Gifted and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children | Creative Sky Psychology
Gifted children often surprise adults with their advanced thinking, creativity, or curiosity—but that same depth can bring emotional intensity, perfectionism, or frustration when things don’t come easily. For twice-exceptional (2e) kids—those who are gifted and have learning, attention, or emotional challenges—the experience can be even more complex. They may excel in some areas while struggling in others, leaving parents unsure how to support both brilliance and difficulty at once.
At Creative Sky Psychology, our psychologists specialize in understanding and nurturing gifted and 2e children. We focus on their whole development—intellectual, emotional, and relational—so they can thrive in learning and in life.
What Does “Twice-Exceptional” Mean?
A twice-exceptional (2e) child is both gifted (showing advanced cognitive or creative abilities) and has a learning difference such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety.
These children often show remarkable insight but may:
Struggle with organization or executive function
Feel frustrated by slow-paced instruction
Experience social difficulties or perfectionism
Mask challenges to “fit in” at school
Understanding their unique profile is essential. Traditional classroom settings may not fully capture their potential—or their hidden struggles.
How Therapy Supports Gifted and 2e Kids
Our therapists use an integrated, strength-based approach that honours both sides of a 2e child’s experience: their intellectual depth and their emotional sensitivity.
Therapy may include:
Emotional regulation strategies for managing intensity and frustration.
Mindfulness and self-compassion tools to reduce self-criticism.
Cognitive and executive function coaching for organization and focus.
Social support for navigating peer relationships and perfectionism.
Parent collaboration to ensure consistent strategies at home and school.
By celebrating their individuality and teaching practical coping skills, we help gifted and twice-exceptional children build confidence and resilience.
Common Strengths and Challenges
Gifted and 2e children are often:
Deep thinkers with strong moral awareness
Creative, curious, and imaginative
Emotionally sensitive and empathetic
But they may also experience:
Frustration with limits or perceived unfairness
Overwhelm from sensory or emotional input
Difficulty balancing perfectionism with self-kindness
Academic underachievement due to uneven skill development
Our goal is to help them see that their complexity is their strength, not their flaw.
How Assessments Can Help
A comprehensive psychological assessment can uncover the full picture of a gifted or twice-exceptional child’s learning profile. Assessments at Creative Sky include cognitive, emotional, and academic measures—giving families clarity about both strengths and needs.
Understanding this profile helps schools adapt instruction and helps families approach their child’s learning with empathy and realistic expectations.
How Parents Can Support Gifted and 2e Kids
Parents can nurture their child’s growth by:
Emphasizing effort, not perfection. Celebrate curiosity and persistence.
Creating calm downtime. Highly gifted minds need rest from stimulation.
Encouraging emotional expression. Sensitivity is part of their brilliance.
Collaborating with teachers and therapists. Consistency supports confidence.
Our parent coaching sessions help caregivers balance advocacy with compassion—for both their child and themselves.
Gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children often show something called “asynchronous development” — meaning their intellectual, emotional, and social skills don’t always grow at the same pace. A child might solve complex puzzles years beyond their age but still struggle with emotional regulation or frustration tolerance. Therapy that integrates both cognitive challenge and emotional support helps these children thrive by meeting them at every level of their development — not just the advanced ones.
Final Thoughts
Gifted and twice-exceptional children see the world through a unique and powerful lens. At Creative Sky Psychology, we help them understand their strengths, manage their sensitivities, and feel confident in who they are—both in and beyond the classroom.
If you think your child might be gifted or 2e, our psychologists are here to help. Together, we’ll uncover their full potential and nurture their emotional well-being along the way.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book online today
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
-
You might notice uneven performance—advanced reasoning but difficulties with focus, writing, or emotions. A psychological assessment can clarify their profile and guide next steps.
-
Many gifted and 2e children benefit from both. Therapy helps them manage emotional intensity, anxiety, or perfectionism, while enrichment keeps them intellectually engaged.
-
Yes. Our psychologists collaborate with educators to build learning strategies and emotional support plans that fit each child’s strengths.
