Gifted assessment for children and teens who may have advanced cognitive abilities.
A gifted assessment can clarify a child’s cognitive profile and help families and schools make informed decisions about enrichment, acceleration and educational programming.
Book an AssessmentWhy families seek gifted assessment
Families may pursue assessment when a child appears to learn unusually quickly, demonstrates advanced reasoning, becomes underchallenged at school or is being considered for gifted programming.
Advanced reasoning
Strong abstract reasoning, rapid learning, sophisticated problem solving or unusual depth of understanding for age.
Educational planning
Assessment results may help inform decisions about enrichment, subject acceleration, gifted programming or classroom differentiation.
Understanding an uneven profile
Some gifted children have uneven cognitive or academic profiles. Assessment can help identify both areas of exceptional strength and areas requiring support.
What a gifted assessment can include
The assessment typically includes standardized cognitive testing and may include academic measures, developmental history, school information and other measures when clinically relevant. The specific battery depends on the referral question and the requirements of the school or program involved.
Cognitive testing
Standardized measures assess abilities such as verbal reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning, fluid reasoning, working memory and processing speed.
Academic information
Academic testing or school records may be reviewed when the question involves achievement, acceleration or a possible discrepancy between ability and performance.
Clinical interpretation
Scores are interpreted within the broader context of the child’s development, learning history and educational needs.
Results and recommendations
Where appropriate, families receive a written report describing the child’s cognitive profile and recommendations for educational planning. Recommendations may address enrichment, acceleration, classroom differentiation or further assessment when learning, attention or emotional concerns are also present.
Insurance and direct billing
Direct billing may be available for eligible psychological assessment services. Coverage depends on your insurance plan, the provider’s professional designation and the terms of your benefits. Gifted assessment coverage varies considerably, so please confirm eligibility directly with your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Is gifted assessment the same as an IQ test?
Standardized cognitive testing is usually central to gifted assessment, but interpretation also considers the broader profile, referral question and educational context.
Can a gifted child also have ADHD or a learning disorder?
Yes. Giftedness can coexist with ADHD, learning disorders, autism or emotional concerns. When there are additional concerns, a broader assessment may be more appropriate.
Will the assessment guarantee admission to a gifted program?
No. Schools and programs set their own eligibility criteria. Assessment provides objective information that may support decision-making, but it cannot guarantee placement.
Considering a gifted assessment in Calgary?
Book an appointment to discuss the referral question and whether gifted assessment is the right next step.
Book an Assessment