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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Twice-Exceptional (2e)
DEFINITION
Twice-exceptional describes students who have both a disability (such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia) and giftedness. These students have advanced abilities in some areas and significant support needs in others — a combination that is frequently misunderstood.
WHY IT MATTERS
Twice-exceptional students are often underserved because their giftedness masks their disability or vice versa. They may be bored, frustrated, and failing simultaneously — and neither their giftedness nor their disability is being addressed.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Being twice-exceptional does not mean the challenges are less real because of the gifts. Advanced ability in one area does not compensate for genuine difficulty in another.