The Curse of Being Twice Exceptional!

How funny is the term “Twice Exceptional”!! It totally sounds like it’s exceptional but doubly good, doesn’t it! Like as if exceptional wasn’t awesome enough you’re TWICE exceptional! Haha!!

If only.

Being twice exceptional, or 2e, is a term used to describe individuals who possess exceptional intellectual abilities alongside challenges associated with neurodiversity, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorders. While being doubly gifted is a unique and powerful combination, it comes with its own set of complexities and challenges, often referred to as "the curse of being twice exceptional."

The Gifted Mind:

Twice exceptional individuals often have gifted minds that operate on a level beyond their peers. They demonstrate remarkable talents, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills. However, this intellectual mind can lead to a sense of isolation, as these individuals may struggle to find like-minded peers who share their depth of understanding or interests.

Neurodiversity Challenges:

The flip side of being twice exceptional lies in the realm of neurodiversity, where individuals may struggle with conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, or autism. These challenges can manifest in difficulties with focus, organisation, social interactions, or processing information conventionally. The clash between exceptional intellectual abilities and neurodiverse challenges creates a complex internal mind that can be overwhelming.

The Social Struggle:

Twice exceptional individuals often face difficulties in navigating social situations. Giftedness may lead to heightened sensitivity or a preference for solitary activities, while neurodiverse traits can contribute to challenges in understanding social cues or forming connections. This dual struggle can result in feelings of isolation, leading to mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.

Educational Dilemmas:

The educational journey for twice exceptional individuals is marked by contradiction. While their giftedness demands intellectually stimulating experiences, neurodiverse challenges may necessitate specialised support. Striking the right balance can be challenging, as educational systems may not always cater to the unique needs of 2e learners, leaving them feeling misunderstood and underserved.

The Pressure to Conform:

The curse of being twice exceptional often lies in the pressure to conform to societal norms. Gifted individuals may feel compelled to downplay their abilities to fit in, while neurodiverse traits may be stigmatised, leading to a constant battle between authenticity and societal expectations. This internal conflict can result in a sense of not truly belonging anywhere.

Overcoming the Curse:

Despite the challenges, being twice exceptional is not a curse. With the right support and understanding, individuals with this unique combination of gifts and challenges can thrive. Here are some strategies to overcome the curse of being twice exceptional:

1. Advocacy and Self-Acceptance:

- Embrace and celebrate both the gifted and neurodiverse aspects of your identity.

- Advocate for yourself in educational and workplace settings to ensure your unique needs are met. Or advocate for your child if they haven’t learnt how to be their own advocate.

2. Community Building:

- Seek out communities and support groups for twice exceptional individuals.

- Connect with like-minded individuals who understand and appreciate the complexities of being 2e.

3. Tailored Education Plans:

- Work with your child’s educators to develop personalised education plans that address both gifted and neurodiverse needs.

- Advocate for accommodations that foster a supportive learning environment.

4. Therapeutic Support:

- Engage in therapy or counselling to navigate the emotional challenges associated with being twice exceptional.

- Develop coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.

One of my children were about 9 when I first found out he was 2e. I was finally able to stop asking “why can he pull apart an rc motor, and rebuild it better than before, yet he can’t find his shoes and socks!!!!! The struggles of 2e children and adults are real. I feel it. I see it in my children. I validate their feelings when we talk about their challenges. We work together to foster self-acceptance, build on strengths and advocate for their needs and when we collectively get stuck, or it’s not a parent’s job to work through some topics, we refer on for more specialised support, e.g. a psychologist.

Have you heard of 2e / Twice Exceptional before??