In our limited experience, gifted means having certain intellectual, emotional, sensory, or imaginative overexcitabilities to such a degree that intervention is required. We found the existence of these as well as high scores on aptitude tests did not correlate at all to achievement or interest/drive, at least in our child.

On the other hand, I find the concept of a caged cheetah compelling, and wonder whether certain gifted children--girls in particular--are wired in such a way and so adept at fitting in and meeting expectations that they fool us.

If I were more gifted, these answers might come easier. wink