“2e” is a term used to describe intellectually gifted children who also have a learning disability or neurological challenge, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These children have great potential for academic achievement, but their exceptional intellectual abilities are often masked or obscured by one or several conditions, making them one of the least recognized and supported populations 12.
The term “twice exceptional” is used to describe these children because they are exceptional in two ways: intellectually and in their disability. They think and process information differently from other children, which can make it difficult for them to learn in traditional classroom settings 2.
Identifying twice exceptional children requires special methods of identification and targeted educational supports that highlight a child’s strengths. Parents can help by researching common characteristics, understanding how twice exceptional brains excel, and learning how to uniquely support their needs in the classroom 1.
1: https://www.additudemag.com/twice-exceptional-adhd-signs/ 2: https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/twice-exceptional-definition-characteristics-identification/