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In the common sense belief, gifted children are free of any problem becuase it is assumed that they can overcome whatever obstacle they encounter with their superior abilities. However, observations & experiences of authors as well as the literatures in the area witness that these children are surrounded by a number of external & internal factors that obstruct their socio-emotional & intellectual development. Hence, these children strongly need physical & social environments that nurture them so that they can develop to their highest level. This work is devoted to the analysis of the concepts of giftedness & risk factors, major types of external & internal risk factors for gifted children, how each of these factors hampers their socio-emotional & intellectual development, research findings in the area, & finally the possible strategies proposed by various authors for identifying these children & for providing them with relevant services. The work is hoped to be source of valuable information for helping professionals in the gifted programs, health professionals, parents, teachers,researchers, & university students etc.who work with gifted children.

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Psychology: MA in Educational Psychology; studied at Addis Ababa University (AAU). Served as English teacher at high school, as pedagogy teacher at teachers training institute, as psychology instructor at teachers training college, as psychology lecturer & assistant professor at university levels. Now pursuing PhD studies at AAU.

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