Assessment of Gifted and High-Potential Children
Giftedness is a developmental characteristic, not a prize — and when it is misunderstood it makes life harder, not easier.
Frequently observed signs
- Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structure for age
- Intense, sustained interest in a narrow topic
- Early interest in abstract and existential questions
- Rapid learning and resistance to repetition
- A strong sense of justice; questioning the reason behind rules
- Perfectionism and avoidance of mistakes
- Difficulty finding shared interests with peers
- Sensory sensitivities: labels, sounds, smells, textures
High potential does not always look like high achievement
Some gifted children are bored, poorly adjusted at school and receive low marks. Boredom-driven behaviour is sometimes mistaken for an attention disorder.
The assessment process
Assessment begins with a parent interview; WISC-IV or Stanford-Binet is then selected according to the child's age and the question being asked. Results are interpreted as a profile — including any co-occurring difficulty — and translated into concrete recommendations for home, school and social life.
Twice exceptional
Giftedness can co-occur with ADHD, a learning difficulty or an anxiety disorder. High potential can mask the difficulty and the difficulty can mask the potential, so both are missed. A detailed cognitive profile is usually the only reliable way to separate them.
Let's talk for 15 minutes before you decide.
Starting therapy is a big decision. Let's meet first: tell me what is on your mind and I will tell you plainly whether ongoing work is needed and, if so, how we would proceed. You are not committing to anything.
- What we talk aboutWhat you have noticed at home, and what worries you.
- What you getA clear answer on whether ongoing work is needed.
- How long15 minutes, by phone or video — whichever suits you.
S.S.S.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should testing be done?
Which tests are used?
Should I tell my child the result?
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Appointment
A good day to talk it through.
You don't need to be sure. In a free 15-minute call, tell me what you have noticed and we will work out together whether ongoing work is needed.