A British toddler has made history by becoming the youngest person ever accepted into Mensa, the high-IQ society, according to Guinness World Records.
Joseph Harris-Birtill, born on November 23, 2021, was inducted into the exclusive club at just two years and 182 days old, breaking previous records and stunning experts with his extraordinary intellect.
Joseph, whose parents both work at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, began displaying signs of exceptional development early on. “It soon became clear that he was an exceptional little being,” said his mother, Rose Harris-Birtill. “He rolled over at five weeks, spoke his first word at seven months, and read his first book out loud before turning two.”
At just two, Joseph can already read fluently, decode Morse code, recite the Greek alphabet, and has developed an active interest in the periodic table. His thirst for knowledge and natural curiosity led his parents to seek additional support, eventually leading them to Mensa.
“I searched online for any further support available and saw that Mensa offers resources for highly able children,” said Rose. “We hope this accomplishment will give him a sense of pride when he is older. It’s a very unusual accolade, and the credit is all his.”
Joseph has now overtaken two record holders: American Isla McNabb, previously the youngest female member admitted to Mensa at two years and 195 days, and fellow Brit Teddy Hobbs, who held the UK record for joining Mensa at age four in 2023.
While Joseph’s abilities are remarkable, his parents emphasise the importance of emotional support and appropriate learning environments for gifted children. “It’s a common misconception that everything is easy for gifted children,” Rose explained. “But all children, including highly able learners, need understanding and tailored stimulation. Otherwise, their unique talents can be dimmed by pressure to conform to standard expectations.”
Parents hope Mensa provides a peer community to support Jpseph’s growth
Thankfully, Joseph is currently thriving in an accommodating nursery and benefits from an excellent music teacher. His parents hope that Mensa will provide a peer community to support his growth and ensure his formidable intellect continues to blossom.
With his record-breaking induction, Joseph Harris-Birtill not only secures a place in Mensa history but also shines a light on the importance of recognising and nurturing exceptional talent from the earliest stages of life.
