Giftedness and Multiples
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
Joined
·
1,432 Posts
I knew triplets growing up (I *think* they were identical) and they all were very gifted musically. There were probably differences in who was better or whatnot but they were all significantly better than anyone else!<br><br>
Also. when I went to college there were gifted HS twin boys (definitely faternal in this case) in many of my classes (there was a deal with the local public school where many HS students could take classes for free). They ended up pretty much having almost an entire math major (and I went to a pretty prestious college) before HS and both went to MIT on full-ride scholarships. One always got better grades than the other. But they were always in the same classes and did the same sports (I heard they were pretty good at those too).<br><br>
So in both cases, I have no clue about the IQ levels but they were all very gifted in their respective areas.
Also. when I went to college there were gifted HS twin boys (definitely faternal in this case) in many of my classes (there was a deal with the local public school where many HS students could take classes for free). They ended up pretty much having almost an entire math major (and I went to a pretty prestious college) before HS and both went to MIT on full-ride scholarships. One always got better grades than the other. But they were always in the same classes and did the same sports (I heard they were pretty good at those too).<br><br>
So in both cases, I have no clue about the IQ levels but they were all very gifted in their respective areas.
I'm curious about why you ask.<br><br>
My triplets are too young for us to have bothered with any testing (just turned 3), but I would put money on them all being gifted. They are trizygotic and their gifts are quite different.<br><br>
DS3 was doing 10-shape shape sorters at 9 months and is skilled with puzzles. He has basically mastered the Junior Kindergarten curriculum in math and language and is well into the Senior Kindergarten curriculum. He likes letters and numbers and amuses himself by counting things and reading.<br><br>
DS2 is physical and imaginative with less focus on clearly pre-academic things. But, he is a quick thinker and problem solver. DS1 is didn't show signs that I recognized as signs of being gifted until he was in school and DS2 is a lot like DS1. I see in DS2 a lot of the character traits that I now recognize as associated with the intensity that often accompanies giftedness.<br><br>
DD is verbally articulate. She is a perfectionist, so she doesn't show me she knows something until she has it mastered. She has fine motor control that is at least 2 years beyond the norm. Just this morning, she started showing me some understandings of language that DS1 was still struggling with in Kindergarten.<br><br>
I haven't spent any time challenging them on pre-academics because I am too busy worrying about getting food on the table and laundry done while also helping DS1 with his challenges at school. Their life is entirely play-based. I expect that once they hit formal schooling, we will have more concrete achievements to point to when we talk about their gifts.
My triplets are too young for us to have bothered with any testing (just turned 3), but I would put money on them all being gifted. They are trizygotic and their gifts are quite different.<br><br>
DS3 was doing 10-shape shape sorters at 9 months and is skilled with puzzles. He has basically mastered the Junior Kindergarten curriculum in math and language and is well into the Senior Kindergarten curriculum. He likes letters and numbers and amuses himself by counting things and reading.<br><br>
DS2 is physical and imaginative with less focus on clearly pre-academic things. But, he is a quick thinker and problem solver. DS1 is didn't show signs that I recognized as signs of being gifted until he was in school and DS2 is a lot like DS1. I see in DS2 a lot of the character traits that I now recognize as associated with the intensity that often accompanies giftedness.<br><br>
DD is verbally articulate. She is a perfectionist, so she doesn't show me she knows something until she has it mastered. She has fine motor control that is at least 2 years beyond the norm. Just this morning, she started showing me some understandings of language that DS1 was still struggling with in Kindergarten.<br><br>
I haven't spent any time challenging them on pre-academics because I am too busy worrying about getting food on the table and laundry done while also helping DS1 with his challenges at school. Their life is entirely play-based. I expect that once they hit formal schooling, we will have more concrete achievements to point to when we talk about their gifts.
Joined
·
19,789 Posts
DD had one of a group of triplets in her full time "gifted" class. The girls two siblings (one boy, one girl) were both in the part-time "gifted" class because they missed the higher cut-off. So, depending on your definition of gifted (98th% vs 95th%) they all were or one was and two weren't or...
