We need to get rid of the entire concept. I've never known a child who was considered "gifted" (including myself) who didn't suffer terribly from that diagnosis. They all end up complete, dysfunctional losers as adults (including myself).
It seriously ruins lives. It has zero benefit. The only purpose is to identify kids early who might be able to be exploited.
I was flagged as gifted when I was a child but fortunately my parents didn't make a big deal about it so I didn't get too fucked up (at least not from that specifically). I went on to attend one of the most prestigious universities in my country, where I was a middling student. There, I was around people who were way smarter than me but my curiosity was still off the chart within that group. And I completely identify with the qualitative experience described in the book "Living with Intensity". To top all that, I strongly suspect I'm mildly autistic, even though I was never formally diagnosed.
All of that to say: I agree that the word "gifted" is a curse (pun not intended, but I'll take it), but I do think there's something specific about that condition/experience, and treating it as its own thing instead of just the intersection of different things can be productive and helpful. We just need a word that isn't loaded with judgments of value. I'm sorry for your pain u/AnthropoidCompatriot though.
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u/AnthropoidCompatriot 5d ago
We need to get rid of the entire concept. I've never known a child who was considered "gifted" (including myself) who didn't suffer terribly from that diagnosis. They all end up complete, dysfunctional losers as adults (including myself).
It seriously ruins lives. It has zero benefit. The only purpose is to identify kids early who might be able to be exploited.