By: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues, Post-PhD in Neuroscience and Specialist in Genomics
In recent years, it has become common to hear generalized statements that “smart kids are predisposed to like dinosaurs.” While this idea may seem appealing and even intuitive, it deserves a deeper analysis, especially when we consider the genetic, neurological, and social factors that shape children’s behavior.
Parental Influence and Social Context
One crucial point to consider is the role of parental influence. Studies show that children with a high level of interest in dinosaurs often come from families where parents encourage this type of learning and provide resources such as books, toys, and museum visits. In this sense, an interest in dinosaurs may be less an indicator of innate intelligence and more a consequence of an environment that fosters curiosity and learning. Without this external support, an interest in dinosaurs may never develop, regardless of the child’s intelligence.
Hyperfocus and Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Another important aspect to be analyzed is the role of hyperfocus, a phenomenon commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autistic children often develop hyperfocus on specific topics, such as dinosaurs, trains, cars or astronomy. These deep interests can be mistakenly interpreted as indicators of exceptional intelligence, when in fact they reflect a compensatory strategy of the autistic brain, which directs its cognitive resources to areas of greater comfort and predictability. Thus, the interest in dinosaurs may be related more to neurological peculiarities than to intelligence per se.
The Versatility of Highly Intelligent Children
Truly intelligent children tend to be more eclectic in their interests. While they may appreciate dinosaurs for their complexity and scientific appeal, they are also likely to demonstrate the same level of fascination with a wide range of subjects, from animals to technology, music, or literature. Intelligence, by definition, is about the ability to explore and understand a variety of topics, not about being fixated on a single topic.
Dinosaurs as an Example, Not a Rule
It is important to emphasize that a love of dinosaurs, while fascinating and enriching, should not be treated as a universal criterion for measuring intelligence. Children may develop a deep interest in dinosaurs due to their complexity, history, and connection to science, but the same effect can occur with other equally intriguing topics. Ultimately, an interest in dinosaurs is just one of many ways that childhood curiosity and intelligence can manifest.
Conclusion
Attributing an interest in dinosaurs as an exclusive indicator of intelligence is a simplistic and generalizing mistake. This interest is shaped by a combination of factors, including parental influence, social environment, neurological characteristics, and of course, the child’s natural curiosity. Recognizing this complexity is essential to better understanding childhood intelligence and the role that different interests play in cognitive development.
So while it’s true that smart kids can like dinosaurs, we shouldn’t forget that intelligence and curiosity are much more diverse and comprehensive than a single passion might suggest.
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.