Celebrating Twice‑Exceptional (2e) Learners on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we honor the brilliance, complexity, and resilience of twice‑exceptional (2e) learners—children who are both gifted and have a disability or learning difference. Because their strengths and challenges often mask one another, 2e learners may slip through the cracks—but the proper supports can help them thrive.

Below is a curated resource kit from NAGC that you can use whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or advocate. Let’s raise awareness, deepen understanding, and build stronger support systems for 2e learners—not just today, but every day. 

📘 For Educators / Schools

These resources are designed to support classroom teachers, gifted-program specialists, special educators, school psychologists, administrators, or anyone developing supports for 2e learners.

1. Teaching Twice‑Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classroom – A practical, classroom‑friendly book offering information about twice‑exceptionality, suggested accommodations, modifications, and collaboration strategies.
   View or Purchase the Book in the NAGC store

2. Twice‑Exceptional Gifted Children – Understanding, Teaching, and Counseling (Second Edition) – Delivers deeper understanding and recommendations for screening, identification, services for gifted students with disabilities. 
   View or Purchase the Book in the NAGC Store

3. On‑Demand Webinar: “Supporting Twice‑Exceptional (2e) Learners at Home and School” – While the primary lens is parent/family, educators will benefit from understanding how – and why – home‑school collaboration matters, and practical strategies for intervention. 
   Link → Register

4. Article/Blog: “Twice Exceptionality” – A succinct overview of what “twice‑exceptional” means, the complexity of identifying 2e learners, and why this matters in gifted education. 
   Link → NAGC news page

5. Book: Raising Twice‑Exceptional Children – While technically a family resource, it offers educators insight into the home perspective and emphasizes collaboration across school & home. 
   Link → NAGC store

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families / Caregivers

These help families better understand their child’s strengths and challenges, advocate effectively, and partner with schools.

1. White Paper: “Framing Twice‑Exceptionality” – Offers a research‑based deeper dive into definitions, prevalence, identification, and best practices for 2e learners.
   Read the White Paper

2. Parent Tip Sheet: “Serving the Whole Gifted Child” – Helps families understand how giftedness and disability can mask each other, navigate conversations, and support the whole child.
   Read the Tip Sheet

3. On‑Demand Webinar: “Supporting Twice‑Exceptional (2e) Learners at Home & School” – Tailored for parents and families, this webinar discusses how 2e learners interact with educational and mental‑health systems and provides meaningful strategies for intervention. View the On-Demand Webinar

4. Book: “Raising Twice‑Exceptional Children” – Gives parents a roadmap to understand the complex make‑up of a gifted‑plus child/teen, build self‑regulation skills, self‑advocacy, and collaborate with school staff. Purchase the Book

5. Join the NAGC Twice‑Exceptional Special Interest Group (SIG) – A way for families to connect with other parents, educators, and professionals focused on 2e learners.
   View the SIG

🧭 Why This Matters

Twice‑exceptional learners embody both remarkable potential and unique vulnerability: they may excel intellectually while simultaneously struggling with a disability such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum, or other learning or processing differences. Without appropriate supports, their gifts can go unnoticed and their challenges underserved.

By spotlighting 2e learners on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we affirm our commitment to educational equity, inclusive practices, and the belief that every child deserves to thrive.

📌 How You Can Get Involved

• Share this blog post on your school, district, or parent‑group social media to raise awareness of 2e learners and the available supports.

• Use one of these resources to host a mini‑workshop or discussion group with educators or families.

• Collaborate with local gifted education or special education teams to review existing supports for 2e learners and identify next steps.

• Consider creating a dedicated “2e Awareness” space on your website or newsletter to keep the conversation ongoing—beyond just December 3.