Why gifted kids are late bloomers with executive function

A 2006 longitudinal study examined brain cortex thickness in 307 children over a decade, revealing distinct developmental patterns. Neurotypically developing children reach peak cortex thickness around age 8, while those with IQs above 121 peak at age 12, indicating a four-year delay. This delay can affect executive function development, leading to challenges in managing school responsibilities, particularly during the critical middle school years when expectations increase. Gifted children may excel in reasoning but often struggle with organization and focus, despite high parental expectations.