Children and teens can exhibit gifted abilities in various areas, such as academically, musically, artistically, emotionally, or intellectually. “Intellectually Gifted” refers to a child or teen whose intellectual abilities, creativity, and potential for achievement are so outstanding that the child’s needs exceed differentiated general education programming, adversely affects educational performance, and requires specifically designed instruction or support services. Children from all populations (e.g., all cultural, racial, and ethnic groups, English Learners, all economic strata, twice exceptional, etc.) can be found to possess these abilities.
Gifted Assessments for Children and Teens
Children and teens can exhibit gifted abilities in various areas, such as academically, musically, artistically, emotionally, or intellectually. “Intellectually Gifted” refers to a child or teen whose intellectual abilities, creativity, and potential for achievement are so outstanding that the child’s needs exceed differentiated general education programming, adversely affects educational performance, and requires specifically designed instruction or support services. Children from all populations (e.g., all cultural, racial, and ethnic groups, English Learners, all economic strata, twice exceptional, etc.) can be found to possess these abilities.
Signs of Giftedness in Children Include:
- early verbal abilities
- an ability to learn and process complex information rapidly
- inquisitive nature
- intense curiosity, as demonstrated by endless questions and inquiries
- ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers
- mature sense of humor
- creative problem solving and imaginative expression
- absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
- self-aware and aware of global issues
Gifted children and teens may demonstrate some but not all of these traits, as well as other characteristics not listed here. Every child is different.
Why get a gifted assessment?
Educational placement and access to enriched curriculum or programming are common reasons for seeking an assessment. It can also be helpful to understand how your child thinks and learns so that he/she/they can be challenged at the “just-right” level in order to capitalize on their potential.
A gifted assessment involves a parent/guardian intake interview and direct cognitive testing with your child. The results of the assessment will be described in a brief report, complete with recommendations for home and school programming.
If you are looking for a more complete picture of your child’s abilities, strengths, challenges, and needs, a comprehensive assessment of your child’s abilities may uncover a twice- exceptional learning profile. Twice-exceptional learners demonstrate advanced intellectual functioning with a concurrent disorder in learning, development, and/or mental health (or a dual diagnosis). A comprehensive assessment will provide a complete understanding of your child’s relative strengths and weaknesses and how these relate to educational and social settings.
Early identification is recommended because it permits early intervention, which is as important for gifted as for any other children with differentiated learning needs.
For more information or to book an intake meeting with Dr. Droucker, contact us.
