Twice-Exceptional Students

Young people who present with concomitant high ability and disabilities represent one of education's greatest conundrums. While on one hand they appear capable of superior academic performance, on the other hand they struggle as students. Consequently, identification and educational services for the twice-exceptional student population remain bewildering and elusive as the combination of seemingly paradoxical traits puts them at great risk for identification and consequently this population of students is rarely served appropriately. This chapter explores the complexities of the twice-exceptional (2e) population, how they should be viewed, how schools and homes can accommodate what seem to be dichotomous needs, and how ultimately they can be successful and contented. Case examples amplify understanding of this challenging group of young people.