Giftedness:

• involves developmental differences in abstract reasoning, emotional sensitivity and intensity

• is the experience of being an outsider

• can be observed in very young children

• can be documented on measures of general intelligence

• is lifelong

• creates qualitatively different life experiences

• leads to a set of issues unique to this group, making them vulnerable

• indicates significantly different needs from the norm

• requires early identification, intervention and accommodations to assure healthy development. 

Schools for the Gifted

At GDC, we recognize that finding or creating an appropriate education for your gifted child(ren) can be difficult and trying. We've collected contact information from schools specializing in gifted education from all over the U.S. for your reference. 

For some gifted children, homeschooling or online schooling is more appropriate than a brick-and-mortar school. We offer advice and assistance in designing alternative schooling options.

Introduction to Advocacy

In our work with the gifted since 1979, it has been clear that gifted students fare better in schools when their parents (and teachers) are strong, knowledgeable advocates for gifted children. Yet, advocacy for giftedness can feel uncomfortable and many parents admit they don’t know what to ask for. WE CAN HELP!

What is child-centered gifted education?

Child-centered education focuses on the needs of the child.  It recognizes that each child is an individual, with individual and different capacities and needs. Child-centered education shapes its expectations to align with those individual differences. It acknowledges that children’s education includes supporting their social, emotional, cultural, and ethical development.

Child-centered gifted education works within this framework to understand, acknowledge and respond to the different capacities and needs experienced by gifted children. It acknowledges that gifted children exist in every cultural and socio-economic group (Silverman & Davis, 2021). It seeks to create a place where gifted children from all backgrounds can be authentic, experience a sense of belonging, and develop their strengths.

Visual-Spatial Learners

Creative, curious, out-of-the-box thinkers, Visual-Spatial Learners (VSLs) learn by intuitive leaps. They remember what they see and forget what they hear. They may forget details but remember the Big Picture forever. VSLs are skilled in pattern recognition, 3D mastery and visualization. Dr. Linda Silverman coined the term “Visual-Spatial Learner” (VSL) in 1981, and has been helping VSLs and their families for nearly 40 years. She wrote the book, Upside-Down Brilliance: Visual-Spatial Learners. We offer a multitude of resources, activities and teaching strategies for VSLs. Learn more here.

Have your child take this self-assessment to start your VSL journey.

Twice-Exceptional

Twice-exceptional (2e) children have both gifts and disabilities. For most 2e children, their unusual struggle, the persistence of their challenges, and the parental support required just to keep them at grade level are not evident at school. Because symptoms of giftedness and disability coincide/present simultaneously, each exceptionality may mask the other or the combination of both may make the child appear average to teachers. We help educators and families emphasize strengths to build the child’s self-esteem, while gently addressing weaknesses through interventions and accommodations. 

Complete this assessment of your child or student to highlight areas of potential weakness requiring further exploration. It is not to be utilized for diagnosis, but to determine needed evaluations. This scale may be used by schools and professionals with attribution.

Highly, Exceptionally or Profoundly Gifted

Gifted Development Center is world-renowned for its expertise with highly (HG), exceptionally (EG) and profoundly gifted (PG) children.  We can help you choose or create supportive learning environments in which to develop your child’s strengths, meet unusual needs, and protect emotional health and self-esteem. We can help your child find true friends. Our examiners have tested well over 1,000 exceptionally and profoundly gifted children from around the world. We enjoy their intelligence, their successes and their wit. We can qualify your child for programs for HG, EG and PG children, such as The Davidson Young Scholar Program, PG Retreat, and Epsilon Camp.

Adult Giftedness

Identifying giftedness in adults is just as important as it is for children. If you are an unrecognized gifted adult, it is important to know. You will:

• Gain greater self-awareness

• Develop your gifts for the good of all instead of hiding them to fit in better

• Find peers who truly understand you

• Become a good role model for your family

• See how giftedness affects your identity, as well as your life experiences.