Twice Exceptional Learners
Gifted. Struggling. Both Can Be True.
Some children amaze adults with their creativity, insight, vocabulary, problem-solving abilities, or deep knowledge of topics they love. At the same time, they may struggle with reading, writing, math, organization, attention, or emotional regulation.
These students are often called twice-exceptional (2e) because they are both gifted and have a learning difference, disability, or neurodivergent profile.
Because their strengths and challenges can hide one another, twice-exceptional learners are frequently misunderstood.
Parents often hear comments such as:
"He's capable of
more if he would just
apply himself."
"Your child tests above
grade level, so there
can't be a problem."
"They're so smart—
they just need to try harder."
"If she can talk like that,
why can't she write it down?"
If these statements sound familiar, your child may be twice-exceptional.
What Does Twice-Exceptional Look Like?
Every child is different, but many 2e learners:
Show Advanced Strengths
-
Exceptional vocabulary and verbal reasoning
-
Strong creativity and imagination
-
Deep curiosity and intense interests
-
Advanced problem-solving abilities
-
Sophisticated thinking beyond their age
-
Strong memory for preferred topics
While Also Experiencing Challenges
-
Dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia
-
ADHD or executive functioning difficulties
-
Slow processing speed
-
Anxiety related to school performance
-
Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes
-
Difficulty demonstrating what they truly know
Why Twice-Exceptional Students Are Often Missed
A gifted student may develop clever strategies to compensate for a learning challenge. For example, a child with dyslexia may memorize words and rely on context clues, allowing them to appear successful for years. A highly intelligent student with dyscalculia may use reasoning skills to solve problems while still lacking fundamental number sense. Because these students often perform "well enough," their struggles can go unnoticed until academic demands become overwhelming, often surfacing in the later elementary years. The result can be frustration, declining confidence, anxiety, and a growing belief that something is wrong with them. Many twice-exceptional students spend years believing they are lazy, careless, or not trying hard enough when the reality is that their brains are processing information differently.
Let's Talk
Every child deserves instruction that understands both their strengths and their challenges. Maybe it is time to get your child a specialized tutor who can do exactly this.