Many parents ask how to have their child identified as gifted. Testing can be expensive if you choose to do it independently of the school. We first suggested that you think about what outcome you are looking for. Common reasons parents ask about gifted testing include; the desire to get a child in a school gifted program, to have their child receive accelerated learning in school and to find enrichment opportunities outside of school.
If you feel like your child should qualify for a gifted program in school, you can ask the school to test. Note that there is not a requirement for schools to IQ test to identify a student as gifted, they can use other means and it is up to the schools to determine the criteria. We hear many anecdotes about children being denied from even being tested to qualify for a gifted program due to that student having an IEP or having an identified developmental or learning delay. In those cases, with children who are twice exceptional (2e), it can sometimes be helpful to have your child independently tested, though it can be pricey.
Grade acceleration is another reason why a guardian may ask to have their child’s IQ tested. Before going through IQ testing, we urge parents to work with their child’s school to see if they can do the evaluations and testing to see if the student is academically ready to accelerate. The child’s social and emotional needs and development should also be considered when looking for grade acceleration. Some schools can also provide enrichment while keeping the child in his or her current classroom, as an option. If you feel like your child’s needs are not being met, it may be helpful to find an advocate to help you navigate the process.
Finally, you may be considering IQ testing to be able to find enrichment opportunities outside of school. Institutions such as Center for Talented Youth and Davidson Gifted Have requirements for testing to qualify for programs. Information will be listed on their websites.
