Gifted evaluations can often be conducted as early as age 5 or 6, depending on the child's developmental level and ability to participate in testing.

The specific test selected depends on your child's age, developmental level, and the purpose of the evaluation.

Commonly used measures include:

• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V)

• Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)

• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)

• Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales – Second Edition (RIAS-2)

The in person appointment involves approximately 1-2 hours of direct testing, though this can vary based on age and individual needs.

Yes. The evaluation includes standardized cognitive testing that provides an estimate of intellectual functioning and identifies specific areas of strength and weakness.

Yes. Recommendations are included in the report and may help guide educational planning and discussions with the school.

The fee for a gifted evaluation is $500. This includes testing, scoring, interpretation, a written report, and feedback.

It's completely normal for children to feel nervous about meeting a new adult or participating in testing. My goal is to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Before formal testing begins, I spend time getting to know your child, building rapport, and helping them feel at ease. Depending on their age and interests, this may involve conversation, simple games, puzzles, or other engaging activities. Most children quickly discover that testing feels much more like a series of interesting challenges and activities than a traditional school test.

Many children who are referred for evaluation have ADHD, behavioral concerns, anxiety, autism, or other challenges that can affect attention, motivation, or cooperation. This is something I work with regularly.

Prior to testing, we can discuss your child's specific needs and identify strategies that are most likely to support success. For some children, this may include frequent breaks, movement opportunities, visual schedules, or an individualized incentive system. Together, we can develop a plan that helps your child remain engaged and motivated throughout the evaluation process.

My goal is not to expect perfect behavior, but to create conditions that allow your child to participate meaningfully so that the results accurately reflect their abilities and functioning.

Yes. Some children are considered "twice exceptional" (2e), meaning they are both gifted and have another condition such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, or a learning disability.

Yes. Many families seek a private evaluation even after their child has been tested by the school.

If your child has previously completed cognitive or gifted testing, it is important that you provide copies of those reports before scheduling. Most intelligence tests cannot be re-administered within a short period of time because prior exposure to test items can affect the validity of the results. Reviewing previous evaluations allows me to determine whether additional testing is likely to be beneficial and helps me select the most appropriate assessment measures for your child.

In some cases, a different test may be needed to obtain valid results. Providing prior records ensures that any new evaluation offers meaningful information rather than unnecessarily repeating assessments that have already been completed.

In most cases, less is more.

I recommend telling your child that they will be meeting with someone who will be doing activities, puzzles, and questions to learn more about how they think and learn.

I would avoid using the word test because it will not feel like a test to your child.

If you have concerns about how your child may react to the evaluation, I am happy to discuss ways to prepare them before the appointment.

The best preparation is helping your child arrive well-rested, well-fed, and feeling relaxed.

Children do not need to study, practice IQ questions, or prepare in advance for a gifted evaluation. In fact, these assessments are designed to measure how a child naturally thinks, reasons, and solves problems. Attempting to "teach to the test" can sometimes increase anxiety, and it often leads to invalid results.

Before the appointment, encourage your child to get a good night's sleep, eat a nutritious meal, and bring any necessary items such as glasses, hearing aids, or comfort items if appropriate. Try to keep the day as low-stress as possible.