Dr. Melanie Hayes of Big Minds School discusses strength-based learning for 2e students, emphasizing focusing on strengths rather than just weaknesses. Strengths energize 2e kids, boost self-esteem, and guide future careers. Her Big Minds Unschool methods show how to integrate this approach anywhere. Parents can support strengths at home and in class to increase motivation, address challenges, and heal school trauma. Strength-based learning is key to 2e education.

Finding and nurturing student strengths is a critical part of supporting twice-exceptional learners, who are both incredibly bright AND experience learning differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia). Too often, the adults in their lives focus on shoring up their deficits, ignoring their immense talents and capabilities. Education professor M. Elizabeth Nielsen and educator L. Dennis Higgins observe “Many gifted students with disabilities view themselves as primarily disabled.