Gifted Children & Twice Exceptional (2e)

Giftedness refers to a child having abilities far above what is normal for their age. They may be a “genius” in some, though not areas. They may be unusually alert and curious, with an excellent memory and rapid learning skills.

Gifted children are often asynchronous in their development. This means that they may develop unevenly across skill levels. Often, intellectual skills are quite advanced, but fine motor or social skills are lagging.

Students who are gifted may also have a special need or disability— just as students with disabilities may also be gifted. The term “twice-exceptional,” also referred to as “2e,” is used to describe gifted children who, have the characteristics of gifted students with the potential for high achievement and give evidence of one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria. These disabilities may include specific learning disabilities (SpLD), speech and language disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, autism spectrum, or other impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Like other gifted learners, 2e students are highly knowledgeable and talented in at least one particular domain. However, their giftedness is often overshadowed by their disabilities, or these students may be able to mask or hide their learning deficits by using their talents to compensate. Sometimes a twice-exceptional child’s special education needs are overlooked until adolescence or later, or are never identified throughout his or her life.