Twice-exceptional (2e) students possess both high abilities and a disability. With their unique combination of advanced talents and academic challenges, 2e learners often do not fit neatly into a single category and can easily get lost in the system.

2e students are those who are both gifted and have a disability, such as ADHD, autism, or a learning disorder. These individuals face unique challenges as their exceptional abilities can mask their struggles, making it difficult for educators and parents to recognize both aspects of their needs.

Once identified, designing effective programs for 2e students can be challenging. Often, the focus shifts to remediation, overlooking their strengths. Educators must balance enrichment with necessary support while also addressing the social-emotional needs of these learners.

Difficulties with time management, organization, and study skills can lead to frustration for students, parents, and teachers, directly impacting academic performance. Given their unique mix of strengths and challenges, programming should provide targeted support in areas of need while also nurturing their talents.

When both exceptionalities are appropriately addressed, 2e students can thrive and reach their full potential. These students exhibit asynchronous development—advanced abilities in some areas while struggling in others. This imbalance can lead to frustration, underachievement, or misdiagnosis. Traditional educational settings may not always accommodate their dual needs, requiring specialized interventions for them to thrive.

One of the biggest obstacles for 2e children is proper identification. Because of their uneven development, they may not fit neatly into traditional gifted or special education categories. Schools often focus on either their strengths or weaknesses, missing the full picture of their needs. When intervention prioritizes remediation over enrichment, these students may feel disconnected and disengaged from learning.

Additionally, 2e students often struggle with:

• Executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, and task completion.
  
  
  

• Social-emotional challenges, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, or difficulty navigating peer relationships.
  
  
  

• Academic inconsistency, where they may excel in some subjects while struggling significantly in others.
  
  
  

Effective Approaches for 2e Education

To help 2e students thrive, educators and parents must adopt a strengths-based approach while providing necessary accommodations. Key strategies include:

• Differentiated instruction, allowing students to learn at their own pace while receiving targeted support.
  
  
  

• Social-emotional support programs to build resilience, self-advocacy, and coping strategies.
  
  
  

• Flexible learning environments, such as project-based learning or individualized education plans (IEPs), that address both their strengths and challenges.
  
  

Effective strategies for supporting 2e learners include:

• Strength-based learning: Focusing on their talents while addressing challenges.
  
  
  

• Flexible learning environments: Providing individualized instruction and accommodations.
  
  
  

• Social-emotional support: Helping students navigate frustration and self-esteem issues.
  
  
  

• A research-based organization dedicated to improving educational practices for twice-exceptional students through studies, advocacy, and teacher training.