Supporting the Needs of Twice Exceptional (2e) Students
Raffaele & Associates helps families navigate the complexities of supporting twice exceptional children — those who are both gifted and have learning differences or disabilities.
Far too often, we see twice exceptional, or 2e kids, overlooked for special education services due to their high grades and masked needs. Our approach is tailored to address the unique strengths and challenges that 2e kids face, ensuring they receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive.
Masking the Struggle: Twice Exceptional Children
Gifted kids who are also identified as having a disability, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or executive function challenges, often face difficulties hidden behind their strengths. However, their gifted abilities do not diminish their disability needs.
Many gifted students develop coping mechanisms that allow them to excel in certain areas, while simultaneously masking their areas of weakness and making it harder for teachers and parents to recognize when they need help.
For example, a student with a gift for language might have an exceptional ability to express themselves verbally, easily engaging in complex arguments or sharing impressive storytelling.
However, this gifted child might also struggle with dyslexia, which makes reading difficult and time-consuming. The child may use strong verbal skills to compensate for the struggle with reading, perhaps relying on oral reports or cleverly summarizing written material in class discussions.
While this strategy allows them to succeed in the short term, it does not address the underlying challenge of reading and can lead to falling behind in academics, prevention of developing functional reading skills, and emotional distress.
Alternatively, consider a student who shows remarkable proficiency in mathematics, quickly grasping complex concepts and solving problems with ease. Despite this strength, the same student struggles with staying on task or completing assignments on-time, common challenges associated with ADHD. This presents a unique scenario where their exceptional capability in math conceals difficulties they encounter during long lectures or while executing multi-step assignments.
Teachers may overlook the student’s inattentiveness as merely a part of their personality, not realizing that the student requires specific strategies to help manage their focus and organization.
Without a nuanced understanding and a tailored approach achievable through special education services, the student might continue to excel in math but struggle in subjects demanding sustained concentration or meticulous planning.
2e Kids: The Emotional Toll
Without the right guidance and interventions, 2e kids can struggle to reach their full potential. 2e kids can become frustrated when they are unable to meet the expectations of grade-level work that they are capable of performing but need additional support to do so. Relying on demonstrating understanding in traditional formats, such as writing, can pose a significant barrier to 2e kids in fully accessing their education.
2e kids may struggle in social situations as well, particularly if they have autism spectrum disorder or anxiety. 2e kids may find it difficult to relate to peers given that both their intellectual gifts and learning differences may set them apart. This emotional isolation can worsen without adequate support for the social and emotional needs of 2e students. Further, 2e kids may feel isolated by their schools when their disability needs are set aside due to their above-average academic performance.
Identify the Twice Exceptional Child
In Pennsylvania, parents of twice-exceptional students can request a gifted multidisciplinary evaluation at any time, once per school term.
Raffaele & Associates regularly helps parents secure free evaluations, including those offered by school districts, as well as Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) conducted by professionals not affiliated with the school district.
These evaluations are crucial for identifying both the child’s gifted strengths and any learning differences, ensuring the appropriate support is in place.
Educational Evaluations: What to Expect
Educational evaluations are comprehensive assessments aimed at identifying both the strengths and challenges a student faces. These evaluations typically involve a series of assessments and observations conducted by psychologists, special education teachers, or other industry specialists.
The evaluation process determines need based on cognitive ability, academic skill, social-emotional development, and sometimes even physical attributes that may influence learning.
Evaluations may include functional testing, interviews with the student and family, classroom observations, and reviews of academic performance and history.
The Role of an Education Law Advocate
Having an education law advocate is invaluable during the evaluation process and to ensure continued establishment of appropriate education services. Our education law advocates specialize in understanding the legal framework around special education and gifted services, which can vary widely by state and school district.
We help families become fully informed of their rights and empower them to make sure their child receives the services they are entitled to under the law. Special education law associates can assist in interpreting evaluation results, creating an actionable Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, and make certain these plans are effectively implemented.
Raffaele & Associates can help you navigate complex educational systems and provide a voice for your student who may otherwise be overlooked. We help make sure a 2e child’s exceptional abilities do not overshadow the critical need for support in their areas of challenge.
Legal Guidance for Your 2e Child
We strongly encourage you to contact the special education advocates at Raffaele & Associates to provide you with full-service counseling and representation regarding the evaluation process and in making sure your child gets a comprehensive, appropriate education. (Read FAQs About Your Child’s Right to Gifted Education)
We specialize in working with parents to find support that nurtures both the gifted and the challenged aspects of a 2e child.
Whether through specialized tutoring, therapy, or recommending schools with a strong focus on gifted or special education services, the goal is to help 2e kids overcome their challenges and develop strategies to address their weaknesses, all while fostering and nurturing their giftedness.