Joined
·
4,903 Posts
DS had a set of twin girls in his congregated gifted grade. They are fraternal twins.<br><br>
DD has a set of twin boys in her grade - identical. On April Fool's Day, they pulled the classic switch on the teachers and their classmates. They got away with it until they went to music class where they were outed because they can't play each other's instruments.<br><br>
It's a fairly large gifted program with at least 2 classes per grade. It's nice for twins because they can be in different classrooms.
DD has a set of twin boys in her grade - identical. On April Fool's Day, they pulled the classic switch on the teachers and their classmates. They got away with it until they went to music class where they were outed because they can't play each other's instruments.<br><br>
It's a fairly large gifted program with at least 2 classes per grade. It's nice for twins because they can be in different classrooms.
Joined
·
671 Posts
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>hergrace</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15398778"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm curious about why you ask.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Out of curiousity, really. I usually read/post here b/c of my 5 year-old; I have 3 month-old twins as well. The thread about one sibling being gifted and the other not being gifted started me thinking about giftedness and multiples. Your triplets certainly sound quite gifted to me!<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>hergrace</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I haven't spent any time challenging them on pre-academics because I am too busy worrying about getting food on the table and laundry done while also helping DS1 with his challenges at school. Their life is entirely play-based. I expect that once they hit formal schooling, we will have more concrete achievements to point to when we talk about their gifts.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Believe me, I know the feeling. Can't pretend to know what triplets are like, but I have a 2 year-old as well. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/dizzy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Dizzy"> In fact, I would write more, but one twin is crying while my 2 year-old is shouting. Great!<br><br>
ETA: Also curious b/c I have seen articles stating that twins typically have lower IQs than singleton siblings (mostly attributed to lower gestational age, if I recall correctly).
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>hergrace</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15398778"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm curious about why you ask.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Out of curiousity, really. I usually read/post here b/c of my 5 year-old; I have 3 month-old twins as well. The thread about one sibling being gifted and the other not being gifted started me thinking about giftedness and multiples. Your triplets certainly sound quite gifted to me!<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>hergrace</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I haven't spent any time challenging them on pre-academics because I am too busy worrying about getting food on the table and laundry done while also helping DS1 with his challenges at school. Their life is entirely play-based. I expect that once they hit formal schooling, we will have more concrete achievements to point to when we talk about their gifts.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Believe me, I know the feeling. Can't pretend to know what triplets are like, but I have a 2 year-old as well. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/dizzy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Dizzy"> In fact, I would write more, but one twin is crying while my 2 year-old is shouting. Great!<br><br>
ETA: Also curious b/c I have seen articles stating that twins typically have lower IQs than singleton siblings (mostly attributed to lower gestational age, if I recall correctly).
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Freeman</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399204"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Out of curiousity, really. I usually read/post here b/c of my 5 year-old; I have 3 month-old twins as well. The thread about one sibling being gifted and the other not being gifted started me thinking about giftedness and multiples. Your triplets certainly sound quite gifted to me!<br><br>
[...]<br><br>
ETA: Also curious b/c I have seen articles stating that twins typically have lower IQs than singleton siblings (mostly attributed to lower gestational age, if I recall correctly).</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Makes perfect sense to me.<br><br>
ETA: I am also curious about the typically lower IQs in multiples. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually learn that DS1 is EG or PG and that 2 of the little ones are MG or HG based on my observations. (DS3 seems scary smart to me, but it might be his academic focus) My family is mostly HG to EG with an PG individual every now and then, and DS1 shares a lot of temperamental characteristics with the other PG folks in the family.
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Freeman</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399204"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Out of curiousity, really. I usually read/post here b/c of my 5 year-old; I have 3 month-old twins as well. The thread about one sibling being gifted and the other not being gifted started me thinking about giftedness and multiples. Your triplets certainly sound quite gifted to me!<br><br>
[...]<br><br>
ETA: Also curious b/c I have seen articles stating that twins typically have lower IQs than singleton siblings (mostly attributed to lower gestational age, if I recall correctly).</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Makes perfect sense to me.<br><br>
ETA: I am also curious about the typically lower IQs in multiples. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually learn that DS1 is EG or PG and that 2 of the little ones are MG or HG based on my observations. (DS3 seems scary smart to me, but it might be his academic focus) My family is mostly HG to EG with an PG individual every now and then, and DS1 shares a lot of temperamental characteristics with the other PG folks in the family.
