I joined Juliana on the Fast Brain Full Heart podcast for a conversation about what it really means to grow up twice exceptional, what giftedness actually looks like, why 2e kids and adults are so often misunderstood, and what truly helps.
When we talk about the “distractible” side of Gifted & Distractible, people may think about ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, executive functioning, working memory, processing speed, social-emotional challenges, or any number of other differences.
But the part people often misunderstand the most isn’t the second exceptionality.
It’s giftedness.
People often think of giftedness as being really intelligent, earning high grades, or learning things quickly. That’s just the frosting. The layers between the frosting is what I describe as a Three-Layer Cake.
A 2e person can demonstrate an extraordinary ability in one area while struggling tremendously with something that appears far simpler.
They might discuss a sophisticated concept years beyond what you’d expect for their age and then be unable to get themselves out the door on time.
Perfectionism can drive someone to produce exceptional work. But, it can also become paralyzing. Twice exceptional people often have enormous expectations placed on them by others or by themselves. Eventually, they hit something that doesn’t come easily.
When you’ve spent years being told about your “potential,” trying and failing can feel far more dangerous than simply not trying. “If I don’t try, I can’t fail.”
Overexcitabilities, or OEs, are another deeply misunderstood part of giftedness.
They can appear in these five areas:
Intellectual
Imaginational
Sensual
Emotional
Psychomotor
I think of these as intensities.
A person may need intellectual stimulation in order to engage. They may need to doodle, imagine, create, or approach an assignment differently. They may seek sensory input or they may avoid it completely. They may need movement. They may experience emotions with tremendous depth.
My book, Gifted & Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice-Exceptional Child, is available wherever books are sold. And if you’re looking for community and ongoing support, check out the Gifted & Distractible Parent Community or The Haystack for 2e adults.
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