Assess cognitive functioning
The WISC-V or WPPSI-IV provides an objective view of cognitive abilities and possible discrepancies between them.
Gifted child · High Intellectual Potential
Recognizing High Intellectual Potential in a child
A gifted child, or a child with High Intellectual Potential (HIP), has very high cognitive intelligence compared with children of the same age.
High Intellectual Potential cannot be inferred from temperament, sensitivity or school achievement alone. It is evaluated with an age-appropriate psychometric test while taking the child’s overall profile into account.
Understanding giftedness in children
Very high cognitive intelligence compared with children of the same age
The expressions “gifted child”, “intellectually gifted child” and “child with High Intellectual Potential” all refer to cognitive ability at an exceptional level.
An IQ around 130 or above is the conventional reference point. Interpretation, however, should not rely on a single number: the psychologist also considers the different index scores, possible discrepancies and the conditions under which testing took place.
Beyond IQ
A personality that cannot be reduced to giftedness
Gifted children do not all share the same personality. Some characteristics are nevertheless often described by families who seek assessment: sensitivity, intuition, creativity, intense perception of the environment, many associations of ideas or very rapid thinking.
These characteristics do not identify High Intellectual Potential on their own. They become meaningful only when considered alongside the child’s cognitive, emotional and relational functioning.
SensitivityIntuitionCreativity
Sensory intensityAssociative thinkingRapid thinking
When feeling different becomes difficult
Giftedness does not prevent difficulties
A gifted child may thrive. But when there is a significant mismatch between the child’s needs and environment, boredom, anxiety, isolation, low self-esteem or disengagement from school may emerge.
Assessment can then help distinguish what may be related to High Intellectual Potential from difficulties associated with ADHD, a Dys / specific learning disorder, emotional factors or another difficulty.
What can parents do?
Understand the profile so the environment can be adapted
The first step is to determine whether High Intellectual Potential is actually present and how it fits into the child’s overall functioning.
Understand what is causing difficulty
Giftedness does not automatically explain every problem. Assessment helps identify other factors that may be involved.
Decide which adaptations are useful
Results can inform school and family decisions, including situations in which grade acceleration is being considered.
Help giftedness become a strength
The aim is for the child to understand the way they function and use their intelligence without feeling that being different must become a source of distress.
For parents
Books can help a child and family make sense of giftedness
Good books can help parents distinguish giftedness from stereotypes, adapt expectations and help the child experience very high ability as a resource.
Are you wondering whether your child is gifted?
You can begin with the online screening test or schedule psychometric testing directly.
