Is Your Child Gifted? When and How to Seek Assessment

Gifted children aren't always straight-A students or well-behaved in class. Some gifted kids are bored and act out. Others are perfectionistic and anxious. Some are quiet observers; others are intense debaters.

Giftedness is about learning ability and speed, not always about achievement.

Your child might be gifted if they:

• Learn new concepts very quickly, needing fewer repetitions than peers
• Have intense curiosity about particular topics and pursue independent research
• Use advanced vocabulary or humour beyond their age
• Have strong memory for facts or information
• Notice patterns others miss
• Ask "why" constantly and challenge rules or explanations
• Become bored or frustrated with grade-level work

An educational psychologist can assess your child's intellectual ability through standardised tests (WISC, WAIS) and other measures. The assessment identifies your child's cognitive strengths and learning profile.

In many Australian states, schools identify gifted students and offer extension programs. You can also seek private assessment for a comprehensive picture.

Gifted children need appropriately challenging work. If they're not being challenged at school, they may become behaviour problems or develop anxiety. Options include:

• Acceleration (skipping a year or subject)
• Extension programs or gifted pull-out groups
• Enrichment (deeper investigation of topics)
• Subject-based acceleration
• Private tuition in areas of strength

Gifted children can struggle socially if their abilities significantly outpace their peers. They may feel isolated or misunderstood. Some have perfectionist tendencies or anxiety about not meeting their own high standards.

Connection with other gifted children, permission to fail, and validation of their feelings are essential. Ability doesn't mean they're less emotionally vulnerable than other kids.