collaborative


GIFTED ASSESSMENT

kari Van Bebber, LMFT, Gifted Specialist

Amanda Handleson , LEP

Twice Exceptional (2e) Gifted Evaluations in Santa Barbara

Gifted & 2e Evaluations | Amanda Handleson, LEP Santa Barbara

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Evaluations.

Listen

We start with conversation. You share your story, your questions, and the moments that made you wonder. We listen deeply without assumptions.

explore

We use a tailored set of tools — IQ testing, qualitative assessments, and specialized screeners — to uncover your child’s cognitive strengths, social-emotional development, and hidden challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, or learning differences.

Connect

This is not just scores on a page. In a thoughtful post-assessment conference, we connect the dots between what we saw in testing and what you experience at home and school. This is a conversation, not a presentation.

Support


The written report is just the beginning. We provide a comprehensive, plain-language report with insights, recommendations, and next steps. Follow-up sessions and ongoing guidance are available as you put the plan into practice.

frequently asked questions

What is a gifted evaluation?

A gifted evaluation measures a child’s advanced abilities through standardized, quantitative testing (IQ testing for giftedness). While scores alone can confirm giftedness, they don’t tell the whole story. That’s why I collaborate with Kari VanBebber  to provide an evaluation that also includes qualitative gifted assessment (GQA). GQA looks beyond test data, capturing not only intellectual quotient but also a more nuanced understanding of your child’s gifts, sensitivities, and how their abilities play out in daily life.

Why include qualitative gifted assessment?

GQA is not an achievement test. Instead, Kari spends time experiencing who the child is—observing their gifts, thoughts, challenges, and learning what they need to find greater ease and happiness in their day-to-day lives. This process helps families see both strengths and needs clearly, ensuring that the evaluation reflects the whole child. When combined with standardized measures, qualitative gifted assessment provides a more accurate and ethical picture of giftedness, especially when twice exceptionality (2e) may be present.

What about twice exceptional (2e) learners?

For children who are both gifted and face challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety, the qualitative side of assessment is essential. Standardized scores may highlight advanced ability, but they don’t show how those abilities coexist with learning differences or emotional needs. A full evaluation that combines quantitative data with qualitative gifted assessment provides the whole-child picture—revealing both strengths and struggles, and giving families clear strategies to support their child in school and at home.

What makes your approach different from standard gifted testing?


Traditional gifted testing focuses narrowly on IQ or achievement scores. While those numbers matter, they can miss the complexity of giftedness. By pairing quantitative data with qualitative gifted assessment, I offer families a deeper and more ethical evaluation. In collaboration with Kari VanBebber, who is trained in Linda Silverman’s model, we move beyond scores to see how giftedness shows up in creativity, temperament, and daily life. This dual lens helps families understand both potential and needs.

Standardized test sessions are paced with breaks and flexibility so your child feels comfortable and at ease. Limited portions of testing may also be offered via telehealth if appropriate. Qualitative assessments are completed via telehealth.

What happens after the evaluation?

Every family receives more than just a score report. I take time to walk through results, answer questions, and provide recommendations that reflect both the quantitative findings and the qualitative observations. For gifted learners, this means understanding not only their intellectual profile but also how their abilities translate into real-world learning and relationships. For twice exceptional learners, it means a roadmap that honors their gifts while addressing specific challenges—so families leave with clarity and practical next steps.  Families often combine a gifted evaluation with parent guidance sessions

How much does a gifted evaluation cost?

There are three thoughtfully designed levels of gifted testing/assessment, ranging from foundational to comprehensive. The right fit becomes clear through our intake call, where we’ll discuss your child’s story and your goals. Costs will be reviewed and proposed after that conversation, so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.

Giftedness can take many forms, from bold creativity to subtle, complex thinking that isn’t always obvious in a classroom setting. This is why our assessments move beyond numbers to capture your child’s full story. Through a blend of research-based tools and collaborative perspective, we offer understanding that honors strengths, identifies challenges when present, and provides clear recommendations for next steps. If you’re ready to begin, we’d love to connect.

undeRstanding that sees the whole child