GIfted and Talented Assessments
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, we provide sensitive and individualised assessments to help families understand and support gifted children and teens. Giftedness is about much more than high test scores, it reflects a unique way of thinking, feeling, and engaging with the world. Our assessments are designed to recognise exceptional abilities while also understanding the social and emotional needs that often accompany them.
Understanding Giftedness
Gifted children often show early curiosity, advanced reasoning, strong imagination, or an exceptional memory for topics that interest them. They may ask big questions, learn quickly, or think deeply about ideas well beyond their years.
At the same time, giftedness can bring challenges. Some children feel frustrated or bored in the classroom, struggle with perfectionism, or find it hard to connect with peers who don’t share their interests. Others may appear disengaged or underachieving when their learning environment isn’t stimulating enough.
A giftedness assessment can help make sense of these experiences, highlighting strengths, identifying needs, and guiding the right kind of educational and emotional support.
What a Giftedness Assessment Involves
Our giftedness assessments are tailored to each child’s age, background, and presentation. They typically include:
Cognitive testing to explore reasoning, problem-solving, and processing abilities
Academic tasks to understand how giftedness appears in reading, writing, and numeracy
Discussion and observation to capture creativity, motivation, and emotional expression
Input from parents and teachers to understand how the child learns and interacts in different settings
Feedback and recommendations to guide school placement, enrichment, and wellbeing support
This process helps parents and educators see the full picture, recognising a child’s capabilities while ensuring they have the right level of challenge and care.
Our Approach
We take a whole-child perspective, understanding that giftedness can look different for everyone. Some gifted children are also neurodivergent or have learning differences such as ADHD, Autism, or dyslexia. Others may experience emotional intensity or anxiety alongside their abilities.
Our clinicians take time to understand each child’s strengths, sensitivities, and learning style. We focus on providing insights that help families and schools nurture confidence, resilience, and a love of learning, not just achievement.
After the Assessment
Following the assessment, parents receive a clear explanation of results and a written report outlining practical recommendations. These may include:
Enrichment or extension opportunities at school
Guidance for managing perfectionism or emotional intensity
Support strategies for teachers and families
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Referrals or community connections for gifted learners
Our goal is to help gifted individuals feel recognised, supported, and inspired, so they can grow into their potential with balance, confidence, and joy.
Costs and Referrals: No referral is required for assessments. Assessment fees vary depending on age and complexity. Please contact our clinic for a detailed quote and rebate information. (add in direct link to our book now page)
The psychological assessment of giftedness entails a comprehensive exploration of individuals' exceptional abilities, extending beyond mere IQ assessment.
It involves evaluating various aspects of cognitive functioning, academic performance, and creative talents through a combination of standardised tests and qualitative evaluations. This multifaceted process aims to provide a nuanced understanding of an individual's strengths and areas for growth, serving as a foundation for tailored educational planning and support to facilitate the optimal development of gifted individuals.
The assessment process typically involves administering standardised tests to measure cognitive abilities such as verbal and nonverbal reasoning, memory, and processing speed. Additionally, qualitative assessments may include interviews, observations, and portfolio reviews to assess creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and academic achievement across different domains.
Early recognition and support of giftedness is important, as it fosters an environment conducive to nurturing individuals' exceptional abilities and promoting their emotional well-being. Parents often seek assessments for their children when they exhibit advanced problem-solving skills, intense curiosity, or when they display signs of boredom and underachievement in traditional school settings. These indicators may suggest a need for a more challenging and stimulating educational environment to engage and support gifted learners effectively. By identifying and understanding giftedness early on, individuals can receive the appropriate resources and accommodations necessary to thrive.
