Gifted Testing

Gifted Testing in Lake Mary, FL

If you’re looking for answers to questions about your child’s aptitude and level of giftedness in order to determine if they qualify for specific programs at their school or in the community, gifted testing in our Lake Mary, FL psychological assessment practice may be the ideal option. You can learn more about gifted testing services on this page or by reaching out to our practice.

How Is Giftedness Defined?

According to the Florida Department of Education, “A gifted student is one who has superior intellectual development (typically an IQ score of 130 or above) and is capable of high performance.” The minimum criteria for determining eligibility for giftedness programs are:

  • Need for a special instructional program
  • Evidence of characteristics of the gifted
  • Evaluation documenting intellectual development

Common Traits of Giftedness

According to the National Association for Gifted Children, “No gifted individual is exactly the same, each with his own unique patterns and traits. There are many traits that gifted individuals have in common, but no gifted learner exhibits traits in every area.”

Below is a list of commonly observed traits in gifted children that may help parents determine if gifted testing will benefit their child:

Cognitive Traits:

  • Keen power of abstraction
  • Interest in problem-solving and applying concepts
  • Voracious and early reader
  • Large vocabulary
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Power of critical thinking, skepticism, self-criticism
  • Persistent, goal-directed behavior
  • Independence in work and study
  • Diversity of interests and abilities

Creative Traits:

  • Creativeness and inventiveness
  • Keen sense of humor
  • Ability for fantasy
  • Openness to stimuli, wide interests
  • Intuitiveness
  • Flexibility
  • Independence in attitude and social behavior
  • Self-acceptance and unconcern for social norms
  • Radicalism
  • Aesthetic and oral commitment to self-selected work

Affective Traits:

  • Unusual emotional depth and intensity
  • Sensitivity or empathy to the feelings of others
  • High expectations of self and others, often leading to feelings of frustration
  • Heightened self-awareness accompanied by feelings of being different
  • Easily wounded, need for emotional support
  • Need for consistency between abstract values and personal actions
  • Advanced levels of moral judgement
  • Idealism and sense of justice

Behavioral Traits:

  • Spontaneity
  • Boundless enthusiasm
  • Intensely focused on passions – resists changing activities when engrossed in own interests
  • Highly energetic – needs little down times
  • Constantly questions
  • Insatiable curiosity
  • Perseverance – strong determination in areas of importance
  • High levels of frustration – particularly when having difficulty meeting standards of performance (either imposed by self or others)
  • Volatile temper, especially related to perceptions of failure
  • Non-stop talking – chattering

What Is Included in Gifted Testing?

Gifted testing includes administration of a standardized test of intelligence. The results of the test are then scored and interpreted. You will receive a comprehensive report describing the results of the intelligence testing, including your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Lets Talk

Peace Of Mind Allows Positive Mental Health

If you have a high achieving child who demonstrates signs of giftedness, consider scheduling gifted testing with Dr. Emily Johnson. In her Lake Mary, FL practice, Dr. Johnson offers comprehensive psychological assessment services to help parents and children to better understand a young person’s strengths and weaknesses. She will provide resources to support, challenge, and guide a child to achieve their goals.