I'm not sure exceptional is the right word. I wouldn't even call it 'gifted'. Maybe its just being able to function better when the conditions are not ideal and the pressure is up, as opposed to when things are fine and there is nothing to worry about.
There are multiple definitions of gifted, including "having a special talent." It doesn't inherently mean that someone has a genius level IQ. By various definitions, 10 percent or more of the population can qualify for the label, last I heard, back when I was involved in such things.
