This very practical handbook looks at the hurdles and obstacles that stand in the way of a gifted person becoming a well-rounded, successful individual.
Also discussed are the opportunities and advantages of being bright, and ways to ensure bright sparks grow up to become well-adjusted adults.
The authors unpick common misconceptions and fictions that swirl around about what it means to have a high intellect, and the perils of taking them at face value.
The book draws on the authors’ personal experiences and professional, evidenced findings to provide accurate, practical and meaningful advice for bright individuals, their parents and professionals on how the challenges of having a high IQ can be overcome. The education plans and practical solutions will be invaluable for educational psychologists and teachers.
Contents:
- Preface
- Introduction
- What it means to have a high IQ
- Identifying a gifted child
- Advantages of being gifted
- Physical challenges
- Emotional challenges
- Social challenges
- Sensory sensitivities
- Adolescence
- The Four rules for success
- Parenting bright sparks
- Being supportive
- Examining education
- Support in school
- If it ainʼt broke …
Lyn Kendall is a psychologist and educator who serves as British Mensa's Gifted Child Consultant. She has over 40 years' experience working with children of all ages and intellects, focusing mainly on the fields of Special Educational Needs and Gifted and Talented Education. Lyn holds a Master's Degree in Education (Special Needs and Inclusive Education), an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs in Education and is both a qualified psychologist and a member of the British Psychological Society. Lyn was inspired to join Mensa in 1988 after completing a puzzle in one of its advertisements. While attending her first Annual General meeting for the society she met Victor Serebriakoff, then President of Mensa, who became a friend and mentor. Victor encouraged Lyn to pursue her ambition to offer care and guidance for those who live or work with gifted children. Now appointed as Mensa's Gifted Child Consultant, Lyn provides advice and support for parents and professionals alike, as well as undertaking media work for programmes like Victoria Derbyshire and This Morning. She appears regularly on Channel 4's hit TV show Child Genius, where she collaborates with the production team behind the scenes as well as being a panellist. As part of a career spent aiding and encouraging all aspects of Gifted and Talented Education, Lyn's other activities include lecturing at universities, giving media interviews, advising Local Education Authorities, creating teaching materials for Gifted and Talented Coordinators, running workshops and facilitating summer schools for children of all ages. Lyn retired from full-time teaching in 2017 to focus on her private consultancy work, and now provides assessment and support services under the banner of Kendall Tuition, in addition to producing information packs and resources for parents of intellectually able youngsters. She tours the United Kingdom to deliver her signature talks designed to help parents, teachers and psychologists live and work with gifted children. Lyn lives in the Midlands with her husband Colin and their cats. In her spare time she plays competitive Scrabble and is a member of the Association of British Scrabble Players. She also enjoys music, reading, cooking, knitting and making jewellery. She has been a keen player of computer and video games since the day she bought her son his first Nintendo system.
Chris Allcock is a professional writer and games designer with more than 15 years' experience in the video game industry. As an experienced writer, he has collaborated with other creative professionals to create multiple forms of media including video game scripts and stories, strategy guides, art books, comics, audio dramas, promotional materials and more. Chris's print portfolio includes several video game tie-in works such as The Art of Sea of Thieves, The Art of Borderlands 3 and Sea of Thieves: Athena's Fortune. His non-fiction work includes multiple reviews and features for the popular UK culture site Den of Geek. Having joined Mensa at the age of seven, co-authoring A Brilliant IQ has presented Chris an opportunity to offer the perspective of someone who overcame many of the same challenges, and reassure bright sparks everywhere that they have what it takes to thrive." He currently resides in the Midlands and is probably drinking tea.
