Twice-exceptional testing identifies people who are both gifted and have a disability, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning differences. Testing for twice-gifted students (also called twice-exceptional students) typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify strengths (e.g., evaluate giftedness) and areas of need (e.g., challenges related to a disability). Testing for twice-exceptional adults is similar but often focuses on social needs, possible work accommodations, and career ideas. We can provide a 2e test battery that identifies a possible 2e diagnosis and details how to maximize strengths and potential and overcome barriers to fully expressing giftedness.
Please contact us or schedule a consultation anytime to discuss how this testing may benefit you or a loved one.
Twice-Gifted Students Overview 
Twice-gifted students are both gifted and have a disability. These disabilities can include learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia), ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or emotional/mental health challenges (anxiety, depression).
Because students with a 2e diagnosis possess high intellectual abilities alongside areas of challenge, they often experience unique educational and emotional needs.
Characteristics of Twice-Gifted Students
Twice-exceptional students are often identified by traits that reflect both strengths and challenges:
Twice-Exceptional Students Strengths (Gifted and Talented Traits):
- Exceptional reasoning, problem-solving, or creative abilities.
- Advanced vocabulary and verbal expression.
- Deep curiosity and passion for specific subjects.
- Quick learners who think outside the box.
- Ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest.
Twice-Exceptional Students Challenges (Disability Traits):
- Difficulty with executive functioning (e.g., time management, organization).
- Struggles with written output, reading, or math (e.g., dysgraphia, dyslexia).
- Sensory sensitivities (common in autism and ADHD).
- Poor social or emotional regulation.
- Frustration with tasks that don’t align with strengths leads to underachievement.
Challenges Faced by Twice-Gifted Students
- Underidentification or Misdiagnosis:
- Giftedness can mask a disability, leading to the false belief that the student is “lazy” or “not trying.”
- Disabilities can overshadow giftedness, preventing the student from accessing enrichment opportunities.
- Asynchronous Development:
- Twice-exceptional students’ skills develop unevenly, such as having advanced verbal reasoning but poor writing skills.
- Twice-gifted students’ emotional intelligence may lag behind cognitive abilities, leading to social struggles.
- Frustration and Anxiety:
- Perfectionism and fear of failure are common in twice-exceptional students, exacerbating challenges from their disabilities.
- Twice-gifted students may feel misunderstood by peers, parents, or teachers.
- Underachievement:
- When learning environments don’t address their strengths and disabilities, twice-exceptional students may disengage or perform below their potential.
Twice- Exceptional Testing for Students
Supporting twice-gifted students requires a dual approach that nurtures strengths while accommodating challenges. Here are effective strategies:
1. Comprehensive Twice-Exceptional Testing
- The first important step is to identify giftedness and specific areas of need through a specific 2e test battery, such as we can provide (IQ testing, achievement testing, and neuropsychological evaluations).
- A clear diagnosis helps tailor support.
2. Strength-Based Learning
- Focus on the twice-gifted student’s strengths identified in twice-exceptional testing to keep them engaged and motivated.
- Offer enrichment activities in their areas of talent (e.g., advanced projects, creative tasks).
- Allow twice-gifted students to explore topics of interest deeply and creatively.
3. Individualized Support Plans
- Develop IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 Plans based on twice-exceptional testing results that balance enrichment with academic accommodations:
- Extra time for assignments/tests.
- Assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text tools if dysgraphia has been identified).
- Reduced workloads or alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge.
- Breaks or flexible schedules for attention or sensory needs.
4. Executive Function Coaching
- Teach time management, organization, and planning strategies.
- Use tools like checklists, timers, and visual schedules.
5. Emotional and Social Support
- Provide counseling or therapy to address generalized anxiety, frustration, or perfectionism.
- Teach social skills, especially for twice-gifted students with ASD.
- Offer opportunities to connect with like-minded peers through gifted programs or interest-based clubs.
6. Differentiated Instruction for Twice-Gifted Students
- Adjust teaching methods to meet diverse needs, such as:
- Flexible pacing: Accelerate in areas of strength and provide scaffolding in areas of challenge.
- Multi-modal teaching: Combine visual, auditory, and hands-on learning.
- Project-based learning to encourage creativity and independent exploration.
7. Create a Supportive Environment
- Foster an inclusive classroom that values both strengths and differences.
- Recognize and celebrate achievements while offering encouragement for challenges.
Examples of 2e Diagnosis Profiles
- Gifted + ADHD 2e Diagnosis:
- Exceptionally creative but struggles to stay focused or complete tasks.
- May hyperfocus on projects of interest but struggle with mundane assignments.
- Gifted + Dyslexia 2e Diagnosis:
- Advanced verbal reasoning and storytelling but struggles with reading fluency and spelling.
- Prefers oral communication over written tasks.
- Gifted + Autism 2e Diagnosis:
- Advanced problem-solving and intense interests in specific topics.
