This was me. They told me I was gifted at 5, but missed the part where I was on the autism spectrum. It led to severe mental health issues and substance abuse.

This was me. They told me I was gifted at 5, but missed the part where I was on the autism spectrum. It led to severe mental health issues and substance abuse. The only reason I'm not dead is because I finally figured it out, 25 years later. Now I can apply myself and am not so terrified by failure. I feel unencumbered for the first time. I can pursue my interests. I don't think telling 5 year old children they are gifted is helpful. There is no upside.