Isla McNabb: Kentucky toddler who learned to read at age 2 becomes youngest female member of Mensa
KENTUCKY, LOUISVILLE: Kentucky's Isla McNabb made headlines at just two years old by becoming the youngest female member of Mensa, a high IQ society, thanks to her remarkable early reading skills.
With an IQ in the 99th percentile for her age, her extraordinary intellect has also earned recognition from Guinness World Records.
Isla's early fascination with learning
According to The Messenger, Isla's affinity for learning emerged almost immediately, as noted by her father, Jason McNabb. "It started right when we brought her home from the hospital. If we had something on TV, she would watch it. She would be fixated on it, not looking around like other babies. She would be focused on it," Jason said.
By the age of one, she was already familiar with shapes, colors, and the alphabet. Her father reminisced, "At seven months of age she would pick out certain items from picture books when asked."
Her early cognitive abilities were further showcased through a TikTok video, displaying her fluency in words on index cards matched with corresponding images.
However, while Isla's exceptional intellect sets her apart, her parents, Jason and Amanda, are keen to ensure she enjoys a balanced childhood. They aim to guide her without overwhelming expectations. "We don't want her to develop a complex or feel like she has something to live up to," Amanda emphasized.
A balancing act of nurture and support
Isla's talents caught the attention of a psychologist specializing in gifted children. Even at two years old, an age when such evaluations are uncommon, her abilities stood out significantly. Now aged three, she attends preschool, excelling particularly in mathematics and reading.
Jason mentioned Isla's unique approach to learning, noting, "She often mispronounces words that we can only assume she learned by reading." Isla's additional flair for American Sign Language remains a marvel to her parents, who are yet to comprehend how she mastered it.
Despite her extraordinary gifts, Isla's parents prioritize her happiness and holistic development. While they acknowledge her exceptional abilities, they remain committed to nurturing her talents in a balanced and supportive manner.
What is Mensa?
Mensa is a high IQ society founded in 1946 in Oxford, England. The society's goal is to identify and foster intellectual talent. Mensa is open to individuals who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized IQ test.
Who are the other famous Mensa members?
Some famous adults who are part of Mensa are Geena Davis, Dolph Lundgren, Sigourney Weaver,
Madonna and Quentin Tarantino.