Dr. Michelle Bidwell is a Psychologist with The LodeStone Center and has unique experience with gifted children. She has given presentations to parent groups on the topic, and is listed as a specialist with a prominent academic facility that maintains a program specific to gifted children. Dr. Bidwell conducts all giftedness testing cases personally (we do not use interns or technicians for any of our testing services). If you would like more information on our gifted testing, please call 847-802-4058 or fill out our contact form.
What is Giftedness?
Giftedness can provide children with abundant opportunities, but only if it is recognized and developed by skilled educators that know the unique needs of gifted children. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) estimates that there are approximately 3 million academically gifted children in the U.S., representing around 6% of the student population.
Gifted children benefit from specialized academic environments and instruction. They may feel bored, under stimulated and unchallenged in traditional academic settings. As awareness of the needs of gifted children has become more prevalent, so have specialized academic programs that meet these needs.
What Does Giftedness Testing Entail?
There is no single test that is used in all cases. Sometimes an Intelligence test (IQ Test) is used by programs to categorize intellectual ability. In other cases, specialized testing that focuses on academic strengths such as reading or math can help identify those students that have an exceptional aptitude in a specific area of learning.
The process for giftedness testing involves and initial consultation that includes a detailed history. The testing itself can range from an hour to several hours, but is typically completed in one visit. After the tests have been scored, interpreted and written up as a customized report, the psychologist will meet with you to explain the results and make specific recommendations for your child.
Is Testing Covered by Insurance?
No. Insurance will only pay for services related to a psychological illness, and do not cover academic testing. We do charge a rate for this service that is at or under those typically quoted in this region of the country. We would be happy to give you a rate over the phone, so we can determine what tests would likely be needed.
How do I get more information?
Call or fill out our contact form. We would be happy to answer any questions you have.