What will I learn about: the unique complexities of "twice exceptional" (2e) children, whose remarkable giftedness can often mask underlying learning differences like ADHD or sensory issues?

Understand the unique complexities of "twice exceptional" (2e) children, whose remarkable giftedness can often mask underlying learning differences like ADHD or sensory issues.

What will I learn about: the three core experiences of 2e kids—asynchronous development, perfectionism, and overexcitability—and learn to reframe their intense behaviors as signs of potential rather than deficits?

Discover the three core experiences of 2e kids—asynchronous development, perfectionism, and overexcitability—and learn to reframe their intense behaviors as signs of potential rather than deficits.

What will I learn about: effective educational advocacy by utilizing comprehensive testing to uncover your child's dual needs, enabling you to confidently collaborate with teachers on creative accommodations?

Master effective educational advocacy by utilizing comprehensive testing to uncover your child's dual needs, enabling you to confidently collaborate with teachers on creative accommodations.

What will I learn about: Apply the three-step "know-show-control" approach to deeply understand your child's triggers, teach empathy without shame, and build their autonomy through shared problem-solving?

Apply the three-step "know-show-control" approach to deeply understand your child's triggers, teach empathy without shame, and build their autonomy through shared problem-solving.

What will I learn about: prevent parental burnout by extending patience to yourself and finding vital support, validation, and mentorship within dedicated 2e communities?

Learn how to prevent parental burnout by extending patience to yourself and finding vital support, validation, and mentorship within dedicated 2e communities.

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Gifted and Distractible

Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child

Julie F. Skolnick

★ 4.1 / 5(21 ratings)

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Categories:

Psychology Education Parenting

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Have you ever wondered why children with extraordinary intellectual talents often struggle the most with everyday social and emotional challenges?
💡What if you could unlock your child’s full potential by shifting your focus from 'fixing' their weaknesses to leveraging their unique strengths?
💡Are you curious about the hidden link between giftedness and distractibility, and how understanding it could completely change your approach to parenting?

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Key Takeaways from Gifted and Distractible

✓Understand the unique complexities of "twice exceptional" (2e) children, whose remarkable giftedness can often mask underlying learning differences like ADHD or sensory issues.
✓Discover the three core experiences of 2e kids—asynchronous development, perfectionism, and overexcitability—and learn to reframe their intense behaviors as signs of potential rather than deficits.
✓Master effective educational advocacy by utilizing comprehensive testing to uncover your child's dual needs, enabling you to confidently collaborate with teachers on creative accommodations.
✓Apply the three-step "know-show-control" approach to deeply understand your child's triggers, teach empathy without shame, and build their autonomy through shared problem-solving.
✓Learn how to prevent parental burnout by extending patience to yourself and finding vital support, validation, and mentorship within dedicated 2e communities.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Gifted and Distractible

Mind Map

Gifted and Distractible

Understanding 2e Children+

Evaluation and Support+

Parenting Strategies+

Classroom Advocacy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8

What does the term 'twice exceptional' (2e) refer to in the context of the book?

A. A child who excels in both academics and athletics.
B. A child who is gifted but also has a learning difference or disability.
C. A child who skips two or more grades due to exceptionally high intelligence.
D. A child who requires both specialized schooling and at-home tutoring.

Question 2 of 8

Which of the following best describes 'asynchronous development' in a gifted child?

A. The child learns at a consistently faster pace than their peers across all subjects.
B. The child develops unevenly, such as being highly advanced in math but struggling with fine motor skills.
C. The child requires a strict, synchronized daily schedule to avoid emotional meltdowns.
D. The child mirrors the emotional maturity of the adults around them rather than their peers.

Question 3 of 8

How does the book suggest parents and educators view a 2e child's 'overexcitability,' such as a need to move around while listening?

A. As a behavioral deficit that requires strict disciplinary action.
B. As an intentional sign of disrespect toward authority figures that must be corrected.
C. As a coping mechanism and a sign of potential that requires nurturing, rather than just a deficit.
D. As an indicator that the child needs to be placed in a lower-level academic class.

Question 4 of 8

Why is comprehensive testing considered vital for identifying the needs of a twice exceptional child?

A. Because schools will not legally allow parents to advocate without a doctor's note.
B. Because a child's giftedness can mask their learning disabilities, and vice versa.
C. Because IQ tests alone are usually sufficient to diagnose learning differences like ADHD.
D. Because 2e children often intentionally hide their abilities to fit in with their peers.

Question 5 of 8

In the 'know-show-control' approach, what is the primary goal of the 'show' step?

A. To show the child who is in charge of the household.
B. To demonstrate to teachers how smart the child truly is.
C. To help the child expand their social awareness and understand how their behavior affects others without using shame.
D. To show the child their mistakes immediately after they make them so they learn a lesson.

Question 6 of 8

What does the 'R' stand for in the P.R.A.I.S.E. parenting paradigm?

A. Reframing: adjusting expectations to see challenges as differences rather than deficits.
B. Reacting: responding quickly to a child's meltdowns before they escalate.
C. Reasoning: using logic to talk a child out of their perfectionism.
D. Rewarding: giving the child a physical prize every time they complete a difficult task.

Question 7 of 8

When advocating for your child in the classroom, what does the A-R-T approach suggest you do first?

A. Argue for your child's rights using official legal documentation.
B. Acknowledge positives and express empathy toward the teacher's struggles.
C. Assess the teacher's competence in handling twice exceptional children.
D. Articulate your demands clearly before the teacher can make excuses.

Question 8 of 8

According to the book's advice on collaborative communication with teachers, how should parents handle complex or multiple issues?

A. Send a detailed, lengthy email so there is a permanent written record of every complaint.
B. Bring them up unexpectedly during school drop-off to catch the teacher off guard.
C. Request a meeting for deeper dialogue instead of overloading the teacher with lengthy emails.
D. Escalate the issues directly to the school principal to ensure they are taken seriously.

Gifted and Distractible — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
21 — Understanding Your Twice-Exceptional Child
32 — Strategies for Raising Your 2e Child
43 — Advocating for Your Child in the Classroom
54 — Final summary

Gifted and Distractible Summary & Overview

Gifted and Distractible (2023) offers research-based strategies to support children who exhibit both giftedness and learning differences. The guide helps parents and teachers move beyond misconceptions that intellectual talent guarantees social and emotional success, and provides strength-based tools to nurture these remarkable yet often misunderstood kids.

Who Should Listen to Gifted and Distractible?

Parents who want to see their gifted children thrive
Educators looking to support the gifted children in their care
Clinicians or other experts who work with 2e children

About the Author: Julie F. Skolnick

Julie Skolnick is an advocate who guides parents, trains educators, and advises clinicians on supporting 2e (twice exceptional) children – those who are both gifted and have a learning difference like ADHD or autism. She created the 2 Days of 2e virtual conference, which brought together thought leaders and resources to help 2e kids thrive.