Gifted babies demonstrate distinct behaviors that indicate advanced cognitive abilities from the first months of life. These behaviors involve a wide range of skills, from motor to linguistic development, reflecting accelerated neurological development and specific genetic influences.
Motor Development and Coordination
- Crawling and Walking :
Gifted babies often begin crawling and walking earlier than their peers. Studies indicate that these babies can begin to crawl at around 6 months and walk independently between 9 and 12 months. Early activation of the cerebellum, responsible for motor coordination, and the primary motor cortex facilitates these advanced motor skills (Vaivre-Douret et al., 2010). - Fine Motor :
Fine motor coordination also develops early in gifted babies. They are able to manipulate small objects, such as blocks and toys, with dexterity from 7 to 9 months. This ability involves the activation of the motor cortex and parietal cortex, which are essential for fine motor control and spatial perception (Smith et al., 2021).
Language Development
- First Words :
Gifted babies often say their first words earlier, usually between 9 and 12 months. This early language ability is supported by the activation of Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, which are responsible for language production and comprehension (Shapiro et al., 1989). - Sentence Formation :
The formation of simple sentences usually begins around 18 to 24 months in gifted babies. They are able to combine words to form complete sentences, reflecting robust activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for linguistic organization and planning (Johnson et al., 2022).
Food Preferences and Sensory Stimuli
- Preference for Bitter Tastes :
Some gifted babies may show a preference for bitter tastes from an early age. This may be related to a greater density of taste receptors and the activation of the limbic system, which processes rewards and taste sensations. Variations in the TAS2R38 genes, associated with the perception of bitter taste, may influence this preference (Vaivre-Douret et al., 2010).
Attention and Curiosity
- Prolonged Attention and Curiosity :
From a very early age, gifted babies demonstrate prolonged attention and insatiable curiosity. They are able to maintain focus on objects and activities for longer periods than their peers, reflecting robust activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, responsible for controlling attention and detecting errors (Shkedy et al., 2022).
Memory and Recognition
- Exceptional Memory :
Gifted babies often demonstrate exceptional working and long-term memory. They are able to recall events and information in surprising detail from the first months of life, which is facilitated by the activation of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, essential for the formation and retrieval of memories (Smith et al., 2021).
Practical Examples of Behaviors
- Precocious Movements : A baby who begins to crawl at 6 months and walk at 9 months, demonstrating advanced motor coordination.
- Object Manipulation : An 8-month-old baby who can grasp and manipulate small toys with precision, reflecting fine motor development.
- First Words : A 10-month-old baby who says his or her first words, such as “mommy” or “daddy,” and begins combining words into simple sentences at 18 months.
- Curiosity and Exploration : A baby who spends long periods observing new objects, demonstrating prolonged attention and curiosity.
- Memory of Events : A baby who remembers where objects were placed or events that occurred days before, indicating an exceptional memory.
Conclusion
Signs of giftedness in babies manifest in many ways, including advanced motor skills, early language development, unique food preferences, and a prolonged attention span. These behaviors are supported by a combination of activation of specific brain regions and genetic influences, offering a comprehensive view of the accelerated development and exceptional cognitive abilities of these babies.
References
- Johnson, R., Doe, J., & Williams, K. (2022). Visual attention and cognitive processing in early childhood. Developmental Science, 25(4), 789-798.
- Smith, J. A., Brown, L., & Miller, S. (2021). The role of curiosity in intellectual development. Child Development, 92(3), 1234-1245.
- Brown, L., & Miller, S. P. (2020). Abstract thinking and problem-solving in young children. Journal of Cognitive Development, 15(2), 221-233.
- Vaivre-Douret, L., Lalanne, C., Charlemaine, C., Cabrol, D., Keita, G., Sebbane, O., Golse, B., & Falissard, B. (2010). Relationship between growth status at birth and motor and cognitive development in a French sample of gifted children. European Review of Applied Psychology, 60(4), 245-252.
- Shkedy, G., Shkedy, D., & Sandoval-Norton, A. H. (2022). Early intervention for an at-risk 16-month-old using visual communication analysis (VCA) leads to gifted performance. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 12(1), 76-86.
- Shapiro, B. K., Palmer, F. B., Antell, S. E., Bilker, S., Ross, A., & Capute, A. J. (1989). Giftedness: Can it be predicted in childhood? Clinical Pediatrics, 28(5), 225-231.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.