Robert, a 9-year-old, is very proficient at drawing and solving mechanical problems, but he’s also inattentive, impulsive, and struggles to bond with his peers. Margaret, 13, earns sky-high scores on general intelligence tests, but is afraid to express her abilities. Louise doesn’t excel at school, but possesses resourcefulness, which she applies to games and using manual skills. These youngsters are talented, super-gifted, creative children. Schools do not always provide them with stimuli suited to their great potential. How can exceptional children be nurtured appropriately, and how can their psychological well-being be safeguarded? What can parents, teachers and operators do to support them?

Cesare Cornoldi is professor emeritus at the University of Padua.