Motivation and the Twice-Exceptional Learner

The Complexity of “Motivation” in Our 2e Children

A New Fall Series, Four-Week Facilitated Small Group Discussion for Parents

Wednesdays: October 21 and 28; November 4 and 11, 2026

7:00–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time | Virtual

Space is limited to 8 participants.

(SEE RETURNING COHORT INFO AT BOTTOM)

Are you looking for an expert led  small group that fosters supportive conversations and provides personalized practical strategies that truly matter to you and your family? Whether you are new to a 2e diagnosis or continually wrestling with the complexities, this is the group for you.

Why can a child spend hours absorbed in something they love but struggle to begin a seemingly simple assignment? Why do rewards, consequences, reminders, and even carefully designed systems sometimes fail to help?

Motivation in twice-exceptional and neurodivergent children is rarely simple. What looks like avoidance, resistance, inconsistency, or a lack of effort may reflect overwhelm, anxiety, executive functioning demands, or a need for greater autonomy and connection. When we look beneath the surface, we can better understand what our children need to engage and move forward.

During this four-week facilitated discussion series, we will move beyond the question, “How do I get my child to do this?” and explore a more useful one: “What is making it hard for my child to engage, and what might help?”

Together, we will explore:

• What motivation is and what it is not

• Why interest, autonomy, purpose, and connection matter

• How executive functioning, regulation, anxiety, and perfectionism can affect engagement

• What may be underneath avoidance, resistance, or “I don’t care”

• Practical, neurodivergent-affirming ways to reduce barriers and support motivation

• How to balance empathy and flexibility with expectations and skill-building

This is not a lecture series. Teresa Nair will facilitate conversations that connect current research and research-informed practices with the unique experiences and needs of each family.

We will draw from REEL’s extensive library of 2e resources and trusted network of professionals and experts while exploring what these ideas mean for you, your child, and your family. Together, we will build a supportive community where families can feel understood and learn from one another.

Whether you come to listen and learn or to share and explore, this space is for you.

Sessions will be held virtually and will not be recorded. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions whenever possible. Summaries and resources will be shared after each session.

What You’ll Gain:

• Expert Guidance: Our leader’s extensive background and innovative work reflect her deep commitment to creating inclusive and neurodivergent positive environments.

• Insightful Discussions: Understand twice-exceptionality (2e) and how it shapes learning, social, and emotional development. Explore why 2e children’s needs often go unnoticed or misunderstood and how to change this.

• Personalized Practical Tools: Learn strategies to address educational and parenting challenges, foster curiosity, and build supportive communities. Gain advocacy tools and strength-based approaches to leverage your child’s abilities and interests.

• Intimate Community: Connect with other parents facing similar challenges. Build lasting connections and share resources with parents who "get it."

Program At-a-Glance​

• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for a close-knit, supportive environment.

• Duration: Meets once a week for 1 hour over 4 weeks.

• Location: Sessions will take place on Zoom.

• Privacy: Meetings will not be recorded to encourage open and personal discussions. Resources will be emailed after each session.

• Facilitator: Led by Teresa Nair, M.Ed., REEL’s Parent Community and Services Program Manager.

• Cost: $280 for the full series (four one-hour sessions over four weeks).

Why Join Us?

This program offers more than just resources; it creates a welcoming space for meaningful discussions with a small group of supportive parents and a skilled facilitator who understands the unique challenges and joys of raising a 2e child. In this focused, inclusive environment, you’ll gain practical strategies and connect with a community that truly understands your journey, helping you navigate the complexities of raising a 2e child in today’s world.

About the Facilitator 

Teresa Nair, M. Ed., has a Master's in Cognitive Diversity in Education and a Certificate in Twice-Exceptional Education from Bridges Graduate School, along with over 20 years of experience in education and business. Teresa is a passionate advocate for supporting families and neurodivergent children. Her extensive background and innovative work reflect her deep commitment to creating inclusive and neurodivergent positive environments. As a neurodivergent individual herself, Teresa combines empathy with expertise, offering valuable insights, resources, and support to help both parents and children navigate educational journeys with confidence and understanding. You can email Teresa at Teresa@reel2e.org

Returning Cohort: Going Deeper Together

Tuesdays: October 20 and 27; November 3 and 10, 2026

7:00–8:00 p.m. Pacific Time | Virtual

Space is limited to 8 participants.

This returning cohort is for parents who have previously participated in one of Teresa Nair’s Facilitated Small Group Discussion series. Because participants already share a foundation in twice-exceptionality and neurodivergent-affirming practices, we can begin at a deeper level.

Together, we will examine motivation through current research, professional insights, and the real experiences of families raising 2e children. We will explore what may be underneath resistance or difficulty getting started, apply research-informed ideas to each family’s needs, and strategize together.

​Our paid parent support groups are for educational and general purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose or treat any physical or mental illness or to be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice.

​

Cancellation and Refund Policy: REEL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and relies on group fees to provide our many free services. Refunds can be requested until 14 days before the start of the group. After that we unfortunately cannot provide any refunds.