What is 2e?


As I was recently cleaning up my teacher website, I clicked on links making sure they were still active and I noticed that my link for more information about 2e kids was no longer working. I thought this would be valuable information for parents to have so I searched the web for a similar link. What I realized is that there is very little information about 2e.


What is 2e? It stands for twice exceptional (sometimes called uniquely gifted) and it refers to children (or adults) that are gifted in one area and have a disability in another. In my classroom, I have taught students that have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or ADHD but also qualify (with cognitive testing)  for gifted services. Wikipedia (I told you there’s not a lot of information out there) says that 2-6 percent of gifted children are 2e. Of course, this is way up there on the list of underdiagnosed, and missed issues so this percentage is likely to be much higher.


I have often heard teachers say, “I won’t bother to recommend that child for gifted testing because with behavior like that there is no way that child could be gifted.” I have also heard, “She’s reading 5 grade levels beyond her age but still doesn’t know how to add and subtract, there is no way that child could be gifted.” Another way that 2e students are overlooked is that they may have compensating skills. They may be able to mask their disability with their giftedness and end up looking pretty average. One thing to look for in the classroom is inconsistency. This may be a sign for the classroom teacher to initiate conversations with this student’s previous teachers and parents to see if any patterns or clues emerge to further inform decision making. If a parent notices inconsistent grades, low self esteem or just suspect that your child is 2e, initiate that conversation with the classroom teacher as soon as possible.


The one size fits all approach to teaching is simply ineffective. One way that education can be individualized is to make sure that gifted services are being offered to the students that can benefit the most from them. In the case of a twice exceptional child, it is important to balance gifted services with the possibility of special education, reading or math interventions, behavior modification plans, extra time and help with handwriting, or the help of a psychologist depending on what type of disability a child has. Older children can begin to advocate for themselves but for younger students it is imperative that they have an adult in their lives to make sure they have a 504 plan, an IEP, gifted services or whatever else they may need.


It is a shame to see kids that are frustrated. Many times that frustration turns inward leading to depression, drug use or other problems. The real problem may just be that a teacher or a parent has not yet figured out a child’s strengths and weaknesses and tailored an education to fit those needs. 2e is definitely an issue that needs more attention. After all, if one doesn’t know what it is, how could it be considered as a possibility?

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