The newest member of the Mensa organization, the most prominent and ancient high-IQ society in the world, is a six-year-old kindergartener from New Jersey.
Declan Lopez, who scored 138 on the IQ test, likes to memorize the elements of the periodic table and wants to be a singer or fashion designer.
To support the girl's academic needs, her parents, Meachel and Delano Lopez, are tutoring her in reading and math for grades four and five after school.
When Declan, who was 18 months old at the time, began counting and speaking Mandarin, the family took notice of her extraordinary intelligence.
"I'm interested in arts, science, math, and geography," Declan said.
"My favorite thing to learn is a force in motion," the little girl added.
"I remember she was sitting on my lap and started kind of counting to herself in Mandarin. I was like, 'but how?!' I thought it was gibberish," Meachel recounted.
"I didn't know what she was saying, but then we realized it was from the cartoons and the learning videos we'd play for her on YouTube. She'd picked it up," the mother added.
"She's just an amazing little kid who can teach you everything about whatever subject matter has sparked her interest at that moment."
"She's really interested in making sure she knows all about the atomic weights of the elements, and she knows all the numbers, symbols, and classifications," Meachel described her daughter.
Director Vicki Vigorito of The Learning Experience, Declan's preschool, expressed astonishment at Declan's exceptional abilities and talents.
Vicki Vigorito, who has 30 years of experience as an educator, described Declan as not only advanced in math but also displaying talents in art and science. Declan actively engages in inline coding and robotics coding using Ozobots.
Vicki Vigorito stated that Declan's interests and abilities left her "with my jaw dropped" and that she had never encountered a child as "whip-smart" as Declan.
Declan scored 138 on her IQ test, placing her in the 99th percentile. This allowed her to become a member of Mensa, joining around 100 others in her age range in the US.
Mensa was established in 1946. The Oxford-based organization encourages intellectual interaction through events, meetings, and online chats.
Members are being asked to provide proof of their IQ, with the average adult IQ set at 100. A score between 90 and 109 is considered to indicate average intelligence for adults. Additionally, a score above 140 is regarded as indicative of genius-level intelligence.
The organization provides a platform for intellectually gifted individuals to connect, engage in intellectual discussions, and participate in various activities.
Throughout history, some people have had the highest IQs: Albert Einstein, William James Sidis, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Marilyn Voss Savant.
Meachel now provides home-based lessons to continue encouraging Declan's learning needs after school.
These lessons typically last between 20 and 60 minutes each day and cover a range of subjects, including art, math, and reading.
"When I noticed the intelligence and the needs that came along with that intelligence, I couldn't just let it go by the wayside," she said.
Additionally, Declan's family also ensures that she participates in sports and social activities. She's now practicing karate and soccer aggressively.
"We try to foster a healthy and active social life as well, with events offered by Rockaway Township, playdates with her friends, and trips to the mall (since she loves fashion)," Meachel shared.
'We want her to feel empowered and creative, so we will try any pursuits that spark her interest, within reason, of course,' Lopez said.
It is unfortunate to hear that Declan has been experiencing bullying and name-calling.
"It's been really tough to find; you know, it can be a little tough for someone like Declan to socialize when she's talking about gases on Neptune with her peer group," the mother explained.
"What we both want more than anything is for her to thrive in all areas of her life, to know that it's OK to shine just by being herself, that she doesn't have to make herself small.
At the end of the day, we're her parents, and we just want her to reach her potential and to be happy," Declan's mother concluded.
