Twice-Exceptional Children and Their Challenges in Dealing with Normality

Abstract

This article defines the term twice-exceptional as being gifted (highly able) and having challenges with learning or physical disabilities. The focus is on understanding these children, who are brilliant in one way but at the same time in some situations are at risk. The biggest challenges they face are misunderstanding and misdiagnosis. This article will assist those involved in the life and education of twice-exceptional children to help light the way towards better understanding them, focusing on their strengths and supporting them individually to change their life in an optimal direction. One million of our nation’s most promising, innovative thinkers—children who learn differently, not “deficiently”—constitute a neglected national resource.

Keywords

• gifted education
• psychology
• twice-exceptional
• animal-assisted therapy
• positive psychology