Definition:
A student who is twice exceptional (2e) is simultaneously “identified as gifted and talented in one or more areas of exceptionality… and also identified with a disability as defined by federal/state eligibility criteria” (from Twice Exceptional Kids: A Guide for Assisting Students who are both Academically Gifted and Learning Disabled by Rosemary Callard-Szulgit).
Source: Seth Perler
Some Common Characteristics:
(according to the Davidson Institute)
- outstanding critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- above average sensitivity, causing them to react more intensely to sounds, tastes, smells, etc.
- strong sense of curiosity
- low self esteem due to perfectionism
- poor social skills
- strong ability to concentrate deeply in areas of interest
- difficulties with reading and writing due to cognitive processing deficits
- behavioral problems due to underlying stress, boredom, and lack of motivation
Credit: George Doutsiopoulos
Note on 3e:
A 3e learner is someone who is gifted, who has a disability, and is culturally-linguistically diverse. These students experience the triple challenges of being advanced learners while having a disability while also having to navigate the majority school culture in school as a member of a social minority (and sometimes oppressed) culture. They have unique strengths and gifts, and require differentiated approaches.
If You Want to Learn More:
NAGC’s White Paper on Twice Exceptionality
Articles suggested by the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
Neurodiversity Podcast
Conversations with CAGT videos