Take a Chance on Twice-Exceptional Learners: Seeing Beyond the Struggle

Location: Tundra AB

Description: Many twice-exceptional (2e) learners go unrecognized or misunderstood because their cognitive strengths are hidden behind anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, or emotional intensity. This session, led by a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, will offer insights into how giftedness and mental health intersect – and how to reframe emotional and behavioral concerns in light of intellectual and creative potential. Participants will learn how to support 2e learners in educational settings and at home using a strengths-based, developmentally informed lens. Case examples and practical strategies will be shared, along with ideas for systems-level change.

Participant Outcomes:

1. Understand the core features and challenges of twice-exceptional learners, including how giftedness can mask or coexist with learning and mental health needs.
2. Recognize how traditional academic and behavioral frameworks may misinterpret 2e learners.
3. Apply a strengths-based perspective to student behavior and emotional dysregulation.
4. Identify practical strategies for supporting 2e learners in classrooms and at home.
5. Use developmental and mental health insights to inform advocacy, collaboration, and differentiated instruction.