Mike Woolnough from Colchester discovered that his son could be gifted. Here he talks about his experience.

"Like Deborah of Broxbourne (see Deborah's story in 'Gifted Children' under 'Your questions' ), I too discovered that my son was gifted, only this time the school didn't agree. He was so bored by the level of input at the school that he didn't bother; therefore his work was not of a very high standard. The school believed he couldn't be gifted, so he didn't get challenged intellectually. He became more bored and so on!

Eventually he was assessed by an educational psychologist and found to have an IQ of 145! The school conceded that I might be right, but things didn't improve a great deal.

At this point I discovered the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC); this was a Godsend. We found a local branch which held meetings once a month for gifted children and their families. My son was able to interact with other children of a similar level and engage in really stimulating activities. He found some meaning to life again.

The Association was also a life saver for us as parents and were very supportive. They can offer a mediation service to help sort out situations with schools that look like reaching an impasse, with the child's needs being paramount. They aren't always going to take the parent's side if they think the school has got it right! But equally, they will support the parent if they feel that the school is not providing for the child's needs.

They can be found on the web at www.nagcbritain.org.uk or by phone on 0845 450 0221. They are well worth checking out."

Mike Woolnough, Colchester.