- Struggles with social communication or sensory processing.
- Gifted + Anxiety 2e Diagnosis:
- Performs well academically but experiences perfectionism and fear of failure.
- May procrastinate due to overwhelming expectations.
Programs for Twice-Gifted Students
Many schools offer gifted and talented programs but may not recognize or accommodate disabilities. Programs that specialize in 2e learners include:
- Differentiated Gifted Programs: Balance enrichment and accommodations.
- Hybrid Homeschooling/Virtual Programs: Allow flexible pacing and individualized learning.
- Specialized Schools: Focus on 2e learners, such as Bridges Academy or Quad Preparatory School.
Advocacy for Twice-Exceptional Students
Parents, educators, and students themselves often need to advocate for recognition and appropriate support:
- Document both strengths and challenges with assessments.
- Work with teachers and administrators to create personalized plans.
- Educate schools on twice-exceptionality, as it is often misunderstood.
Twice-exceptional students have the potential to thrive when provided with environments that embrace both their gifts and their differences. By recognizing their strengths, addressing challenges, and fostering self-advocacy, 2e students can develop confidence and succeed in learning and life.
2e Diagnosis
Twice-exceptional students have both giftedness and a co-occurring disability such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning or emotional challenges. The 2e test process involves recognizing strengths and challenges that often mask one another, making diagnosis more complex. Here’s an overview:
Understanding 2e Diagnosis
- Giftedness: Exceptional intellectual ability or talents, often measured through IQ tests or creative assessments.
- Disability: Learning, behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges that impact performance, such as:
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia
- Anxiety or mood disorders
- Sensory processing differences
When both exist, strengths can mask struggles, or struggles can obscure strengths, delaying proper identification.
Key Challenges in the Diagnosis of Twice-Exceptional Students
- Masking: Gifted individuals may compensate for their disabilities, making struggles invisible.
- Overlooked Strengths: If a disability is identified first, giftedness may be missed.
- Asynchronous Development: Uneven development in areas like intellectual ability, emotional regulation, or social skills.
2e Test Battery for Diagnosis
- Comprehensive Evaluation: This is our work, those we may pull in a multidisciplinary team is often involved, including:
- Special education professionals
- Occupational or speech-language therapists (if needed)
- Key Components of Diagnosis:
- Cognitive Assessments: Measure intellectual ability (e.g., WISC-V, Stanford-Binet).
- Achievement Tests: Identify academic strengths and weaknesses (e.g., Woodcock-Johnson).
- Neuropsychological Tests: Evaluate executive functioning, memory, and processing speed.
- Behavioral and Emotional Screening: Tools like BASC-3, Conners-4, or ADOS-2 for autism.
- Observations and Interviews: Collect input from parents, teachers, and the individual.
- Rule Out Misdiagnosis: Gifted traits (e.g., intense focus, high energy, perfectionism) can mimic ADHD, autism, or anxiety, leading to misdiagnosis. Proper evaluation distinguishes these.
Benefits of Twice-Exceptional Testing
- Self-Understanding: Helps individuals understand their strengths and challenges.
- Tailored Support: Enables access to appropriate accommodations and enrichment opportunities.
- Advocacy: Provides a foundation for advocating for dual support in schools and beyond.
After Twice Exceptional Testing: Support for 2e Students
- Classroom Accommodations:
- Extended time on tests or assignments
- Sensory breaks or flexible seating
- Assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text software)
- Strength-Based Approaches:
- Enrichment programs to nurture talents
- Acceleration in areas of strength
- Therapeutic Support:
- Executive functioning coaching
- Social skills training
- Emotional regulation support (e.g., CBT for ADHD or anxiety)
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with teachers, schools, and specialists to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
Twice-Exceptional Testing for Children and Adolescents
We provide 2e assessments as part of our pediatric psychological evaluation services. Here’s what our twice-exceptional testing process for children and adolescents often includes:
1. Twice-Exceptional Testing for Cognition
This measures general intellectual ability, including areas like:
- Verbal reasoning
- Nonverbal reasoning
- Working memory
- Processing speed
Common 2e tests include:
- WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) or WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive Battery
These tests help identify giftedness and pinpoint strengths in reasoning or creativity.
2. Twice Exceptional Testing for Achievement
Academic tests are part of twice-exceptional testing to measure skills like reading, writing, and math to identify any learning challenges or discrepancies.
Common 2e tests include:
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
- WIAT-4 (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test)
- KTEA-3 (Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement)
These can highlight areas of struggle despite high intellectual potential.
3. Neuropsychological Twice-Exceptional Testing
These assessments explore underlying brain functions, such as:
- Executive functioning (e.g., organization, attention, planning)
- Memory and learning
- Visual-motor skills
2e Tests used might include:
- NEPSY-II
- D-KEFS (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System)
- BRIEF-2 (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function)
4. Twice-Exceptional Testing for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Aspects
These are critical for identifying challenges like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, or emotional dysregulation.
