Meet Zorien Royce: The 4-Year-Old Mensa Prodigy Balancing Genius with Childhoo

In Vernon Hills, Illinois – Four-year-old Zorien Royce, a resident of Vernon Hills, has earned membership in Mensa International and Intertel, two of the world’s most selective intelligence societies. With an IQ score of 156, Zorien has become one of the youngest children in Illinois to receive such recognition.

His parents, Alan and Kirsten Royce, described Zorien as highly curious and self-motivated. “He started reading and solving puzzles much earlier than expected,” Alan said. “But more than his intelligence, we want him to enjoy being a child.”

Zorien's parents shared that their son began counting from 1 to 100, forwards and backwards, at the age of two. He also completed complex spellings far beyond his years. The couple described his insatiable curiosity, citing instances like questioning why the moon does not fall and challenging them to explain it.

At just 4 years old, Zorien demonstrates a varied range of talents. He speaks five languages, reads at a third-grade level, and shows advanced skills in mathematics. He has already begun to solve three-digit addition and subtraction problems and has started learning multiplication and division.

To nurture his abilities, he attends the Science & Arts Academy in Des Plaines and takes Kumon classes for advanced math and reading. Despite his academic achievements, Zorien maintains a well-rounded lifestyle. He enjoys swimming, painting, and playing soccer, balancing intellectual growth with creative and physical activities.

Gifted Children Face Emotional Challenges

Psychologists warn that intellectual ability at such a young age comes with unique social and emotional challenges . A 2018 study in the Journal for the Education of the Gifted found that gifted children often struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and difficulty to make a connection to peers their age.

Darshita Mehta, a Counseling Psychologist, stated on her LinkedIn post: "I have learned that giftedness is not solely defined by high IQ scores; it encompasses understanding the unique emotional and social needs associated with exceptional abilities."

Studies on Gifted Child Psychology

Research published in Child Development (2020) highlighted that gifted students grow the best when schools incorporate advanced learning with social-emotional support systems. The study gave stress that neglecting mental health needs may lead to burnout, depression, or low interest in other social engagements.¹

Similarly, a 2021 review in Roeper Review pointed out that parental involvement and peer networks are crucial in preventing loneliness among highly gifted children. ²

Balancing High IQ with Emotional Care

The Royce family said they intend to keep Zorien’s life grounded. Kirsten added, “We want him to explore his interests, but also play, make friends, and enjoy childhood without pressure.”

Psychologists have guided Zorien's parents that while achievements like Zorien’s are inspiring, they also highlight the need for holistic gifted education that values emotional resilience as much as academic performance.

A 2021 study in Children (MDPI) reports that authoritative parenting—defined by warmth, responsiveness, and high expectations—produces the most positive outcomes for gifted kids.³

The study suggested that for families of gifted with highly intellectual kids, a balance of intellectual stimulation, open communication, and access to counseling whenever needed is advised for.

References:

1. Neihart, Maureen, Sally M. Reis, Nancy M. Robinson, and Sidney M. Moon, eds. 2016. The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know? Waco, TX: Prufrock Press. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232564448_The_social_and_emotional_development_of_gifted_children_What_do_we_know.

2. Journal for the Education of the Gifted. 2025. “Anxiety and Depression in Gifted Individuals: A Systematic and Meta-Analytic Review.” Journal for the Education of the Gifted. https://doi.org/10.1177/00169862231208922.

3. Martín-Lobo, Pilar, Isabel Zubiaurre, and Jesús M. Alvarado. 2021. “Parenting Style and Emotional Adjustment in Gifted Children.” Children 8 (11): 953. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8110953.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)