ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that the critical time frame for gifted children may begin even earlier, and if this is the case, adjustments may be needed to accommodate the precocious developmental time line many gifted children follow. It reviews the processes necessary for brain development and looks at the documented differences in the brains of intelligent adolescents and adults. The chapter examines the differential development of gifted children, which may contribute to the brain differences found in gifted persons. It discusses the need for early intervention for gifted children and describes its key components. The chapter describes intellectual giftedness, evidenced by speed and ease of learning, exceptional memory, and psychometric test performance. Environmental influences such as nutrition, drugs, viral infection, toxins, and temperature play a part in determining the extent to which that genetic potential is reached. Neurons begin to respond to environmental stimuli through formation of synapses in sensory pathways to cortex and, subsequently through connections between cortical areas.
