Intellectually gifted children typically show heightened abilities in particular domains that indicate specialized instruction would be appropriate for them.  Schools in the community, as well as boarding schools, often require intelligence testing as part of the effort to better understand a student’s potential.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, as well as other versions, depending on the age of the individual, help parents to better understand their child’s functioning in the various areas, including verbal, perceptual, working memory and processing speed. Such scores, in conjunction with an assessment of the individual’s cognitive style, problem-solving approach, work orientation, and personality features, helps to better understand the child’s capacity to for a gifted curriculum.

Gifted children often have special characteristics  including:

--speedy processing
--understanding of complex relationships
--Philosophical sense of humor
--sensitivity
--are adept at problem-solving
--avid readers
--are curious and ask “how” and “why” often
--tackle problems, are goal-directed and well-organized
-are intrinsically motivated
--work independently at an earlier age and enjoy concentrating on tasks for lengthy periods of time
--derive pleasure from learning
--are fluent thinkers
--are sensitive to beauty and are attracted to things with aesthetic value

Parents should also be aware that there are delineations between intellectually gifted individuals and academically talented children, with those in the latter category typically working hard at their achievement and accomplishing it.  Both children can score high on standardized academic group tests, such as the Iowa Basics Tests, but each would relate to an accelerated and enriched curriculum in a different manner.

Additionally, some children are gifted with attentional challenges or learning disabilities. Frequently, in the public schools, such children are under-identified and under-served.  These children might have challenges with completing fine-motor tasks, resist doing homework (that requires steady concentration and focus), have challenges organizing themselves, express emotional dysregulation when stressed, and have challenges with multiple rote demands.  Additionally, other Twice Exceptional peers (gifted with learning challenges) might be excellent in the sciences and math, but have challenges decoding words, synthesizing the texts, or writing/spelling. Consequently, understanding each individual’s profile is critical to being able to meet their educational needs.