To say that Dr. McDonald is super intelligent is a bit of understatement. At the age of seven he is he currently world's leading child psychologist in both senses of the world. While he is not telepathic, his innate understanding of human nature and ability to pick on cues most people are unaware of. This can be very intimidating. This couple with his deep understanding of human psychology it is as if he can read people minds and reach their very id.