Too many parents of GCT kids seem to believe the myth that gifted kids can make it on their own. These parents fail to demand the programs and services that their kids need. There is a lot more at stake than education. Research data makes it quite clear that we are literally fighting for our kids' futures - and maybe even their lives.

National studies show that GCT kids drop out of school at a rate 3 times the national average. Reports suggest that GCT kids are at higher risk for in-school accidents associated with greater responsibility, AV and other electrical equipment, and physical tasks such as setting up tables and moving AV carts. There are also reports of devastating consequences from science projects and psychological games and surveys. Too many kids have died or been seriously injured to ignore these hazards.

But new evidence shows even greater dangers. GCT kids are at high risk for drug and alcohol abuse, depression, and suicide. No matter how hard anyone tries to convince them otherwise, GCT kids realize, usually at a very early age, that they are "different." This difference is especially difficult and painful during adolescence. Some kids try to cope by hiding their differences: becoming underachievers or drop-outs. Others turn to drugs or alcohol - some to seek acceptance, others to dull the pain of rejection, a few just to keep going. Depression is often the result. The suicide rate for GCT's of all ages is alarming. In her presentation at the 3rd Annual Conference of Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted Children and Adults (SENG) at Wright State University Stephanie Tolan noted that many GCT's battle thoughts of suicide throughout their lives.

We are all aware of the publicity regarding the use of drugs and alcohol by celebrities. The media frequently link this to money and lifestyle. But when you think of these stars as grown-up GCT's, the implications are quite serious. Several stars have talked openly about their early school experiences: isolation, lack of acceptance, not fitting in, being called a nerd, hearing things other kids didn't hear. We commend stars like Billy Joel and Barbra Streisand who talked about their early experiences on national TV. Hopefully many others will soon join them and create for today's GCT kids the belief that they can get through the tough times and that their "differences" will someday be valued.

Dr. Judith Kupersmith, former head of PACH (Performing Arts Center for Health) Clinic at New York's NYU-Bellevue Hospital, conducted a psychological survey of performing artists. Depression was listed as the most frequently experienced emotion by 84% of the participants. Loneliness was listed as a problem by 72%; severe anxiety by 62%; and sleep disorders by 52%. While many performers know that they have accomplished more than others in their age group and that they are sometimes admired for their talent, they feel cut off from the mainstream.

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