Strengths & Struggles Map Instructions: Draw two overlapping circles, similar to a Venn diagram. One circle is labeled "Strengths" and the other "EF Struggles." In the overlap, identify the areas where gifted traits and executive functioning challenges intersect —this is often where 2e complexity resides, and we can begin to strategize scaffolding that works with a child’s strengths. (Refer back to the Example Strengths and Struggles Map for examples.) Circle 1: Strength

This cheat sheet is designed to help you better understand the executive functioning (EF) skills your twice-exceptional (2e) child may be...

Parents of twice-exceptional (gifted + learning differences) kids face challenges with executive function (EF) skills, which develop slower in neurodivergent children. Tools like the EF Vocabulary Cheat Sheet and Strengths & EF Struggles Map help families identify challenges and strengths. Involving kids in these exercises builds self-awareness and support strategies.

This is an example from our facilitated small group discussions. It is meant to help parents realize they are probably already scaffolding in some areas and how tailoring scaffolding to their child's strengths could be more helpful in finding the best way to scaffold their child.

The Hard Things Are Easy and the Easy Things Are Hard Many 2e children experience a mismatch between what the world expects them to be able to do and what actually comes easily. A child may struggle with “easy” tasks like tying shoes or organizing a backpack, while soaring in “hard” areas like mental math or storytelling. This reversal can lead to frustration, misunderstanding, and burnout—for kids and caregivers alike. Activity: Flipping Expectations Use the chart below to r

Do you have a question you’d like the column to answer? You can email asklucy@reel2e.org. My autistic 2e teenager is highly resistant to changing his ways of doing things. I've encouraged him to write down important events in his calendar, but he won't because he "doesn't need to" (even though he inevitably forgets). His inbox has nearly 4,000 messages because he refuses to delete or archive emails. Whenever I try to talk to him about this stuff, we end up in a tug-of-war. Is

As the school year winds down and summer begins, it’s natural to reflect on the past year—its challenges, milestones, and surprises. For families raising neurodivergent children, that reflection can often feel weighted toward what was hard. But here’s a powerful shift: What if we used this transition to focus on strengths instead? At REEL2e and Young Scholars Academy, we believe a strength-based, talent-focused approach isn’t just feel-good language—it’s a foundation for help

One evening, I was sitting at home, in a rare moment of quiet before bed, and realized I'd been spending almost all my time, energy, and...