Vision
Highly gifted individuals (IQ 145+) – and among them (especially) also exceptionally gifted individuals (IQ 160+) – form a largely invisible and often misunderstood subgroup within the gifted population (IQ 130+). Depending on the interaction with for instance the environment in which they grow up and their personality, there is a wide variety in these individuals looking at their way of dealing with their very high intelligence. Their cognitive depth, emotional sensitivity, and unconventional ways of thinking and perceiving may (compared to the gifted (130+)) lead to more social isolation, misdiagnoses, and exclusion – even within educational or psychological settings designed for the gifted. We do not know how frequently this occurs as research is very scarce to find.
The group is rare:
- IQ 145+: 1 in 1000
- IQ 150+: 1 in 2300
- IQ 160+: 1 in 31.000
We see that these individuals need specific attention and resonance spaces throughout their lives. Their potential for personal development and societal contribution can only unfold if their uniqueness is understood, their needs are taken seriously, and their talents are systematically supported From personal testimonials we know that they benefit from knowing about their characteristics.
The HGEG emerged from a deep concern following numerous reports of children, adolescents, and adults whose highly gifted traits caused educational disruption, psychological strain, or internal withdrawal. At the same time, we witness the insight, inspiration, and impact highly gifted individuals can generate – when they find the right knowledge and environment. And when they build awareness, followed by a more positive self-image.
Mission
HGEG aims to improve the living conditions of highly gifted individuals across all age groups, reduce stigma and stereotypes, and empower this population to thrive.
We understand empowerment as the process of enabling highly gifted people to recognize, value, and shape their traits, talents, and needs – individually, socially, and culturally.
We aim to:
- Provide and contextualize knowledge,
- Enable encounters at eye level,
- Help shape conditions that allow giftedness to be a source of vitality – not vulnerability.
Approach – Modus Operandi
Through two main channels, to be defined more precisely at a later stage:
- Knowledge Platform “Zeer Hoogbegaafd” (a wiki)
- Research Group “International Highly Gifted Research Group”