What Parents Need to Know About Giftedness and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children
Does your child have an incredible memory, advanced vocabulary, or deep curiosity about complex topics—but still struggles with reading, attention, or emotional regulation? If so, they might be twice-exceptional (2e)—gifted but also facing learning or developmental challenges.
At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations to assess giftedness, ADHD, dyslexia, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Identifying twice-exceptional children early can help them receive the right academic and emotional support to thrive.
What Does It Mean to Be Twice-Exceptional?
Twice-exceptional children are gifted but also have a learning disability, ADHD, autism, or another neurodevelopmental condition. Because their strengths can compensate for their struggles, they often go unnoticed in traditional school settings.
Signs Your Child Might Be Gifted or Twice-Exceptional
1. Intense Curiosity and Advanced Thinking
Asks deep, thought-provoking questions
Understands abstract ideas far beyond their peers
Becomes intensely focused on topics of interest
2. High Sensitivity or Emotional Intensity
Strong emotional reactions, perfectionism, or anxiety
Difficulty handling frustration or criticism
Overwhelmed by loud noises, textures, or social interactions
3. Learning Challenges Despite High Intelligence
Excels in one subject but struggles in another (e.g., strong in math, weak in reading)
Avoids writing due to fine motor difficulties
Processes information slowly despite having advanced ideas
4. Social Struggles or Feeling “Different”
Prefers older peers or adult conversations
Has trouble understanding social rules
Feels frustrated by group work or structured school environments
Why Accurate Identification is Critical
Without proper identification, twice-exceptional children often get misunderstood as lazy, unmotivated, or underperforming. Schools may focus only on their strengths, overlooking the struggles that impact their daily learning. 2e children are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed because their intellectual strengths mask their challenges. Many 2e students go unidentified because traditional testing methods don’t fully capture their unique profiles.
At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we use comprehensive assessments tailored to identify both giftedness and learning or social challenges.
Ready to get started with a comprehensive evaluation for your child today? Contact us here.