Joined
·
2,155 Posts
My twins are gifted. We haven't tested them, but they are teaching themselves math and reading and beat-boxing <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">. 1 has specialized in the construction and computer areas. The other has specialized in linguistics and reading. (They are identical).
Joined
·
671 Posts
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>cdahlgrd</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399497"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">My twins are gifted. We haven't tested them, but they are teaching themselves math and reading and beat-boxing <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">. 1 has specialized in the construction and computer areas. The other has specialized in linguistics and reading. (They are identical).</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Interesting re their different "specialties," and LOL re the beat-boxing.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/ROTFLMAO.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="rotflmao"> It is always total chaos here with all 4 of them together...
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>cdahlgrd</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399497"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">My twins are gifted. We haven't tested them, but they are teaching themselves math and reading and beat-boxing <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">. 1 has specialized in the construction and computer areas. The other has specialized in linguistics and reading. (They are identical).</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Interesting re their different "specialties," and LOL re the beat-boxing.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/ROTFLMAO.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="rotflmao"> It is always total chaos here with all 4 of them together...
Joined
·
4,737 Posts
I have MZ (identical) twins. One definitely meets all the markers for gifted/highly capable. The other does not. They also had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and it is my "donor" twin that things don't come as easily to. My donor twin is very bright, and is definitely above the "average", but....it is very clear that the reduction in nutrients and IUGR had a very clear effect.<br><br>
I cannot even begin to describe how inwardly painful this is for me. On the other hand, both he and his brother and happy, and I've found a school program that suits them both--and they have a relationship that is not really competative and they're not put into boxes. Yet.
I cannot even begin to describe how inwardly painful this is for me. On the other hand, both he and his brother and happy, and I've found a school program that suits them both--and they have a relationship that is not really competative and they're not put into boxes. Yet.
My kids are fraternal triplets and all are gifted, but they are quite different in personality, degree, and areas of interest.<br><br>
It has been fascinating to watch but hard also to meet their disparate needs without making any of them feel left out or left behind. We've tried so hard to avoid comparisons and labels, but it's difficult. When you are two and your siblings can read, you notice such things and no amount of mommy telling you that it doesn't matter helps.<br><br>
They are a lot of fun to raise though with never a dull moment. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy">
It has been fascinating to watch but hard also to meet their disparate needs without making any of them feel left out or left behind. We've tried so hard to avoid comparisons and labels, but it's difficult. When you are two and your siblings can read, you notice such things and no amount of mommy telling you that it doesn't matter helps.<br><br>
They are a lot of fun to raise though with never a dull moment. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy">
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Tigerchild</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399980"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I have MZ (identical) twins. One definitely meets all the markers for gifted/highly capable. The other does not. They also had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and it is my "donor" twin that things don't come as easily to. My donor twin is very bright, and is definitely above the "average", but....it is very clear that the reduction in nutrients and IUGR had a very clear effect.<br><br>
I cannot even begin to describe how inwardly painful this is for me. On the other hand, both he and his brother and happy, and I've found a school program that suits them both--and they have a relationship that is not really competative and they're not put into boxes. Yet.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
What a tough situation for you and for them. I have one IUGR baby as well, and I am constantly grateful that he is clearly more physically competent than his siblings, so that no matter what shows up later intellectually, he has a clear strength that the other three don't have.<br><br>
It sounds like things are good so far. I hope their relationship continues to be strong.<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Tigerchild</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399980"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I have MZ (identical) twins. One definitely meets all the markers for gifted/highly capable. The other does not. They also had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and it is my "donor" twin that things don't come as easily to. My donor twin is very bright, and is definitely above the "average", but....it is very clear that the reduction in nutrients and IUGR had a very clear effect.<br><br>
I cannot even begin to describe how inwardly painful this is for me. On the other hand, both he and his brother and happy, and I've found a school program that suits them both--and they have a relationship that is not really competative and they're not put into boxes. Yet.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
What a tough situation for you and for them. I have one IUGR baby as well, and I am constantly grateful that he is clearly more physically competent than his siblings, so that no matter what shows up later intellectually, he has a clear strength that the other three don't have.<br><br>
It sounds like things are good so far. I hope their relationship continues to be strong.<br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">
Joined
·
4,737 Posts
Don't get me wrong, he has his strengths as well. But in the context of academically gifted, it is really difficult to acknowledge the difference.<br><br>
In some ways, though, it makes it easier for them to differentiate socially. They're in different math and reading groups, which encourages them to broaden their individual circle of friends and peers, and I discourage them from doing the same after school activities except for things that they both absolutely love.<br><br>
It is still hard to not worry about how other people treat them individually and as twins, though.
