As parents and educators, we have traditionally been trained to look at our neurodivergent  children through a deficits-based lens, focusing more on what they struggle with than on the  unique strengths and cognitive abilities that can contribute to their personal growth and success.  In part, that’s because it’s easier to see what’s difficult. We know when reading or focus is hard  for our children. We see the frustration that comes with having difficulty managing transition

Meet Caleb. He’s gifted, with extremely high verbal comprehension, while at the same time, his dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD means he struggles to read, write, and act like everyone else. This results in an interesting mix - he is fiercely independent, creative, and inquisitive. He’s always coming at things from a different angle, and putting disparate things together - both physical things and abstract concepts. He loves to think, talk, and make connections, but resists put

TL;DR An IEE is a parent-requested second opinion when they disagree with a school evaluation. The school must either fund the IEE or file for due process. IEEs are especially important for twice-exceptional students whose needs are often masked by strong grades. Families are not limited to a district’s preferred evaluator list. Schools must consider IEE findings, even if they do not adopt every recommendation. One of the most important protections available to families navig

This discussion featured Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a licensed clinical psychologist, who explored the complex relationship between motivation, burnout, and neurodivergence in twice-exceptional (2E) learners. The discussion provided a deep dive into how ADHD, autism, and giftedness uniquely impact a student's ability to engage with tasks and move toward their goals.

In my work as a Licensed Educational Psychologist, one question comes up more than almost any other. After parents share what their child is struggling with, such as difficulty focusing, staying organized, or managing big emotions, they often pause and ask, “Is this ADHD, anxiety, or both?” If you’ve ever found yourself puzzling over your child’s struggles with attention, organization, or emotional regulation, you’re not alone. When behaviors overlap, it can be hard to tell w

If you’re parenting a child who is both wonderfully bright and wired a little differently, you’ve probably seen just how incredible their mind can be and how frustrated they can get when everyday tasks feel harder than they “should” be. Many twice-exceptional (2e) learners have incredible abilities, yet still face real challenges with executive functioning , communication, and day-to-day routines.  The good news is that with the right support, your child can learn the skills

Courtney will share insights from both lived experience and professional practice, offering reassurance, perspective, and practical ways to make this demanding parenting journey more sustainable.

Welcome to the first in a series of educator case studies, where we hear from school leaders about what they’re doing to support neurodivergent and 2e learners in their schools. We’ll hear practical tips and advice from both public and private schools about what is working for their communities. The first article is on flexibility, belonging and UDL from Victoria Trevor, Head of School at Athena Academy and member of REEL's Educator Advisory Group . If there is one thing tha