Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself (and my children) to the forum. I have two children DD (8) and DS (7) and we live in MA. My DD is definitely bright but it's my DS who, I believe, is gifted.

I love the kids' school. It's geared towards gifted/talented with multi-grade classes. The teachers do their best to meet each students needs to try to avoid having to skip but they'll skip if necessary. All of the classes pretty much work above grade level but in addition, DS was in the 2nd grade and doing their 3rd grade spelling, 4th grade math and his reading was 4 and still he scored easy As across the board (he was 6). This past year they did the Standford Achievement Tests and his score was almost perfect (he only got 10 wrong on the whole thing).

I am happy with their school, but now I'm thinking that I should have him tested to see if he would qualify for the DYS program. We've never had him formally tested before. There is no school counselor or psychologist because it's such a small school but I'm thinking that he would definitely benefit from an experienced counselor, especially as pretty soon the school may not be able to fit his needs. I also think that he would benefit greatly from being able to interact with others who are like him. I like the idea that someone could help guide me. I know he might not qualify...if he doesn't, at least I'll know that I've tried to everything I could for him.

Another fun fact about my son is that he was born with a rare disorder, Heterotaxy Syndrome (basically the body either reverses the position of your major organs or, as in his case, can't make up it's mind so some things are backwards, midline and/or have a unique shape). At first they weren't sure if he'd make it. He needed a couple of major surgeries, including heart, and then they were afraid that he would have learning disabilities (now the disability is that he learns too fast ) He just loves to do what's not expected!

Anyway, I've used this forum on occasion for years to read and learn from all your posts (thank you for all of your wisdom ) . It's funny because I've lurked for so long, I feel like I'm finally coming out of the closet!

Good for you for delurking! I'm very new to this GT world also, do I'll let those who know advise on DYS.

Your DS sounds very advanced indeed. I have two cousins (sisters) who I think were born with the same issue as your son. My mom never remembered the name but always discussed that their "insides were backwards".

Welcome!

Welcome! ...although you've probably been around longer than I have. I don't listen quietly very well ;p lol