The Truth About Twice-Exceptional Students: When Giftedness and Learning Challenges Coexist
Some kids are excellent readers. Some struggle with writing. Some seem brilliant in conversations but fall apart on standardized tests. And some—believe it or not—are all of the above. These are the children we call twice-exceptional, or 2e.
If you've never heard that term before, you're not alone. Even many educators and well-meaning professionals don’t fully understand what twice-exceptional means. But for the students and families living this reality every day, the challenges—and the confusion—can be significant.
Let’s break it down, bust some myths, and talk about how a thoughtful, comprehensive evaluation can help 2e kids get the support they truly need to thrive.
What Does “Twice-Exceptional” Mean?
“Twice-exceptional” refers to children who are both gifted and have a learning difference or disability. That might mean:
A child who’s incredibly verbal and creative—but has ADHD that affects attention and task completion.
A math whiz who can solve complex problems in their head—but has dyslexia and struggles to read grade-level material.
A highly imaginative student who can build entire worlds out of LEGO—but melts down during transitions or shows traits consistent with autism spectrum disorder.
In short, 2e kids are complicated—but in the best way. They defy simple labels. They might shine in one area and stumble in another. And too often, one side of that equation masks the other.
The Giftedness Can Hide the Struggles
Let’s say your child has an incredible vocabulary and a photographic memory. They speak like a little adult and love facts, science, and strategy games. At school, the assumption might be, “They’re too smart to be struggling.” So when their handwriting is illegible, or they can’t focus, or they constantly forget their homework, those red flags get missed—or chalked up to laziness or immaturity.
This is incredibly common with 2e students. Their strengths can compensate for their challenges, at least for a while. They find workarounds. They get by. But that only works up to a certain point. Eventually, the gap between potential and performance becomes too wide to ignore.
The Struggles Can Hide the Giftedness
On the flip side, some students are identified early on as having a learning disability or emotional regulation challenges. And because of that, their giftedness goes unnoticed. Maybe they’re pulled out of class for support and never get to show what they can really do. Maybe their anxiety or impulsivity gets in the way of participating in gifted testing. Or maybe their strengths just don’t show up in traditional ways.
When we only focus on what’s hard for a child, we can unintentionally overlook what’s exceptional. But kids are so much more than a diagnosis. They can be both challenged and brilliant at the same time.
Common Signs of Twice-Exceptionality
Every twice-exceptional student is different, but here are a few patterns I often see:
Inconsistent performance: High test scores in one subject, low scores in another
Frustration or perfectionism: They know what they want to do but struggle to make it happen
Creative problem-solving: Thinking “outside the box,” even if they don’t always follow the rules
Sensitivity: Emotional intensity, heightened awareness, or sensory sensitivities
Executive functioning struggles: Trouble organizing, starting, or finishing tasks—even if they “know” the material
These kids are often misunderstood. Their strengths can be seen as arrogance. Their challenges can be labeled as laziness or oppositional behavior. But what they really need is someone to see the whole child—the giftedness and the need for support.
How a Comprehensive Evaluation Can Help
One of the best tools for understanding a twice-exceptional child is a tailored psychological evaluation—not a one-size-fits-all screening, but a thorough look at their cognitive abilities, academic skills, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and more.
When I work with 2e students, I dig deep into their profiles to uncover:
Cognitive strengths: Verbal reasoning, problem-solving, creativity
Academic skill gaps: Reading fluency, math processing, writing challenges
Emotional or behavioral patterns: Anxiety, frustration tolerance, social difficulties
Learning styles and support needs: What helps them shine—and what gets in the way
With this kind of information, families can finally get clarity. You can advocate for appropriate classroom accommodations and gifted opportunities. You can understand why your child is struggling—and how to help.
2e Students Deserve Better
Too often, twice-exceptional kids fall through the cracks. They don’t fit the mold of a “typical” gifted student or a “typical” learner with challenges. They can feel out of place in both worlds. But with the right understanding and support, these kids can absolutely thrive.
They might take a different path than others—but it’s a path filled with creativity, insight, and incredible potential.
You’re Not Overreacting
If you’ve ever thought, “Something isn’t adding up,”—trust your instincts. Whether your child seems unusually bright but frustrated, or struggles in ways that don’t match their abilities, it’s okay to ask questions. You’re not overthinking. You’re advocating.
And if your child is twice-exceptional, you’re not alone. There’s a growing awareness around 2e learners, and the right evaluation can be the first step toward the support they need—and the recognition they deserve.
Dr. Jill Gottlieb offers individualized evaluations that explore both strengths and challenges, helping families better understand giftedness, learning differences, and twice-exceptionality. Serving children and adolescents across the Charlotte, NC area and beyond. Reach out if you would like to know more about the evaluations we offer.
