What is Gifted Disabled?
“Gifted Disabled” or “Twice Exceptional” (2e) refers to individuals who are both intellectually gifted and have a disability. These students are exceptional in both their cognitive abilities and their special needs.
Characteristics of gifted disabled students may include:
- Advanced vocabulary and strong verbal skills
- Excellent problem-solving abilities in their areas of strength
- Struggles in specific academic areas or with certain skills
- Discrepancy between potential and actual achievement
- Frustration with the inability to master certain academic tasks
Common disabilities among 2e students include ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and sensory processing disorders. The combination of giftedness and disability can make identification and appropriate educational placement challenging.
Educators working with 2e students need to provide a balance of challenge and support, addressing both their advanced cognitive needs and their areas of difficulty. This often requires a collaborative approach involving teachers, special educators, and gifted education specialists.