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High Intellectual Ability or Giftedness
Diagnostic Evaluation
Some individuals, whose thinking is fast, complex, and highly associative, may feel out of step with their environment. A cognitive evaluation identifies a high intellectual ability and helps understand the cognitive characteristics associated with it.
However, giftedness is first and foremost a valuable asset that supports social adaptation. When emotional or adjustment difficulties arise, they are generally not caused by High Intellectual Ability itself. A psycho-affective evaluation is then necessary to determine their true origins.
FAQ
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The assessment draws on previous reports (if available), clinical observations made during the sessions, and a battery of standardized tests administered in the office, both in written and digital formats. Together, these elements provide a detailed, nuanced, and objective understanding of the patient’s mental functioning.
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The first appointment focuses on an in-depth discussion of the patient’s history, current difficulties, and expectations.
This interview aims to:
Determine whether a diagnostic evaluation is appropriate.
Clarify the assessment protocol (tests selected based on the information gathered).
Explain the full evaluation process (number of sessions, duration, report, and feedback session).
Address any questions the patient may have.
Establish a trusting environment, which is essential for minimizing the impact of anxiety on test performance.
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It enables the clinician to:
Establish a diagnosis.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the individual’s mental functioning and its impact on daily life.
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Intellectual abilities: logical, conceptual, and quantitative reasoning.
Attentional functions: selective and sustained attention.
Executive functions: cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory.
Memory functions: short-term memory.
Visuospatial functions: 2D representation.