2e
resources to aid twice-exceptional learners, their families, and their teachers uncover brilliance
Embedded Files
What is
What is
Twice Exceptionality?
Twice Exceptionality?
There is no debating that along with giftedness comes certain challenges, or asynchronies. Now imagine that you are both gifted and have a coexisting disability. Your asynchrony just skyrocketed!
You have all of the characteristics of giftedness, but are dually challenged with any of a variety of weaknesses that are significant enough to be diagnosed as a learning, developmental, emotional, or behavioral “disorder” or “disability.”
You are “twice exceptional” or “2e.”
You are “twice exceptional” or “2e.”
You have the “potential for high achievement" in one or more areas to qualify for gifted programs at school- but may not be able to demonstrate it.
In addition, you have “one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria . . . specific learning disabilities; speech and language disorders; emotional/behavioral disorders; physical disabilities; Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); or other health impairments, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),”
but, your high intelligence allows you to compensate for your weaknesses, moderating their appearance or even hiding them.
The child's exceptional ability may dominate, hiding their disability; their disability may dominate, hiding their exceptional ability; each may mask the other so that neither is recognized or addressed. 2e students perform below, at, or above grade level.
Enriched/advanced educational opportunities are needed to develop the child’s interests, gifts, and talents while meeting the child’s learning needs through targeted support. This requires a dedicated team of multidepartmental teachers and specialists across the school.
Credit: George Doutsiopoulos
Page updated
Report abuse