Dyslexia Practitioner NJ
Gifted and Talented Dyslexia
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Gifted and Talented Dyslexia
Some students have both exceptional intellectual abilities and learning differences. These learners are often called “twice exceptional,” or 2e. At Dyslexia Practitioner NJ, we understand the unique needs of children who are both gifted and have dyslexia or another learning disability.
What Does Twice Exceptional (2e) Mean?
Twice exceptional students are those who are intellectually gifted, as measured by standardized assessments, and who also have a learning disability such as dyslexia. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) describes three main types of twice exceptional students:
Gifted students who also have a diagnosed learning disability
Students with a learning disability whose giftedness has not been recognized
Students whose gifts and disabilities are masked by average school performance and have not been formally identified
These students can easily be overlooked in typical school settings, where their strengths might hide their struggles and their challenges might overshadow their talents.
How Common is 2e?
Studies estimate that about 2 to 5 percent of school-age children are twice exceptional, though the actual numbers may be higher. Boys are more often identified with learning disabilities and therefore may be more likely to be recognized as 2e. Some research also suggests that dyslexia is more common among gifted people in spatially oriented fields like art, math, architecture, and physics.
Challenges of Twice Exceptional
Twice exceptional students are sometimes misunderstood or missed altogether in the school or IEP system. Their natural talents might be overlooked because the focus is only on remediation, or because their academic struggles mask their abilities. Diagnosing professionals may mistakenly believe a student does not need special instruction because of their high intelligence, or may fail to recognize giftedness if a student’s disability is more visible.
The needs of a gifted student with dyslexia are different from those of students with only one exceptionality. If a reading disability is not recognized and supported, it can hold back the development of a student’s academic gifts. At the same time, focusing only on a child’s disability may mean their strengths are neglected.
Supporting Gifted and Talented Students with Dyslexia
At Dyslexia Practitioner NJ, we believe that every student deserves an education that celebrates their strengths and addresses their challenges. Our approach for twice exceptional learners is personalized, combining enrichment and support in a balanced, encouraging way. We work closely with families to identify both talents and areas of need, and to develop strategies that help students thrive in school and beyond.
If you have questions about gifted and talented dyslexia or would like to learn more about twice exceptional support, we are here to help.
