The problem is that &quot;Taking care of the gifted kids&quot; is often upper middle class talking about their slightly above the average kids (IQ &gt;125) who they want into special schools.<p>I&#x27;m in the  98th percentile and I thought that I was special flower until I  started to study math and physics in university level. I met several people who I would consider actually gifted (IQ above 160 and intellectual curiosity to use that IQ). I quickly realized that my problem had never been my intelligence. It was the arrogance and laziness that came with being relatively smart. I could cope with everything and everyone if I tried even a little.<p>Many of these actually bright guys (and especially girls) had actual problems in their youth.  Taking part of International Mathematical Olympiads allowed them to use their noggin and meet others like them. Getting noticed and the ability to take university classes while minor was the lifeline that gave them purpose and mentoring they needed. They really benefited from being noticed when young.