dual exceptionalities

Dual Exceptionalities, 2EE, Twice Exceptional

Is your child gifted plus?

Sometimes children who are intellectually gifted also have other issues which impact upon their learning. These might include having ADHD, ASD (including those previously known as Asperger's Syndrome) and Learning Difficulties to name only three. Identifying these 'dual diagnoses' is complex as often those who specialise in the diagnosis of one (eg Learning Difficulties) rarely have knowledge of gifted children. An assessment to determine whether the child is intellectually gifted as well as assessments to confirm, for example, a Learning Difficulty, will be necessary.

Some of the more ‘common’ Dual Diagnoses are:

Gifted and ADHD children

In the case of ADHD, a paediatrician may make the diagnosis and Gail can complete the IQ assessment which may be requested by the Paediatrician, for example.

Gifted and ASD (including those previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome) children

Please see the ASD page

Gifted and Learning Disabled children

The Gifted Learning Disabled student exhibits talents or strengths in some areas and significant weaknesses in others. They usually possess well above average ability in specific area(s); show a creative approach in specific situations but have identified deficits in learning processes. These deficits may be in reading, spelling, mathematics or writing. These areas will be below, or well below, the average expected for their grade or age. Their difficulties hide their superior intellectual potential and their giftedness is not attended to. An assessment to determine whether the child is intellectually gifted as well as assessments to confirm, for example a Learning Disorder, will be necessary. In the case of a Dual Diagnosis the IQ report will focus on educational and other accommodations for a child with dual needs.