• Phone:  Orange County  949 892 9805
  
• Phone:  LA County 562 743 9520
  
• Email:    Dave@PalmerLearning.com

Many bright or gifted kids can do well in a good public or private school system.  But some need more in order to stay engaged and challenged - and to be able to connect  with others who share similar interests and traits.

Private testing is often the best place to start when considering options. 

Parents often seek an IQ test in order to get an objective view of their child's learning needs so they can make informed decisions.

How is my practice different?

• I am a recognized specialist in IQ testing and interpretation - my book on the subject has helped thousands of parents understand the testing process and find the right school program for their children.
  

• I use the most recent and widely recognized tests available. 
  

• I am able to accurately assess those at the upper extremes of the IQ range.  

• Some IQ specialist charge $1200 or more for an assessment.  Others charge separate hourly fees of 180 dollars or more for assessment, scoring, interpretation, report writing,  and consultation. I charge a reasonable flat rate of $450.
  

• My office is conveniently located in the heart of Laguna Beach,  California - a short walk to the ocean and downtown.
  

• Weekend appointments and home testing available.

• Out of state appointments welcome.

IQ testing can give parents the information they need to:

• Identify a child who may be overlooked by a school’s gifted program screening process due to social, learning, or personality traits which may be related to intellectual giftedness.
  

Many gifted kids do not do well on the group IQ tests that districts often administer as part of the screening process.  Individually administered comprehensive IQ tests offer more in-depth,  valid,  and useful information than do group tests.  Most districts will consider a privately administered IQ test as part of the selection process for gifted programs. 

• Help with educational planning.
  

Many gifted kids need educational enrichment programs in order to stay challenged and engaged during the school years.  An IQ test can help parents better understand or anticipate their child's learning needs and begin exploring options. In my assessment report I offer practical and specific recommendations based on score results. 

• Satisfy the admissions requirements for a private school program

• Better understand their child's learning ability and cognitive style

• Help understand their child’s unique behavioral or social traits

Characteristics of giftedness can sometimes be misinterpreted as symptoms of ADHD, a behavioral or emotional disorder, or even a form of autism. Although gifted children can certainly have these conditions, differentiating between gifted behaviors and the traits associated with such disorders can be tricky. The more information you and others have about your child's development, the better position you are in to identify the underlying causes behind any unusual behaviors.