How to Tell the Difference Between Giftedness and Attention Deficits

When brilliance and restlessness coexist

You’ve noticed something about your child that you can't quite put your finger on. Maybe they amaze you with complex thoughts and wild creativity, and yet struggle to sit through a 10-minute spelling exercise. Maybe their teacher says they’re "easily distracted," but at home they get absorbed in building intricate Lego worlds for hours on end. You're beginning to ask yourself an impossible question: is my child gifted, or struggling with attention issues? Or—somewhat bewilderingly—could it be both?

Unpacking the overlap between HPI and attention disorders

Let’s start by defining some key terms. HPI, or high intellectual potential, is often used in French contexts to describe what we call giftedness in English—kids who have significantly above-average intellectual ability. Meanwhile, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD) involves persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and (in some cases) hyperactivity that interfere with functioning.

Here’s where it gets tricky. The symptoms often look very similar in everyday school life:

• The child who fidgets constantly during class.
• The one who forgets to turn in homework but can recite obscure facts about dinosaurs.
• The student who seems unable to focus on a worksheet but spends hours designing a new card game.

It’s no wonder parents and teachers can get confused. But while the behaviors may look alike, the underlying causes—and the kind of support the child needs—can be quite different.

One story, two paths

Let me introduce you to Sophie, a bright 9-year-old who was brought to an educational psychologist after her parents became increasingly concerned. Her teachers described her as "disorganized, easily distracted, and often off-task." But when I met Sophie, I saw a curious mind that leaped across topics like stepping stones in a river. Her drawings showed intricate mazes. Her questions were philosophical. And she remembered every line of a book she’d read a year ago.

So what was going on? Was Sophie gifted? Did she have ADHD? In her case, after thorough assessment, the psychologist concluded that Sophie was indeed gifted and highly sensitive—a combination that often mimics attention issues, but stems from a brain that's simply working faster and absorbing more than the classroom pace allows.

In other cases, the diagnosis may point to ADHD, or even both ADHD and giftedness—a “twice-exceptional” child. Each path leads to a different form of support.

Key differences to observe at home

While only a professional assessment can give you certainty, there are a few subtle signs that may help you reflect on what’s really going on with your child:

• Gifted kids may seem inattentive because they’re bored, already understanding the material and mentally wandering elsewhere. Their mind typically races ahead of the group.
• Kids with ADHD often lose focus even when the material is new and interesting. Their distractibility doesn’t always correlate with content complexity.
• Gifted children with attention difficulties may hyperfocus on areas of interest (like building a robot or writing a story) but struggle with executive functioning in tasks that feel repetitive or rigid.

When to consider an evaluation

If your child’s challenges are affecting their confidence, friendships, or ability to learn effectively, it may be time to reach out. School psychologists, neuropsychologists, or developmental pediatricians can perform assessments that explore both cognitive potential and attention regulation. And remember: a diagnosis is not a label—it’s a key that can unlock understanding and support.

Meanwhile, in your everyday life, you can begin to offer small adaptations that meet your child where they are. One of the most impactful shifts is focusing less on conventional study methods and more on how your child learns best.

Helping your child thrive without burning out

Let’s say your child struggles to retain information from textbooks but lights up when listening to audiobooks. That’s a strong cue. You might try recording lesson content as audio—or using a learning tool like the Skuli App, which can turn written lessons into personalized, child-friendly audio adventures where your child’s own name is part of the story. Listening during a car ride or while drawing can work wonders for children who learn best through sound and narrative.

Or maybe your child prefers bite-sized review rather than long study blocks. Skuli’s photo-to-quiz feature converts lesson snapshots into customized exercises your child can feel in control of. These shifts aren’t about making things easier—but about strengthening the bridge between their mind and what they’re being asked to learn.

Parenting the child in front of you

No matter where your child falls on the spectrum of giftedness or attention differences—or if they need support in both—it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re not alone. Many parents in our community have shared similar stories, especially those raising gifted kids who don't fit the mold. The key is to resist comparison and focus on nurturing your child’s specific needs and strengths.

This might mean advocating for accommodations in school, using playful learning techniques at home, or simply carving out quiet time to help your child decompress after an overstimulating day. A structured bedtime routine can make a big difference too—especially if you're dealing with sleep challenges often seen in kids with high intellectual potential or ADHD. (We've written more about that here.)

Above all, remember: you don’t need to have all the answers today. You just need to keep showing up, tuning in, and trusting that, with support, your child will find their rhythm.