High Abilities: Unusual Memory is the Key Sign for Early Detection

Identifying giftedness or precocious talent before it generates frustration or demotivation is crucial for a child's development.

Conceptual illustration of a child's brain with complex neural connections, symbolizing high abilities.
IA

Conceptual illustration of a child's brain with complex neural connections, symbolizing high abilities.

Child psychology experts warn that the early detection of high abilities is vital to prevent emotional problems and demotivation in children across the country.

High Abilities (AACC) are defined as a set of cognitive and emotional skills above average, which can manifest in areas such as intellectual, creative, or artistic fields. They are often confused with academic excellence, but their complexity lies in the need for adequate support to prevent stress or boredom.
Within AACC, three main categories are distinguished: giftedness (high performance in many areas with an Intelligence Quotient equal to or greater than 130), talent (excelling in specific aptitudes), and intellectual precocity (early development relative to age). A child with these abilities may still face social or emotional difficulties despite their potential.
Specialized psychologists point out that the most repeated and clear signal for detection is memory, often described as rapid, precise, and unusual. This can include semantic memory (recall of concepts), episodic memory (details of events), or even eidetic memory (the ability to “mentally photograph” images).
Professional detection and coordination between the family and the school are fundamental to offering tailored challenges and working on emotional management. According to data from the Ministry of Education, there are over 50.000 students diagnosed in Spain, but experts estimate that this figure represents less than 10% of the real cases.