AboutCarol Bainbridge Expertise I can answer most questions on parenting gifted children, from infants on. Questions can be about parenting, advocacy, and support and I can provide suggestions for toys and books gifted children love. I can even help you determine whether your child is gifted or bright, and I can point you to more information you might need. I can answer some questions about programs for gifted children, but can`t help much with information on colleges. Visitors wanting to know if their children are gifted might want to read the article "Is My Child Gifted?" before asking a question.
Experience I am the parent of a gifted child and have been working with other parents of gifted children for 13 years, helping them find support and providing them with information. I founded a local gifted organization and helped organize a parent day for a national gifted conference. I have been an active member of my state's gifted association since 1999 and created and maintain their Web site. In addition, I have created a website for parents of gifted children who are looking for toys and books for their children: www.giftsforlearning.com.
I am also the Guide About.com Gifted Children Site.
Organizations National Association for Gifted Children. Board member of state gifted association.
Expert: Carol Bainbridge Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Could my son be gifted?
Question At four days old my son was able to follow his mobile that hung above his crib. Then at 4 months old he was able to say mom and would sit and listen to me read books.By 6 month he was able to sign for milk as well as sit, watch and enjoy baby Einstein videos, he would ask for books and help me turn the pages. He is now 18 months old and is able to speak some Spanish words as well as English words his vocabulary has around 30-40 words.He picks up words and gestures really fast and has been helping with chores around the house since he was a year old. Could he be gifted?
Answer Hi Cassandra,
Some of the signs are certainly there, such as early speaking and quick learning, so there is a good chance your son is gifted. However, I really don't have enough information to go on to say much more than that. I wrote an article for my gifted children Web site at About.com, which could help you get a better sense of whether your son is gifted or not. You can find that article here: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/gifted101/p/how_to_identify.htm
That article provides brief explanations of some traits of gifted kids and has links to other articles for more in-depth discussion if you want it.
Sorry I can't be more definitive, but the article should help.
