Youngest Mensa member at just 3-years-old in top one per cent for intelligence
The parents of a sweet three-year-old weren't expecting her to begin meeting her educational benchmarks so early, but little Isla impressed everyone when she started spelling at age two.
The toddler from Crestwood, Kentucky, US, flabbergasted her parents when she suddenly pointed to the text on a toy and began reading. Since then, the child has been able to learn information incredibly advanced for her age, so her parents got her tested.
At just two years old, Isla McNab joined Mensa after scoring in the top 1 per cent for intelligence for her age on the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales.
Isla's parents were shocked when they realized their two year old was able to read words (Guinness World Records)
She's become Mensa's youngest female member at age 2 (Guinness World Records)Mensa International is a non-profit group for people who score in the top 2 percent on an IQ test and is the biggest and oldest high-IQ society in the world.
From the moment they brought her home, Isla's parents noticed she was very focused. Even though she was very smart, nothing seemed unusual until she started learning. When she was just one year old, Isla began learning her colours, numbers, and letters.
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"At seven months old she would pick out certain items from picture books when asked," said Isla's dad, Jason McNabb. On her second birthday, Isla's aunt Crystal gave her a writing tablet that you can erase. Jason wrote the word "red" on the tablet and Isla was able to read the word, which surprised everyone. Both Jason and Isla's mum, Amanda, were shocked.
Her parents joined Mensa to provide the toddler with the right learning opportunities, they said (Youtube)Jason then wrote the words "blue," "yellow," "cat," and "dog," which Isla read out loud without any problems. Isla's parents also found toy letters in different colours next to objects around the house. Next to a chair, they found the letters C-H-A-I-R and by the couch, they found the letters S-O-F-A.
Even their pet cat, Booger, was found with the letters C-A-T by his side. At that point, Amanda suggested they get Isla tested. When she was nearly two-and-a-half, Isla scored in the top 1 percent of the population, earning her a Mensa membership.
"A psychologist that tested Isla specialises in gifted children," Jason explained. "He said he doesn't usually test children as young as two but made an exception after hearing about her talents."
Amanda and Jason soon realised that there are very few resources for gifted children. By getting Isla into Mensa, they hoped to gain some insights from other parents of gifted children. "The biggest benefit to Mensa is the community," Jason shared.
A three year old is Mensa's youngest gifted child, impressing everyone she meets with her ability to learn (Guinness World Records)Isla, now three years old, is currently attending preschool. Her parents hope to get a personalised education plan for her so she can start kindergarten early.
Isla loves learning and although she is above average in many subjects, she is particularly strong in maths and reading. She continues to amaze her parents with the knowledge she absorbs.
"She often mispronounces words that we think she learned by reading," Jason noted. "Last week she said she needed to wash the germs off her hands but pronounced it with a hard G." Isla also started showing her parents the alphabet in American Sign Language, and they're still trying to figure out where she learned it.
However, Jason admits that raising such a bright child comes with challenges and has been a learning journey. "With my other children, if I didn't want them to know what I was talking about, we could just spell things out in front of them, but Isla picks it up right away," he shared.
Jason also reveals that some aspects of Isla's personality are typical for her age, while others are so advanced that it can be tough for her to balance the two. "Isla thinks she is on par with adults, and it can be challenging," Jason explained. "She never settles for 'because I said so.'"
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In her free time, Isla enjoys drawing, school, and playing with Booger. She also loves reading books, with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Pete the Cat books being her favourites.
Isla has seen herself on TV and sometimes asks to watch herself on YouTube, but she hasn't yet realised how special she truly is. Her friends, who are also very young, haven't noticed that she is "different."
Despite this, Isla's family has been incredibly supportive and were thrilled to hear about her achievement. "They have gifted her many learning gadgets and toys to aid her endeavours," Jason said. "She has achieved quite a lot in her three years."
Jason expressed his excitement at seeing his daughter achieve a Guinness World Records title and is eager to see what opportunities come Isla's way. "It is amazing to see her achieve so much in only three years," he proudly stated.
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