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A Brazilian Boy of Just 5 Years, Thomas Manke, Was Accepted Into Mensa, a Group With About 150 Thousand People With High IQ. Meet His Routine, His Interests, and How He Achieved This Milestone.
In March 2025, Thomas Manke, a Brazilian boy of just 5 years, achieved a rare feat: he was accepted into Mensa, the international society that brings together about 150 thousand people considered gifted.
Living in Blumenau (SC), Thomas impresses with his exceptional curiosity and memory — traits that led him to stand out among thousands of candidates.
But why, at such a young age, has he already become a source of pride for parents and educators?
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Who is Thomas, the 5-Year-Old Prodigy, and What Does He Like to Do
Thomas is an exceptionally curious child. Even at such a young age, he shows interest in geography, astronomy, and even economics — for instance, he was impressed to learn about the price of coffee.
He knows all 193 flags of the countries in the world, can organize them by territorial size, and also masters multiplication tables.
According to the boy himself and his parents, he learns independently through videos, books, and even by interacting with virtual assistants like Alexa.
How Did He Join Mensa?
To become a member of Mensa, one must undergo rigorous IQ testing.
Thomas completed this stage with excellence, achieving a IQ of 135, a score that places him in the “high abilities/gifted” group.
The tests measure different types of intelligence: logical reasoning, memory, visual and verbal patterns.
Mensa uses standardized tests, such as the Stanford-Binet and Cattell, to ensure that members truly possess above-average intelligence.
Thomas’s admission to Mensa draws attention for several reasons. First, due to his age: it is quite unusual for such young children to be part of such a demanding organization.
Second, for its symbolic impact: a Brazilian boy showing the world that intelligence, curiosity, and dedication can coexist from an early age.
Moreover, for parents and society, it serves as a reminder that exceptional talents exist — and should be nurtured in environments that value more than just school grades.
The Routine of the Prodigy Boy
Despite his genius, Thomas has not missed out on having a normal childhood. He has been attending preschool since he was 2 years old and loves playing with friends — although he prefers playing with older children in board game circles.
At home, he alternates between moments of self-directed study and entertainment: watching educational videos, reading about planets and countries, or interacting with Alexa.
His parents say that his thirst for knowledge only grows: with each new curiosity, he seeks to learn more independently, without relying exclusively on school.
What Does “High Abilities” Mean in Mensa
The term “high abilities” is used by Mensa to describe people with cognitive performance above average.
This includes not only a high IQ but also specific talents for logical reasoning, memory, creativity, and speed of learning.
In childhood, this type of profile can be identified by behaviors such as intense curiosity, ease of self-learning, and the ability to concentrate on complex subjects.
Holding the title of “Mensa member” is an important achievement, but it does not guarantee a path free of obstacles.
Thomas is still very young to define a career, so his cognitive abilities must go hand in hand with his emotional development.
His parents emphasize that, although he has such capabilities, it is also important for him to continue playing, socializing, and feeling like a child. After all, genius is paired with balance.
Why Thomas’s Story is Inspiring
Thomas’s journey sends a powerful message: talent and intelligence deserve recognition, regardless of age.
For educators, parents, and society as a whole, he represents an opportunity to reflect on how to support children with high abilities.
Moreover, stories like his help normalize intellectual diversity, recognizing that each child can have a different pace and way of learning.
The fact that Thomas Manke, at just 5 years old, was accepted into Mensa highlights the value of curiosity, self-discipline, and intelligence from childhood.
His story shows that cultivating talent requires more than admiration: it demands support, a stimulating environment, and recognition.
Source: Só Notícia Boa
Parabéns Thomaz! Rita Maria Bezerra
Sou pastor de uma igreja evangélica no Rio de Janeiro, precisamente baixada fluminense Japeri.
Temos uma família com um filho com uma capacidade muito alta de inteligência. Ele tem 5anos saber falar inglês, japonês, espanhol, dominar a matemática. Está capacidade ele aprender sozinho vendo vídeos, sabe tudo sobre o corpo humano. Nós estamos assustado com esta capacidade de inteligência e supresos. E também os professores pediu aos pais para procurar um colégio de super dotados, porque eles não têm mais o que ensinar-lo.
Meu filho tem QI de 141. Mas não temos condições para pagar cursos e tecnologias suficientes para que ele possa ser reconhecido. Ele é autista nível 1, tem TDAH e super dotação com altas habilidades, segundo os laudos médicos.
Olá Silvana! Meu neto de 11 anos tem as mesmas características no que diz respeito a criança mencionada na Mensa. O QI dele também é acima da média. Também tem autismo nível 1 e super dotação com altas habilidades, segundo os laudos médicos.
Isso é fascinante. Minha opinião com poder da informática poderíamos postar em massa para o governo Brasileiro aproveitar o potencial desses gigantes pequenos. Criando escolas. Especiais. Para o desenvolvimento dos mesmos