Is There a Difference Between Academic and Giftedness?

Kids who have learning and thinking differences or other disabilities can also be gifted. This is known as being “twice exceptional,” or “2e.” But what does twice exceptional mean for Black and brown kids?

In this episode, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace explore how kids who struggle with learning can also have incredible talents and skills. However, for marginalized kids, these abilities are often overlooked. Gifted testing may be biased against them. The hosts also react to startling statistics about how few kids of color are in gifted programs. Listen for thoughts and advice on how families can get schools to focus on their kids’ exceptional abilities, not just their challenges.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• Gifted children’s challenges with learning and thinking differences
• 12 questions to ask your school about 2e students
• When gifted kids need accommodations, too (In It podcast episode)
• National Center for Education Statistics

Public school gifted or 2e programs mentioned in this episode:

• Montgomery County Public Schools twice exceptional students and services
• Chicago’s U-46 gifted and talented academy (in process of renaming)
• Aurora Public Schools definition of gifted and talented
• Arizona Public Media news article on Southwest Junior High

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give