WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE "GIFTED?"

The concept of "giftedness" has a long history and can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was often used to describe individuals who were believed to have great natural abilities or talents. To refer to such individuals, the term "gifted" was first used in the 17th century and it implied that such strengths were a gift from a divine source. Today we acknowledge the contribution of genetics, early prenatal and childhood development, as well as environmental conditions in the emergence, evolution, and elaboration of such strengths. 

 

Our understanding of human abilities and talents has evolved over time, and it is now widely recognized that giftedness cannot be reduced to a single test or definition. While earlier theories of giftedness often focused on intelligence or academic ability, today we recognize that giftedness comes in many forms and can manifest itself in a variety of ways. This may include musical ability, creativity, unique ways of perceiving things or processing information, strong memory, great capacity for empathy, and other types of functioning that are unique to the individual.

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Dr. Viani is dedicated to supporting the young people in her practice through a personalized approach. She understands that every individual has their own strengths and abilities, and works to help them and the people in their lives recognize and appreciate those strengths. To accomplish this, she focuses on identifying and nurturing the specific abilities and talents of each individual, customizing her support to meet their specific needs and goals.

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