Tools include:
- BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children)
- Conners 4 (for ADHD)
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- GARS-3 (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale)
5. Observations and Interviews
- Teacher/parent interviews: Offer insight into behaviors and performance in real-world settings.
- School observations: Help professionals understand how twice-exceptional students interact socially and manage academic demands.
6. Twice-Exceptional Testing for Specific Disabilities
Depending on symptoms, specialized evaluations may occur:
- ADHD evaluations (e.g., Vanderbilt Assessment Scale)
- Dyslexia testing or dysgraphia screening
- Sensory processing assessments
Tips for Seeking Twice-Exceptional Testing
We would be happy to provide the testing services you are looking for, but if you choose to look elsewhere, here is what to look for in a provider:
- Look for professionals familiar with twice-exceptional learners. Not all evaluators understand how high ability can mask disabilities.
- Advocate for a strengths-based approach that highlights talents as well as areas of challenge.
- If seeking accommodations (e.g., for college), ensure the report aligns with documentation requirements (e.g., from the ADA).
Testing for Twice-Exceptional Adults
Why Adults Seek 2e Test Batteries
Adults may pursue a 2e test battery for reasons like:
- Longstanding challenges with executive functioning, social skills, or sensory issues.
- Feeling under-stimulated, misunderstood, or underachieving despite clear talents.
- Seeking workplace or educational accommodations.
- Wanting a clearer self-understanding of their strengths and struggles.
What Testing Looks Like for Twice-Exceptional Adults
Testing for adults is comprehensive and involves multiple tools to identify giftedness and co-occurring disabilities. Usually, this testing is done to help the person develop strategies to maximize their potential socially and at work, though sometimes it is more specific, such as testing for Mensa membership.
1. Cognitive and Intellectual Testing for Twice-Exceptional Adults
Measures overall intelligence, reasoning skills, and creative strengths. These tests assess IQ and problem-solving abilities.
- WAIS-V: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices (for nonverbal reasoning)
These tools help pinpoint gifted traits, like advanced verbal reasoning or creative problem-solving, while identifying discrepancies in other areas.
2. Achievement and Processing Assessments for Twice-Exceptional Adults
If academic or work-related struggles exist, testing for twice-exceptional adults can uncover specific challenges:
- Woodcock-Johnson IV (Tests of Achievement)
- KTEA-3: Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement
- Tests for reading disorders (dyslexia), writing difficulties (dysgraphia), or math disabilities (dyscalculia).
3. Executive Functioning Assessments for Twice-Exceptional Adults
Executive functioning difficulties are common among twice-exceptional adults, especially those with ADHD or autism. These evaluations look at:
- Attention and focus
- Working memory
- Organization and planning
- Time management
Tools include:
- D-KEFS (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System)
- BRIEF-A (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult version)
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Testing
Autism in twice-exceptional adults can be overlooked due to masking, which often involves compensating for social difficulties or rigid thinking.
- ADOS-2: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (adult modules)
- AQ (Autism-Spectrum Quotient)
- RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised)
5. ADHD Testing for Twice-Exceptional Adults
ADHD often coexists with giftedness and impacts focus, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. Testing for ADHD may include:
- Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS)
- Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales
- Clinical interviews and self-reports to assess life impact.
6. Emotional and Mental Health Screening for Twice-Exceptional Adults
Adults with 2e diagnosis profiles may experience anxiety, depression, or perfectionism. Identifying these is important for holistic support.
- Tools like Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory).
- Screening for emotional regulation and mood disorders.
Getting a 2e Diagnosis as an Adult
- Be Clear About Goals: Explain why you’re seeking a 2e test battery (e.g., workplace accommodations, understanding yourself, or addressing specific struggles).
- Choose Specialists Wisely: Look for professionals familiar with adult ADHD, autism, or gifted testing.
- Prepare for Masking: Adults often mask giftedness or neurodivergence; testing should consider your lived experiences and coping mechanisms.
- Request a Written Report: Ensure the results detail strengths, challenges, and actionable recommendations for work, education, or therapy.
After Twice-Exceptional Testing
A 2e diagnosis can unlock support and strategies for thriving as an adult:
- Workplace Accommodations: Adjustments for focus, deadlines, or sensory challenges (under ADA in the U.S.).
- Self-Awareness: Understanding your strengths (creativity, intellect) alongside areas to manage (organization, social skills).
- Therapies and Coaching:
- Executive functioning coaching for ADHD.
- Social or sensory support for autism.
- Counseling for emotional challenges like anxiety or perfectionism.
Summary and Our Work
We provide twice-exceptional testing for all ages. A 2e test for potential twice-gifted students identifies potential and needs from an educational perspective, while a test for twice-exceptional adults focuses more on social and vocational aspects. If you have any questions about how this evaluation might benefit you or a loved one, or about educational testing in general, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
