Your son is definitely gifted. And 2E sounds very likely. His processing speed might be due to perfectionism, difficulty in maintaining focus on 'the boring stuff' due to underachievement or ADHD, or being naturally slow.

I would try calling local psychologist who do 'Psychoeducational testing' or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuropsychological_test which I think are the same thing, but I'm not sure. Start dialing and ask if they diagnose dysgraphia.

Those ACT scores are really impressive for a 7th grader (how old was he?) see http://www.davidsongifted.org/young...holars___Qualification_Criteria_384.aspx

You can ask over the phone if they prospective tester has tested many kids with ACT scores as 7th graders that are stronger than your childs, as a way of seeing if they 'get' gifted.

He just misses the DYS qualifying score. You may want to try to submit a portfolio to DYS and see if he'll qualify. Or have him take the ACT again next year.

I think a private tester is a good idea, because the achievement scores are a lot lower than the ACT and the IQ.

Best Wishes,
Grinity

Coaching available, at SchoolSuccessSolutions.com