You may have seen in the press recently a story about a 4 year old girl, Heidi Hankins, joining Mensa after scoring in the top two percent on an IQ test. Read more - Hampshire Chronicle- 12 April 2012. 

Children over the age of 10 and a half and adults can take a Mensa Supervised IQ Test at one of our test centres across the British Isles. All candidates will be provided with an IQ score and those scoring in the top two percent will be invited to join Mensa. Find out more – Mensa IQ Testing. 

For children under the age of 10 and a half an Educational Psychologist can provide a suitable IQ test; if they score in the top two percent Mensa can accept them after verifying a copy of the psychologist’s full report. Learn more – Joining Mensa with Prior Evidence

Lyn Kendall, British Mensa’s Gifted Child Consultant, explains how parents can identify if their child may be gifted.

“Most parents get their first inkling that their child may be brighter than average when their son or daughter joins a nursery or playgroup. Other parents comment, the group leaders may comment and you may find yourself taking note of what they say when you start to see your child with others. You may find that your health visitor has already noticed that your son or daughter has passed several milestones earlier than most youngsters.

“Most parents are pleased to discover they have a ‘bright spark’ but then worry that they may be mistaken or they are not doing enough to support them. The only way to be absolutely sure about your child’s ability is to have an assessment undertaken by a qualified psychologist. This can be expensive so you may want to consider your reasons for having your child assessed particularly if they are of pre-school age.

“If you choose to have your child assessed and their overall IQ falls within the top 2%, your child will be eligible to join Mensa. You will need to contact the Mensa office and our staff will tell you how to go about sending in a copy of the assessment.

“Mensa is primarily a social organisation and welcomes people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Although we cannot offer financial support, the opportunity for your child to mix with other bright people will be invaluable. Parents have also often commented that one of the biggest benefits for them is the chance to talk to other parents and share experiences.”

Below is a list of behaviours that parents have noticed about their bright child; a gifted child may display some or many of these behaviours:

• An unusual memory
• Passing intellectual milestones early.
• Reading early.
• Unusual hobbies or interests or an in-depth knowledge of certain subjects.
• Intolerant of other children.
• An awareness of world events.
• Sets himself impossibly high standards.
• May be a high achiever.
• Prefers to spend time with adults or in solitary pursuits.
• Loves to talk.
• Asks questions all the time.
• Learns easily.
• Developed sense of humour.
• Musical.
• Likes to be in control.
• Makes up additional rules for games.
• Extrovert/Introvert