The "Former Gifted Kid" Problem Starts Earlier Than You Think

Gifted students are often the ones adults worry about the least. They make the grades, meet expectations, stay productive, and appear remarkably capable. But beneath that competence, many are quietly learning how to manage pressure, conceal struggle, and perform the version of themselves the world rewards most.Corey Alderdice, a national voice on talent and transformation, explores the idea that gifted students are often “masters of masking” and examines the complicated line between healthy adaptation and unhealthy self-concealment. Drawing on research around giftedness, perfectionism, motivation, and identity development, this episode explores why high-achieving students can become so skilled at hiding anxiety, boredom, exhaustion, and uncertainty — and why schools sometimes mistake survival for thriving. Along the way, Corey reflects on the “former gifted kid” phenomenon, the hidden costs of performance-based identity, and what real talent development should look like if the goal is not simply producing impressive students, but helping young people become healthy, resilient, fully human adults.For additional thoughts from Corey, visit coreyalderdice.com.You can also follow him on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube, Instagram, and Threads.