10 Feb Virtual Gifted Testing
Gifted children demonstrate a range of characteristics that suggest that their cognitive and creative skills are next level. BTW, one size does not fit all. Some children are more gifted verbally vs. others are better with logic and reasoning plus some have an artsy/creative or visual mind.
Giftedness is often called G/T or Gifted and Talented and often stand out in these ways:
Language skills. Gifted children are often quite verbal and conversant before age two. Strangers will turn their heads seemingly shocked. Not long after, their ability to understand and relay sophisticated concepts becomes obvious. They frequently speak well, possess an advanced vocabulary, learn new words easily, demonstrate curiosity and seek thorough explanations of the world around them.
Academic and learning abilities. These kids are quick to absorb new ideas and integrate them into their daily observations. They are constant questioners e.g. many whys about how things works and why people act certain ways. They often have intense interests, perhaps for animals, space, but others are more advanced in drawing or assembling. The sophistication of these interests advances as they grow but usually stays well ahead of their peers. They display excellent memory and need little help in acquiring new skills. You will see MOTIVATION.
Making friends with adults. Because they relate better to those with similar interests they often prefer the company of adults or older children. On the other hand, average children might see them as weird or just reject them.
Insight into themselves. These children have self-reflective abilities far beyond their developmental level.
Unique ways to solve problems and connect concepts.
Impressive long periods of focus. When interested they can read or watch for hours. On the other hand, they may dismiss elementary concepts or complain schoolwork is too boring. This most likely happens in kindergarten and first grade when learning the ABCs or addition is far below them. Hence teachers must give them supplemental work after the basic work is done.
Recognizing gifted potential early has real value. When parents and educators understand a child’s strengths, they can provide appropriate challenges that keep learning exciting and meaningful. This doesn’t mean pushing children harder or faster; it means meeting them where they are and allowing them to grow at a pace that feels natural and happy.
There is also an emotional side to giftedness. Gifted children often feel things deeply. They may be perfectionistic, highly sensitive, or acutely aware of fairness and injustice. Without guidance, these traits can lead to anxiety or frustration. With support, however, they become powerful assets—fueling empathy, resilience, and leadership. When parents understand their child’s inner world, they can help them develop healthy coping skills and a positive self-concept.
Covid has given us one gift (no pun intended)..and that is facility with Virtual Psychoeducational evaluations.
Dr. Eisenberg can assess your child with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children V. Many parents think their child is gifted but these results not only confirm that but allow the Psychologist to tell you what skills or intelligences are most prominent and if any need work. The results help parenting and school placement.
The process involves 2 meetings. First Dr. Gary, parent and child meet to develop rapport so that the child is not shy upon testing. It is helpful to know some of their interests so that Dr. Gary and child can “connect”. Dr. Gary will then ask parents some brief history questions such as about their early language development and specifics about their play.
The test itself takes about one hour. Academic tests can be added to check their reading and math level. Parents get verbal results immediately and written ones in two weeks.
See Denver-eval.com for costs and contact information.