The Double-Edged Sword of Being Twice Exceptional
Teens and pre-teens with different and advanced abilities often face more complex mental health challenges than their neurotypical counterparts. Here’s what you need to know about unusually talented neurodiverse young people and their unique wellness needs.
What Does It Mean to Be Twice Exceptional?
The term “twice exceptional” (2e) refers to individuals who are both intellectually gifted and have some form of neurodivergence, such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia.
Twice exceptional kids possess a unique blend of high ability and individual learning challenges. A 2e child might discuss advanced math concepts with ease but struggle to complete a simple math assignment. Or they may engage in deep, well-reasoned debates but have difficulty with reading or writing. These are classic examples of 2e individuals. They are bright, but their brilliance often doesn’t shine through in traditional academic settings.
Further, the concept of twice exceptionality is not just an academic concern; it’s a holistic one. 2e kids and teens often have asynchronous development, meaning their intellectual abilities and emotional or social skills may not develop at the same pace. This can lead to feelings of isolation and other complex mental health challenges, as they might not fit neatly into educational systems or societal norms designed for the “average” (neurotypical) student.
Exceptional Young People, Exceptional Mental Health Vulnerabilities
The same traits that make 2e individuals exceptional can also make them vulnerable. Their heightened sensitivities and intensities can lead to emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. The struggle to conform to traditional educational settings can also contribute to stress and low self-esteem.
Moreover, the unique combination of giftedness and neurodiversity often leads to a masking effect. Their strengths can camouflage their challenges, and vice versa, making it difficult for parents, educators, and even healthcare providers to identify and address their specific needs. This lack of understanding and support can exacerbate mental health issues.
Navigating the Complexities of Being Gifted and Neurodiverse
Parents and educators must be vigilant in recognizing the signs of twice exceptionality and the associated mental health challenges. Specialized support, such as individualized education plans (IEPs) or therapy, can be invaluable. Peer support groups and mentorship programs can also provide emotional support and validation.
If you or a family member has gained valuable insights from your own neurodiverse mental health journey, you can help countless others like you just by sharing your experiences and recommendations online. Consider sharing reviews of mental health facilities and providers as well as the strategies you or your family has successfully used in approaching neurodiverse wellness challenges.
Share Your Neurodiverse Story With ReGroup Foundation
ReGroup Foundation is a non-profit that helps neurodiverse and neurotypical pre-teens, teens, and their families anonymously share and benefit from mental health success stories. Too often, the best resources and practices in teen mental health care remain under the radar. We want all families to benefit from the triumphs of those who have been there, done that. We make this possible by collecting family reviews of local mental health caregivers and facilities as well as personal strategies for helping teens recover from wellness challenges.
In only 15 minutes, you can begin making a world of difference in the lives of other teens and their families—just by anonymously sharing your successes. Register today and start sharing your reviews and mental health insights!