In some ways, though, it makes it easier for them to differentiate socially. They're in different math and reading groups, which encourages them to broaden their individual circle of friends and peers, and I discourage them from doing the same after school activities except for things that they both absolutely love.<br><br>
It is still hard to not worry about how other people treat them individually and as twins, though.
Joined
·
671 Posts
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Tigerchild</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399980"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I have MZ (identical) twins. One definitely meets all the markers for gifted/highly capable. The other does not. They also had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and it is my "donor" twin that things don't come as easily to. My donor twin is very bright, and is definitely above the "average", but....it is very clear that the reduction in nutrients and IUGR had a very clear effect.<br><br>
I cannot even begin to describe how inwardly painful this is for me. On the other hand, both he and his brother and happy, and I've found a school program that suits them both--and they have a relationship that is not really competative and they're not put into boxes. Yet.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> I have a friend whose twins had twin-to-twin transfusion, and I know it was really hard for her to have them delivered very early. They are still <2, so I'm not sure many differences are apparent.<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>wallace</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">It has been fascinating to watch but hard also to meet their disparate needs without making any of them feel left out or left behind.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
I really wonder about this in the future for us. It's hard to imagine being able to meet all of their needs and to help them seek out resources to expore their interests and passions. Nowadays, I am lucky even to get to the library w/ them. The twins inevitably start crying while there; the quiet environment of the library is abruptly shattered for the patrons; we make a quick exit...<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>hergrace</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I am also curious about the typically lower IQs in multiples.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Here's one article - "The cognitive cost of being a twin: evidence from comparisons within families in the Aberdeen children of the 1950s cohort study"<br><a href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7528/1306" target="_blank">http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7528/1306</a>
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Tigerchild</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15399980"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I have MZ (identical) twins. One definitely meets all the markers for gifted/highly capable. The other does not. They also had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, and it is my "donor" twin that things don't come as easily to. My donor twin is very bright, and is definitely above the "average", but....it is very clear that the reduction in nutrients and IUGR had a very clear effect.<br><br>
I cannot even begin to describe how inwardly painful this is for me. On the other hand, both he and his brother and happy, and I've found a school program that suits them both--and they have a relationship that is not really competative and they're not put into boxes. Yet.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> I have a friend whose twins had twin-to-twin transfusion, and I know it was really hard for her to have them delivered very early. They are still <2, so I'm not sure many differences are apparent.<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>wallace</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">It has been fascinating to watch but hard also to meet their disparate needs without making any of them feel left out or left behind.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
I really wonder about this in the future for us. It's hard to imagine being able to meet all of their needs and to help them seek out resources to expore their interests and passions. Nowadays, I am lucky even to get to the library w/ them. The twins inevitably start crying while there; the quiet environment of the library is abruptly shattered for the patrons; we make a quick exit...<br><br><div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>hergrace</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I am also curious about the typically lower IQs in multiples.</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
Here's one article - "The cognitive cost of being a twin: evidence from comparisons within families in the Aberdeen children of the 1950s cohort study"<br><a href="http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7528/1306" target="_blank">http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7528/1306</a>
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!