The Advent of Overheating Brains

Throughout history, there have always been vibrant characters who left their mark on humanity. Seen as geniuses by some and as utterly insane or eccentric by others, certain human figures have never failed to evoke strong reactions. Known as high potential, gifted, or, more recently, as the easily recognizable 'zebra', these individuals share one trait: an overheating brain. While their significant intellectual differences are apparent, it's overly simplistic to focus solely on intelligence and superior abilities associated with the gifted. It's crucial not to tell a gifted person they're much smarter than others - they might react strongly. Instead, acknowledge their different operating mode. It's also vital to understand that these terms encompass more than just logical and reflective abilities.

 Jeanne Siaud-Facchin, a psychologist from Avignon, began to democratize the term 'zebra' to describe these unique minds after working with many intellectually gifted children. Her 2008 bestseller "Too Intelligent to be Happy, The Gifted Adult" significantly influenced the consideration and care of these distinct children, teenagers, and adults. Beyond intellectual abilities, zebras are highly sensitive, perceptive, and have a detailed view of society and the world around them.

A Closer Look at the Brain

What happens in a brain that operates at breakneck speed? Neurological tests on high or very high potential individuals reveal different brain activation zones than most people. Gifted brains process information faster and use more brain areas simultaneously. This is known as 'arborescent' thinking, where the analytical left brain and the artistic right brain work together more efficiently and balanced. For a high-potential brain, processing information isn't straightforward; it leads to a cascade of related thoughts.

For example, I once spoke with a young man who, when looking at a kitchen tile, thought about its density, color accuracy under the lighting, its manufacturing process, the factory and machinery used, and whether any cracks were due to its making or an impact. This is how a zebra's mind works, analyzing every possibility that comes to mind, unlike someone without this trait who might simply comment on the tile's appearance.

A Connection to the Universe

Gifted individuals often show a keen interest in the universe, driven by their arborescent thinking. The universe, with its endless mysteries and unanswered questions, matches the cognitive appetite of a gifted mind. Similarly, gifted children often have a strong interest in dinosaurs. If you have a gifted child, consider indulging their fascination with dinosaur trading cards.

Hyperesthesia: Extraordinary Sensitivity

Zebras aren't just intellectually different; they experience heightened sensory reactions. This hyperesthesia makes them extremely sensitive to their surroundings:

• Sight: A simple glance at a landscape allows them to quickly note color range, building placements, wind presence, and overall lighting.

• Smell: Gifted individuals often detect subtle odors around them.

• Taste: They can often identify the spices and ingredients in a meal.

• Touch: Highly responsive to touch, zebras can express welcome or rejection through tactile interactions.

• Hearing: They deeply feel the power of music but can find repetitive noises or construction sounds unbearable.

Suitable Professions

Their sensory hypersensitivity naturally guides gifted individuals towards artistic, creative, sensory, and psychological professions. Think beyond the stereotype of gifted people being good with numbers. Careers like musician, geologist, artist, psychologist, physiotherapist, landscape designer, and designer are more fitting.

Blending into Injustice

Gifted individuals also possess hyper empathy, enabling them to quickly assess and aid others emotionally. This trait makes them suited for psychology or alternative and holistic medicine fields. However, their directness and inability to lie, driven by a strong sense of justice, can sometimes clash with societal norms.

Nuances to Consider

It's crucial to note that labeling someone as high-potential or gifted is not about setting them apart. Other neurological and behavioral typologies align with high-potential traits, including those with Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). IQ tests like WAIS and WISC reveal only a fraction of a gifted brain's developmental iceberg. The real question is how to classify and treat these unique minds without succumbing to a systematic normative approach or the pharmaceutical industry's influence, as seen in the DSM's often depersonalized and disconnected therapeutic approach.