Jbell281, Welcome!

You've received great advice already, here and here.

I believe that for new members, the first 5 post are held for moderation - they do not appear immediately. This can be confusing for new members. Yet it is important to follow board rules and not hijack a thread.
Originally Posted by board rules - Stick to the topic.
Stick to the topic. If you want to make a comment that will substantially change the direction of a thread, please start a new thread. You may write a comment in the old thread noting that you are starting a new one with a link. Do not “hijack” a thread.
To address your questions about how to determine whether your children are gifted, the definitive answer would be found in the results of IQ testing. IQ test results tend to stabilize around 8 years old, however children are often tested earlier if there is a pressing need. Here is a brief roundup of links on IQ testing:
1) How much error can there be in IQ test scores?
2) Hoagies list of Psychologists familiar with Testing the Gifted and Exceptionally Gifted
3) Test prep articles - one by Aimee Yermish, one by Nadia Webb
4) Hoagies list of comparative IQ scores: Highly, Exceptionally, Profoundly Gifted

Meanwhile, lists of characteristics of gifted children and lists of ages at which gifted children may reach developmental milestones may help indicate whether your children are gifted. Here is a roundup of lists of behavioral characteristics:
1) Characteristics of intellectually advanced young people
2) NAGC's list borrowed from the book A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children
3) Characteristics and Behaviors of the Gifted
4) Characteristics checklist for gifted children
5)Tips for Parents: Helping Parents Understand Their Profoundly Gifted Children
6) Profiles of the gifted and talented which lists 6 different types, categorized by personality/temperament and achievement.

Other important concepts to be acquainted with, when considering identification of gifted kids who may present differently:

1) Gifted kids may exhibit asynchronous development.

2) Gifted kids may also have a learning disability. When this occurs, the kids are called twice exceptional or 2e. IMO, some of the saddest stories are those in which a kiddo's "quirks" were dismissed or accepted by parents until the child was older and struggling (socially and/or academically and/or with organization and/or time management). I say sad because if these "quirks" had been correctly identified as a learning disability earlier, there are many remediation helps and accommodations available to assist the kids with their development.

3) The opportunities available to a child may play a role in being able to easily identify a child as gifted... examples in this old post.

Hope this helps. smile