What Does It Mean to Be “Twice Exceptional”? A Guide for Parents
Dec 21, 2024
When we hear the term “twice exceptional,” it might sound a bit like an academic riddle, but it’s an important concept to understand if you’re the parent of a child with unique learning needs. In short, “twice exceptional” — sometimes written as “2e” — describes a child who is both gifted and has one or more learning disabilities or other challenges. These kids have both exceptional strengths and notable difficulties, which can make their learning journey complex but also incredibly unique.
Let’s dive deeper into what it means to be twice exceptional, why it matters, and how you can support your 2e child in reaching their potential.
What Does “Twice Exceptional” Really Mean?
“Twice exceptional” refers to children who fit into two categories at once:
1. Giftedness: This often means advanced cognitive abilities, high creativity, or exceptional talents in areas like math, language, or the arts.
2. Learning Challenges: These might include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, sensory processing issues, or other disabilities that impact learning or social functioning.
For example, a twice exceptional child might be a highly talented artist but struggle with reading or have a knack for problem-solving while facing challenges with focus and organization. These dual characteristics make twice exceptional children incredibly unique; they have strengths that can sometimes mask their struggles and struggles that can overshadow their strengths.
Why Is It Important to Identify Twice Exceptional Children?
Identifying a child as twice exceptional helps teachers, parents, and support staff understand their unique profile. Without recognition, twice exceptional kids are often misunderstood.
For example:
Gifted Traits Masking Challenges: A gifted child who struggles with reading might still excel in other areas, so their challenges might be missed. Teachers or parents may assume they’re just “lazy” or “unmotivated” rather than realizing they’re struggling with a learning disability.
Challenges Masking Giftedness: Sometimes, a child’s learning disabilities make it hard to see their strengths. For instance, a child with ADHD who can’t sit still might be overlooked for advanced learning opportunities, despite their high intelligence.
When children are correctly identified as twice exceptional, they are more likely to receive the support they need, from both gifted and special education services, which allows them to reach their full potential.
Characteristics of Twice Exceptional Children
Twice exceptional children often exhibit some of these characteristics:
Intellectual Curiosity and Deep Knowledge: Many are intensely curious, diving deep into subjects they enjoy.
Creative Problem Solving: They may come up with innovative solutions or have a unique way of seeing the world.
Uneven Skills Development: Twice exceptional children might excel in one area while facing significant struggles in another, such as having advanced verbal abilities but poor executive function skills.
High Sensitivity: Some 2e children are sensitive to stimuli or emotions, which can impact their social interactions and make them more prone to frustration.
Being twice exceptional can sometimes feel like riding a roller coaster; kids might experience a mix of highs and lows academically, socially, and emotionally, depending on the day or situation.
How to Support Your Twice Exceptional Child
Parenting a twice exceptional child requires a blend of nurturing their strengths and supporting their challenges. Here are some practical ways to help your 2e child thrive:
1. Work with Teachers and Schools
Advocating for your child’s needs in school is essential. Since twice exceptional children often have unique learning profiles, traditional classroom settings may not meet all their needs. Talk to your child’s teacher and school about options such as:
Differentiated Instruction: Ask about opportunities to adjust assignments or instruction that challenge their strengths while accommodating their challenges.
Gifted and Special Education Services: Many schools offer a combination of gifted programs and special education accommodations. A 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be beneficial.
2. Focus on Strengths and Interests
Since twice exceptional kids often thrive when engaged in activities they’re passionate about, encourage their interests and talents. Whether it’s art, science, math, or music, supporting their strengths can boost their confidence and help them feel successful. When they see their strengths, they’re more motivated to tackle areas of struggle.
3. Build Executive Functioning Skills
Twice exceptional children may have difficulty with planning, organization, and other executive functioning skills. Consider working on these skills at home through small routines and step-by-step tasks. Games that involve planning, memory, and problem-solving can help build these skills in a fun way.
4. Seek Professional Support if Needed
Therapists, counselors, and educational specialists can provide support for children who need additional help managing learning or social-emotional challenges. Occupational therapy, for example, can help a child improve sensory processing, while speech therapy might assist with language-related challenges. If ADHD or anxiety is impacting their daily life, cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be beneficial.
5. Encourage Self-Advocacy
Help your child understand their own learning profile so they can learn to advocate for themselves. Explain that it’s okay to have both strengths and struggles, and teach them simple ways to ask for what they need, such as requesting extra time on an assignment or a quiet place to work.
Resources for Parents of Twice Exceptional Children
There are many resources designed to support parents and twice exceptional children. Here are a few worth exploring:
• Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG): Provides resources for parents of gifted and twice exceptional children, including webinars and articles.
• 2e News: This online magazine offers articles, research, and resources specifically about twice exceptional children.
• Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page: Offers a wide range of resources on both gifted and 2e topics, with articles, research, and advice from parents and experts.
• Books: “Twice Exceptional: Supporting and Educating Bright and Creative Students with Learning Difficulties” by Scott Barry Kaufman and "Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child" by Julie F. Skolnick provide insights and strategies for supporting 2e kids.
Twice exceptional children are uniquely gifted with strengths and challenges that require understanding and support. As a parent, advocating for both sides of your child’s profile — their talents and their needs — can empower them to feel valued and supported as they grow. It’s a balancing act that takes patience, but with the right approach and resources, you can help your child navigate their 2e journey and thrive both in school and beyond.
Parenting Alongside You!
Dr. Emma Hostetter and the Aparently Team
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