In an educational system founded on rigid standards and categories, students who demonstrate a very specific manifestation of intelligence flourish, while those who deviate tend to fall between the cracks. Too often, talents and interests that do not align with classroom conventions are left unrecognized and unexplored in children with extraordinary potential but little opportunity. For twice-exceptional (2e) children, who have extraordinary strengths coupled with learning difficulties, the problem is compounded by the paradoxical nature of their intellect and an unbending system, ill-equipped to cater to their unique learning needs.
Twice Exceptional: Supporting and Educating Bright and Creative Students with Learning Difficulties provides cutting-edge, evidence-based approaches to creating an environment where twice-exceptional students can thrive. Viewing the 2e student as neither exclusively disabled nor exclusively gifted, but, rather, as a dynamic interaction of both, leading experts offer holistic insight into identification, social-emotional development, advocacy, and support for 2e students. With chapters focusing on special populations (including autism, dyslexia, and ADHD) as well as the intersection of race and 2e, this book highlights practical recommendations for school and social contexts. In expounding the unique challenges faced by the 2e population, Twice Exceptional makes a case for greater flexibility in our approach to education and a wider notion of what it means to be academically successful.
Industry Reviews
"The content of this book will be of value to all those working with students whose learning profile may be indicative of 2E." -- Special Educational Needs Magazine
"Scott Barry Kauffman has revitalized the ongoing intellectual discourse on twice exceptionality, bringing great minds together in this useful and timely anthology."
--Kiesa Kay, BSJ, MA, ACFI; editor of Uniquely Gifted: Identifying and Meeting the Needs of the Twice Exceptional Student
"Finally, an excellent thorough science based guide for the parents, teachers and therapists of the one in five children who struggle with a learning disability and have gifted potential. Scott Barry kaufman has assembled the worlds experts in twice exceptional children to inform the way families and schools can educate with an eye towards maximizing potential and minimizing struggle. A long needed and excellent resource." --Gail Saltz, MD, Clinical
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, The New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell School of Medicine; author of The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius
"When it comes to understanding people who learn differently, Twice Exceptionality (2e) is perhaps one of the newest and most important concepts available to us right now. In recent years, Scott Barry Kaufman has emerged as one of the nation's most potent voices for those who learn differently, so it is fitting that through his unique lens and under his leadership, this first of its kind volume would find its way to our bookshelves. He has thoughtfully
assembled some of the most essential minds from the fields of giftedness and intelligence to help us better understand 2e people of all ages and backgrounds.
And, in a world where multiple intelligences inevitably converge with multiple identities, this diverse compendium on Twice Exceptionality is important and timely reading that will help steer educators, families, advocates, policy makers and the generally curious into a place of deeper compassion for those who learn differently-something we especially need as we move into the next decade of the 21st century." --Marc Smolowitz, Independent Filmmaker
