In this monograph, the authors advanced a set of interrelated arguments: The abilities of individuals do matter, particularly their abilities in specific talent domains; different talent domains have different developmental trajectories that vary as to when they start, peak, and end; and opportunities provided by society are crucial at every point…

Longitudinal, retrospective, and cross-sectional data on the relationship between giftedness in childhood and adulthood indicate that children who became eminent adults did not necessarily fit conceptions of giftedness driving current school programs. The paper presents directions for school gifted programs and perspectives for families that are…