Dr. Stacy Greeter presented "After the Diagnosis: Guiding Children Toward a Positive Neurodivergent Identity" for REAL, a nonprofit supporting twice-exceptional students. Drawing on her own late autism diagnosis, she contrasted deficit-based models with neurodiversity-affirming care, emphasizing strength-based framing. The Q&A covered age-appropriate disclosure, emotional regulation, finding community, and parental support.

Writing coaches Shu-Hsien Ho and Royd Hatta of Beyond the Box Learning help youth ages 7–21 write with power, clarity, and ease. Since 1996, they’ve used playful, visual strategies to teach essays, stories, and more through homeschool classes, summer camps, and Bay Area young writers clubs.

In this keynote address from the 2026 REEL Strengths Fair, neurodiversity activist and author Amanda Morin explores the transformative power of strengths-based communication. Drawing from her personal journey as a mother of neurodivergent children and her professional expertise, Morin argues that traditional "inherited" language often places undue emotional pressure and judgment on neurodivergent individuals.

Join Dr. Jessica Snowden Patel for an essential guide to neuropsychological evaluations. Learn when to test, why schools miss 2e learners, and what to ask.

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.

Jamie and Rainn’s talk, “Behind the Mask,” explored how 2E kids manage anxiety through masking, often appearing high-achieving while struggling internally. They shared personal stories as late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults and stressed the need for safe spaces where children can unmask and be themselves.

Discover how AI can support—or hinder—2e students’ writing. Learn when AI helps, when it harms, and how to foster joyful, strengths-based writing skills.

Self-regulation through the twice-exceptional lens is layered and complex. Many 2E kids feel deeply—whether it’s excitement, frustration, injustice, or curiosity—and that intensity is part of their gift. But without the right tools, that energy can be misdirected, leading to exhaustion, shutdowns, or misunderstandings. As Teresa Nyer explains, “This intensity is magnificent. So let’s make sure we can help with the right regulation tools to show up as the child they want to be

The panel, hosted by REAL, explored educational options for twice-exceptional (2E) learners. Speakers outlined REAL’s parent and educator resources, then discussed public school supports (universal accommodations, SST, 504, IEP), private school pros/cons and types (2E, specialty, gifted, micro, mainstream, hybrid), and homeschooling as a flexible, strength-based path. Q&A covered advocacy, fit, transitions, and prioritizing emotional well-being when choosing environments.

Learn about the five root causes of writing challenges plus the additional impacts of anxiety and perfectionism. We’ll discuss how to figure out what’s going on, and how to support each one. This session synthesizes various methods from specialists and private writing tutors and is full of practical tips and techniques.

After the screening of Left Behind we hosted a powerful panel conversation about the intersection of dyslexia and giftedness. This panel brings together leaders in the field of learning differences: --Dr. Fernette Eide, international expert on dyslexia and co-author of The Dyslexic Advantage and The Mislabeled Child, co-creator of the forthcoming movie, The Dyslexic Advantage. --Anna Cencioso, Founder and Head of School at Touchstone Learning --Mandy Hoff, Learning Specialist

In our Sept 2025 support group for parenting 2e kids, Heather, a parent and professional advocate, explores practical ways to foster warm, collaborative communication with teachers while also navigating the more challenging moments when accommodations aren’t fully understood or supported. Parents will leave with concrete strategies for framing conversations, reducing conflict, and keeping the focus on their child’s strengths and growth. Read the transcript here all of your sy