Selena Janik, a three-year-old from East Tennessee with curly blonde hair, seems like many toddlers at first glance. Yet she sits in the top percentile on an intelligence assessment, a result that places her well above what is typical for children her age. In practical terms, that means she performs at a level that stretches beyond ordinary preschool expectations on tests that measure reasoning, memory, and problem solving. North American researchers and families alike watch such results with a mix of awe and questions about what they mean for a child’s future. Because the news has circulated that she has earned admission to Mensa, the international high IQ society, Selena’s story has become a focal point in conversations about early giftedness and how families navigate opportunities and challenges. Hailing from East Tennessee, Selena’s case resonates with audiences who value education, curiosity, and the idea that early cognitive potential can open doors while still requiring thoughtful support and guidance for healthy development.
Her parents pursued testing after she demonstrated accelerated skills in math and reading for her age. They describe a pattern of curiosity and quick comprehension that appeared across everyday activities and play. When read to, she follows sequences and patterns with surprising ease, and she tackles puzzles that often stump children much older. The family chose a formal evaluation to understand the scope of her abilities and to determine the best ways to nurture her talents without creating pressure. A local interview with the family highlighted how quickly their daughter responded to challenging tasks and how the results could help shape enrichment plans, monitoring, and ongoing encouragement at home and in early education settings.
Selena isn’t alone in this path. Recently a two-year-old named Adam Kirby from Mitcham, Surrey joined Mensa after achieving an IQ score of 141. He has reportedly potty-trained himself and speaks around 100 words at age two, milestones that mirror the rapid development often seen in young prodigies and that signal a strong readiness for language and learning. While such achievements capture headlines, experts emphasize that an IQ score is only one indicator among many. Adam’s case, like Selena’s, invites thoughtful discussion about how families balance excitement with patience as children explore a wide range of cognitive, motor, and social-skills milestones.
Stories like these spark conversations about how early cognitive gifts are identified, how testing methods vary, and how families support talent across different environments. Although a high score can unlock opportunities, it also raises questions about what kinds of educational experiences, enrichment, and social-emotional support best align with a child’s pace and temperament. In the United States and Canada, families considering testing are advised to consult pediatricians and child psychologists to understand the implications and to plan for ongoing development. The goal is not to chase a single metric but to create a nurturing path that broadens a child’s experiences, fosters curiosity, and helps them grow into well-rounded individuals. We hope these children continue to receive the encouragement and resources they need to explore their gifts responsibly and joyfully. What do you think? Share your thoughts below.
Image courtesy Metro UK