 

Fact: ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities are just as common in the gifted population as they are in the general population.

Myth #5: Gifted people are better or more successful than others. 

Fact: Giftedness is about more than just performance. It’s a unique path of development. All people—gifted or not—have their own unique talents and challenges. Plus, success is not 100% inborn. It takes effort. Giftedness, on the other hand, is something you’re born with. It’s not necessarily “good” or “bad.” It’s just different.