Common Myths About Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students

Myths About Twice-Exceptional Students 

Because twice-exceptional students have remarkable strengths, several myths about them have emerged:

Myth #1: “They’re just lazy or difficult.”

Myths about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students

A student might passionately discuss World War II, reciting battles, facts, figures, and political nuances with the depth of a history professor. Yet when asked to write an essay on the topic, they produce work far below grade level. Teachers and parents may assume the student is lazy, but the reality is that real skill deficits are getting in the way. The student may struggle with executive functioning, making it difficult to organize thoughts logically. They could have dysgraphia, a learning disorder affecting writing ability, or slow processing speed, which makes completing tasks laborious and frustrating. These challenges, not lack of effort, often prevent the student from demonstrating what they truly know.

Myth #2: “They’ll be fine because they’re gifted.”

As we saw in Myth #1, 2e learners may have exceptional strengths, but this does not guarantee academic success. They may struggle to complete schoolwork at the expected pace or may be unable to demonstrate their abilities because they are overcompensating for their challenges. In either case, they often work much harder than their peers yet still fall short of expectations. Combined with social, emotional, or sensory challenges, and the fact that many 2e students are overlooked for IEPs or other supports - this can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and school avoidance. Without appropriate support, even highly gifted learners may struggle to thrive and reach their potential.

Myth #3: “We should focus all our time on a 2e learner’s weaknesses.”

While it’s important to support 2e students in areas of difficulty, spending all their time on weaknesses can lead to burnout and low self-esteem. Imagine working eight hours a day on something you struggle with—and then having to continue at home! Now imagine if, instead, they had opportunities both during and after school to focus on their strengths. For example, if writing is a challenge but music is a strength, a student could compose a song to demonstrate what they learned in class, write a persuasive letter to a music producer, and perform in front of their peers. Focusing on strengths helps children build confidence, develop resilience, and create a foundation for tackling challenges more effectively.

Myth #4: “2e learners can’t get an IEP if they have good grades.”

Good grades alone cannot be a basis for denying eligibility. However, a child's grades can be considered. IDEA calls this out specifically - each State must ensure that FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is available to any individual child with a disability who needs special education and related services, even though the child has not failed or been retained in a course or grade, and is advancing from grade to grade. Under IDEA, any of the 13 identified “disabilities” may affect a student behaviorally, emotionally, academically, etc., and must be supported by the school. We see in 2e students quite often that good grades can include debilitating anxiety or depression. Children can keep it together at school, but they fall apart at home. IEPs can help address these types of outcomes by providing students with more support in the classroom. While grades should not preclude a student from an IEP, they can make it more challenging to receive one, often because educators may not see the struggle a student is having. If the struggle happens at home, educators may not be aware of the “spiky” profiles of 2e learners. Or, educators may be so focused on meeting the needs of students with lower “performance”, that those students who are “performing” close to or at grade level academically are missed.

For more information, please see REEL’s A Parent's Guide to IEPs for Twice-Exceptional Students. Unsure if you have a twice-exceptional child or student? View our twice-exceptional (2e) checklist for signs.