Hi, I’ve been wondering about this for a while and wanted to hear others opinions on the subject. I have a pretty smart 19 month old and she has always met milestones early. People have always commented on how bright she is, but lately some have said that I should have her tested for giftedness. From what I found online, they don’t test this young. Her pediatrician says that she’s definitely ahead, but we don’t talk much more about that. The milestones and typical behaviors of her age group I find online seem definitely don’t make sense since she’s met them already, but I also know other toddlers her age who have done the same. Here are some examples of what she can do. I don’t drill anything into her, she doesn’t go to daycare or anything and what she knows has come from normal conversation or books we’ve read. Some I know that others her age can do because I’ve found them online but some not.

First word at 6 months, 50+ words at 12 and now we’re way beyond 300 with several new words a day. 95% of words easily understood by others. She’s been speaking in 4+ word sentences since 14-15 months. She uses pronouns and verbs correctly (he, she, I, big, pretty etc). She’s never, in my recollection, used a word incorrectly once she’s picked it up other than maybe calling a zebra a horse. She knows a few sight words just from looking at books.

Knows all of her colors, numbers 1-10 plus a handful more, letters and shapes. Also able to speak each by name, not just point correctly.

Understands concept of numbers, not just by rote memory. For example today, she was reading a book with 3 owls. One mama owl and two babies. She pointed to each baby and said “one, two baby owls” without prompting.

Can recall events of the day! I can ask what we saw today and she would list specific animals or people that we saw correctly.

Can say her whole name. First, middle and last.(10 letters and not easy to pronounce)

She has shown empathy since she was an infant. She would console others when upset and cry when, for example, Cookie Monster ran into a wall. She *feels* music and will cry if it’s sad.

Stacks blocks and pegs upwards of 10.

Words and their context are never wrong. Very interested in books and computers.

She says please when asking for things, thank you when she is given things.

She just understands things. It’s hard to explain, but there is an awareness about everything with her. She knows what’s wrong and what’s right. I only need to explain something once in order for her to understand. She actually pauses to consider what is said.

Pretty incredible memory. She remembered where we left a rock outdoors on a walk 2 months prior.

I can’t say she’s advanced physically. She sat up around 5 months, crawled at 7 and she walked at 12.5 months. She’s VERY cautious. Not really scared, but she seems to understand danger.

She’s social, sleeps well, has never really cried much or was fussy. I know I’m always reading about how smart babies don’t sleep. Mine sleeps like a dream.

So thoughts? Should I look into getting her tested? Are these just advanced but still normal things toddlers do at this age? Any insight appreciated and any advice on how to encourage what seems to be a great love of learning right now. Thanks.