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

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

At REEL, we are passionate about helping parents, students, and teachers build bridges in support of maximizing each child’s potential....

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.