In the psychological and educational field, there are two concepts that are often confused and treated as synonyms: being highly gifted and having high abilities.

It is true that both concepts are related to intellectual potential and cognitive ability, but their application and the details that define them are different.

Knowing the difference between High abilities and giftedness is fundamental in order to be able to offer the appropriate support to people with these characteristics. In fact, both the educational programmes and the diagnosis and the type of support and resources provided are different. For example, at Mirasur Private School, personalised strategies are implemented to address these differences and maximise the development of each student.

What is it like being highly gifted?

Highly gifted is a term used to describe an exceptionally high level of intellectual ability, both in terms of IQ and in terms of specific skills.

People who are highly gifted usually have a significantly high IQ, generally above 130 on standardised tests, reflecting a notably superior cognitive ability which manifests itself in a number of different areas. In addition, being highly gifted is characterised by:

  • Talent in specific areas: gifted individuals often show outstanding abilities in particular areas such as mathematics, science, the arts or music.
  • Accelerated learning ability: their ability to assimilate new information is much faster than that of their peers which can lead to a significant gap.
  • Emotional sensitivity and critical thinking: many gifted people have a high emotional sensitivity and see the world in a different way. This can influence the way they interact with their environment.

However, while it is true that being highly gifted provides a range of outstanding skills and talents, it can also present problems related to socialising or finding an educational environment that is able to meet their advanced needs.

What does it mean to have high abilities?

High abilities refer to a range of above-average cognitive abilities, demonstrating remarkable potential for learning and development in a number of areas. However, these are not necessarily at the extreme level that characterises being highly gifted. Individuals with high abilities may excel in different areas, but their ability is not always as concentrated or intense as in the case of being highly gifted.

People with high abilities usually display the following characteristics:

  • Intellectual curiosity: they show an insatiable curiosity and a constant desire to learn and explore new subjects which results in a constant search for intellectual challenges.
  • Creativity: they have an extraordinary capacity for original ideas and divergent thinking, enabling them to find innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Exceptional memory: their ability to retain and recall information is superior, giving them access to a wide repertoire of knowledge with ease.
  • Intrinsic motivation: their motivation to learn and develop comes from a deep interest in knowledge, rather than external rewards.

Difference between having high abilities and being highly gifted

The Difference between having high abilities and being highly gifted may be subtle, but it is essential to know in order to provide the right support. Here are some of the most important differences:

Level of intellectual ability

  • High abilities: relates to above-average cognitive abilities. They may have an above-average IQ, but are not necessarily in the highly gifted range.
  • Highly gifted: implies an exceptionally high level of intellectual ability. A highly gifted person’s IQ generally exceeds 130 points on standardised tests.

Range of abilities

  • High abilities: encompasses a wide range of cognitive abilities, such as learning speed, creativity and motivation. People with high abilities may excel in a variety of areas without necessarily having exceptional talent in a specific field.
  • Highly gifted: focuses on outstanding abilities in specific areas. They often show exceptional talents in specific fields such as mathematics, science or the arts.

Need for educational adjustments

  • High abilities: although these individuals achieve greater potential through personalised education, they do not always require such specific educational adjustments as gifted individuals may require.
  • Highly gifted: to meet their intellectual needs, highly gifted individuals may require more specialised educational adjustments, such as enrichment programmes, accelerated learning or advanced tutoring.

Focus on specific talents

  • High abilities: the capacity to learn quickly and think innovatively is a key characteristic. However, while they may have outstanding skills in a number of areas, they are not always related to a specific talent.
  • Highly gifted: characterised by exceptional talents in specific areas with a level of competence that may be striking in comparison to their peers.

Identification and assessment

  • High abilities: rather than standardised tests, diagnosis is usually based on a combination of factors such as academic performance, creativity and motivation.
  • Highly gifted: this is usually identified through IQ tests and specific assessments of skills in particular areas. This provides a clear quantitative measure of the skills in which the individual excels.

Why is it important to distinguish between these two concepts? 

Understanding the difference between having high abilities and being highly gifted is fundamental to being able to design appropriate educational and support strategies, which in turn supports the optimal development of the individual’s potential.

Developing potential

Understanding whether a student has high abilities or is highly gifted enables educators to provide learning opportunities to enhance their development. While those with high abilities can benefit from an education adapted to them, for those who are highly gifted it becomes a necessity in order to maintain their motivation and to perform well.

Emotional well-being

The emotional and social challenges faced by individuals with high abilities and highly gifted children are not always the same. Recognising these differences helps to provide the necessary emotional support to avoid possible feelings of isolation or difficulty in connecting with peers.

Contribution to society

Both groups have the potential to make important contributions in a variety of fields. The appropriate support enables them to harness their abilities to make advances in science, art, technology, etc.

Therefore, highly able and gifted individuals have unique needs and potential that require specific attention at all stages of education. In this sense, early identification and personalised support are essential for them to develop their full potential and face the challenges they encounter along the way.