Terman’s gifted children were better than average physical specimens. They averaged more than an inch taller than others of the same age in elementary school. Their birth weights were above normal. They talked early and walked early. When the tests started, seven out of eight were in grades ahead of their age group in school; none was below grade level. They read an unusually large number and variety of books, but reading did not interfere with their superiority in leadership and social adaptability.
These characteristics of the gifted children contradict the notion that the very bright child is a weakling and a social misfit. The evidence is all to the contrary. Superior intelligence in Terman’s subjects was associated with good health, social adaptability, and leadership.
The extent to which early promise was fulfilled by Terman’s gifted children can be estimated from their performances in adult life.