Twice-Exceptional (2e)

Twice-exceptional — often shortened to 2e — refers to someone who is both:

• Gifted in one or more areas (such as reasoning, creativity, or problem-solving), and
• Neurodivergent or has a learning difference (like ADHD, dyslexia, or autism)

It’s a type of spiky profile — one where the highs are very high, but the lows still need understanding and support.

It’s often missed

2e individuals might:

• Fly through complex topics but struggle to hand in homework
• Seem forgetful or disorganised despite high intelligence
• Mask their struggles because of perfectionism
• Be labelled as “not living up to their potential”

Because their strengths can overshadow their challenges (or vice versa), they often fall through the cracks in schools, workplaces, and even diagnosis.

Why it matters

Being 2e can feel confusing. You might:

• Doubt yourself, even when you’re clearly capable
• Feel like success always comes with burnout
• Be misunderstood or unsupported because your needs aren’t obvious

Supporting 2e individuals means recognising both their brilliance and their barriers. One doesn’t cancel out the other — they coexist.