We often hear from parents who have noticed that their child seems to be ahead of their peers. For example, their child may be excelling in math, reading beyond their grade level, or showing remarkable curiosity. One of the most common questions we get is, “is my child gifted or are they just doing well for their age?”

While giftedness and high achievement often overlap, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s education, enrichment opportunities, and whether a gifted assessment may be helpful.

If you think your child might be gifted, you may be considering a gifted assessment to better understand their abilities and figure out how to best support them. These assessments provide valuable insights into your child’s cognitive strengths, learning needs, and their suitability for programs designed for gifted learners.

As a parent, you play a key role in helping your child feel calm, confident, and ready for the process, but it’s important to strike the right balance. This guide will walk you through what to do and what to avoid as you prepare your child for a gifted assessment in Calgary or elsewhere in Alberta.

If you're a Calgary parent exploring gifted program admissions for your kindergartener, you've likely come across the WPPSI-IV, a standardized IQ test often used in gifted and talented testing. Whether you're aiming for admission to Westmount Charter School, Calgary’s charter school for gifted students, or simply want insight into your child’s cognitive strengths, understanding the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) is a key part of that journey.

In this post, we’ll dive into what the WPPSI-IV is, how it works, and what you need to know as you consider gifted testing for your child.

Bluebird Psychology offers gifted assessments for various educational programming options, including GATE and Westmount. But when it comes to identifying gifted children, one of the most frequently asked questions we get from parents is “what is the minimum IQ for giftedness"? Having this cutoff score helps clarify how schools and specialized programs determine eligibility. In Calgary, this cutoff score can be a little confusing for parents because the answer is, “it depends.” Read below to learn more about what IQ scores are and what the minimum IQ score for giftedness is, depending on your program of interest.

One of the most common questions we get at Bluebird Psychology is, “at what age should I have a psychoeducational assessment done for my child?” Ensuring your child is happy, healthy, and performing at their full potential is a priority for any parent. However, sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may be noticing that your child is struggling academically, socially, behaviourally, or emotionally. In these moments, it can helpful to pursue a psychoeducational assessment to get answers and learn how to support them. While every child’s journey is unique, when is the right time to pursue an evaluation?

At Bluebird Psychology, we often get parents who are curious about their child’s writing skills. While sometimes these writing difficulties might be a result of something called dyslexia (maybe the most commonly known type of learning disorder!), there’s a lesser-known type of learning disorder that can really affect someone’s academic experience: dysgraphia. If you’ve ever wondered what dysgraphia is, how to spot it, or how to help, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!

Psychoeducational Assessments: A Complete Guide (What They Are and How They Help) - In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what psychoeducational assessments are, how they work, and how they can help children, teens, and even adults get answers, receive support, and learn how they learn best!

As women approach perimenopause, a transitional phase leading to menopause, they often experience a variety of physical and emotional changes. For those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), this period can present unique challenges. Understanding the interplay between ADHD and the hormonal fluctuations occurring during perimenopause is essential for effective management and support.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals of all ages, often presenting challenges in focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity. While the symptoms of ADHD are well-documented, the underlying causes remain complex and multifaceted. After a child or adult receives a diagnosis of ADHD, a common question is “what causes ADHD?” While that’s a complex answer, here is what current research suggests.

Did you know that Bluebird Psychology offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents ages 6-18? One of the biggest things we work on in CBT is fighting our brain biases or cognitive distortions. Brain biases lead to skewed thinking patterns, often causing us to perceive situations in unrealistic ways. These biases can negatively affect our emotions and behaviours, making it essential to identify and challenge them for healthier, more balanced thinking.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. When left untreated, ADHD can have a profound impact on a child's life, affecting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects the way individuals read, write, and spell. While dyslexia is often referred to as a single condition, it can be helpful to understand that there are different types of dyslexia to help with treatment and intervention.

As a concerned parent or caregiver, you may have noticed that your child is struggling in school or experiencing behavioral issues that are impacting their overall well-being. In such situations, a psychoeducational assessment can be a valuable tool to help identify the underlying causes of these difficulties and guide the development of effective interventions.

A valuable resource for adults concerned about potential ADHD symptoms is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1). This free screening tool, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), consists of a brief questionnaire designed to assess the likelihood of adult ADHD.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) stands as one of the most widely practiced and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. CBT is a versatile and form of therapy that can help children and teens navigate the complex landscape of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Every child is unique, with a set of individual talents and capabilities that contribute to their personal growth and development. As parents, it's natural to want to support and nurture your child's strengths. If you’ve noticed that your child is excelling academically and bored in school, one valuable tool in understanding and fostering your child's abilities is a gifted assessment.

As a psychologist, I am often asked about exploring the possibility that a child ‘s academic performance is being impacted by a learning disorder. In this post, we will delve into the world of specific learning disorders, understanding what they are, how they manifest, and the critical role of early diagnosis and support in helping those affected lead successful lives.

Gifted children have many unique traits that set them apart from their peers. If you are a parent or a teacher, it is important to understand the characteristics of a gifted child so that you can provide the appropriate support and guidance.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with childhood, but it can persist into adulthood, impacting various aspects of one's life.

Many child psychologist’s incorporate play in therapy with children. Play is not just a fun activity for children, but it is also an essential part of their development and mental health. Play helps children express themselves, process emotions, and develop social and cognitive skills.