Some FAQs on Giftedness
Why do we need to identify a gifted child?
To be able to understand the child and to give the child a learning experience that would match her/his abilities to enable the child to achieve maximum potential. Gifted children who are not stretched in their learning especially during the early years, may experience boredom, alienation, social difficulties and depression. This could lead to underachieving, failing to reach their full potential, and developing negative attitudes towards their early childhood learning experiences and settings.
Is there an ideal age for assessment?
It is recommended that children can be tested between the ages of four and eight. This is because IQ scores in younger children tend to be unstable due to a variety of external influences that may have a negative impact on the testing session. Different tests may cater for different age groups, depending on the skills that are expected based on age. The youngest age for testing pre-schoolers is at four. At a younger age, IQ scores can become depressed, as children grow older due to the ceiling effects of many assessment instruments. In general, testing is much easier and less age-critical for kids who are equally good at everything. I would recommend ages between 6-8 years as a good age for testing. Children whose gifts are more lopsided (assynchronous) need to be tested earlier to start intervention if necessary.
What are the tests available?
There are two major categories of testing – those administered to individuals (one to one consultation) and those administered to groups. There are many tests available today but a few are standardized and widely used. Two main widely used individual test administered are the Stanford-Binet (SB) and the Wechsler (WISC) scales, which are individual tests. Other individual tests include Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities, Cognitive Assessment System (CAS), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (CTONI), Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT), Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC), etc.
Examples of group tests are the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery, The Cognitive Abilities test, Scholastic Assessment Tests, etc.
(At Mind-Path, we administer the WISC-V)
Who is considered gifted?
Very briefly, gifted individuals generally demonstrate characteristics such as the extreme need to learn at a much faster pace due to their ability to grasp and process material to a much greater depth. This means that there has to be a match between their speed to absorb information and the learning provided. They also display strong intensity in energy, imagination, intellectual prowess, sensitivity, and emotion, which are not typical in the general population.
In terms of IQ, these children have an IQ of 130 and above (in the top 2% of the general population). Please note that there is exception to the case if the child has a learning disorder.
How do I interpret the results?
It is best to seek help from a reputed educational psychologist who is familiar with gifted children and who is able do the complete testing instead of having different administrators and scorers. It is crucial to note the behavioural responses as well during a test.
How accurate are the results?
There is no guaranteed accuracy of any IQ test. However, standardized tests would yield results that could be more accurate as it has high reliability and validity. Furthermore, these tests are revised after a few years to ensure applicability and accuracy for the current population taking into account the Flynn’s effect.
Are all gifted children at the same level with regards to their abilities?
Not at all. Generally, gifted children have IQ scores above the 130 mark on an individually scored standardised IQ tests. Some children may be prodigies in specific areas such as math, science, language and/or the arts, which may not be reflected, in their overall scores due to scatters in their scores. There are also twice-exceptional children that denote children who are both gifted and have learning disabilities; and may not perform well in some of the categories. A good educational psychologist will be able to interpret the scores and advise accordingly.
What are the merits of finding out if your child is truly gifted?
If your child is gifted, s/he may need an educational system that matches her/his abilities. If not stretched further, they may experience boredom, alienation, social difficulties and eventually depression. Gifted children, just like any special child at the other end of the spectrum, need a curriculum that matches their ability to learn at their individual pace.
What is the next step if my child is gifted?
Most importantly is for you to look for an educational match for your child. If the child is very highly gifted that even the school curriculum cannot be tweaked to meet her/his needs and acceleration is not an option, consider homeschooling. As a parent, be an advocate for your child. Read a lot and be prepared to handle your child. Before expecting teachers to understand your child, parents need to deeply understand their needs first. Remember, a gifted child can be very intense and this affects his/her behaviour, therefore accept the fact that your child may need to be handled differently from other siblings/children. Above all, encourage your child’s passion to learn but never push or coerce the child to excel in everything. Never compromise on your child’s childhood memories.