How Contracted School Psychologists Help Address the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Students
At Ignition Therapy, we understand that twice-exceptional (2e) students require specialized support that many schools struggle to provide. These students are both academically gifted and have a learning difference, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety. Their unique combination of strengths and challenges means they often go unnoticed, are misdiagnosed, or do not receive the support they need to thrive.
Many school districts lack the resources, staff, or expertise to fully support 2e students. This is where contracted school psychologists play a critical role. By bringing in outside professionals who specialize in gifted and twice-exceptional education, schools can ensure that 2e students receive proper identification, intervention, and individualized support.
Why Twice-Exceptional Students Need Specialized Support
1. They Are Often Misunderstood or Overlooked
Twice-exceptional students are difficult to identify because their giftedness can mask their learning challenges, and vice versa. Many schools:
Fail to recognize their struggles due to high test scores.
Attribute behavioral issues to defiance or laziness rather than a learning difference.
Assume they do not need support because they perform well in some areas.
Contracted school psychologists use specialized assessments to properly identify 2e students, ensuring they receive individualized support rather than being misunderstood.
2. They Struggle with Executive Functioning and Emotional Regulation
While 2e students may excel in subjects like math, science, or the arts, they often face challenges such as:
Disorganization and difficulty managing assignments.
Emotional outbursts or anxiety due to perfectionism.
Difficulty focusing or completing work despite high intelligence.
Contracted school psychologists provide executive functioning coaching, emotional regulation strategies, and structured interventions that help students manage their strengths and weaknesses more effectively.
3. Standard Gifted Programs Do Not Meet Their Needs
Many schools offer gifted programs, but these programs are often designed for students who excel in all areas. Twice-exceptional students may:
Struggle with writing, reading, or processing speed while excelling in critical thinking.
Find traditional gifted programs too fast-paced in areas where they have challenges.
Experience frustration or burnout due to a lack of accommodations.
A contracted school psychologist helps schools adjust gifted programs so that they:
Provide differentiated instruction based on both strengths and weaknesses.
Incorporate flexible learning models that allow for acceleration in some areas and support in others.
Offer alternative assessments that do not penalize students for their learning challenges.
By tailoring gifted education, psychologists ensure 2e students have the opportunity to thrive without unnecessary barriers.
The Role of Contracted School Psychologists in Supporting 2e Students
1. Providing Specialized Assessments for Twice-Exceptional Students
Many schools rely on standardized gifted testing that does not account for learning disabilities or executive functioning challenges. Contracted psychologists:
Use neuropsychological assessments to identify both giftedness and disabilities.
Differentiate between behavioral issues and underlying learning challenges.
Provide comprehensive reports that help educators create individualized learning plans.
These assessments ensure that 2e students are neither overlooked nor placed in the wrong academic setting.
2. Developing and Implementing IEPs and 504 Plans for 2e Students
Many twice-exceptional students qualify for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans, but schools often:
Struggle to balance gifted education with special education needs.
Lack training on how to write accommodations that address both strengths and challenges.
Provide insufficient modifications, leading to continued frustration for the student.
Contracted school psychologists help by:
Advocating for 2e students in IEP and 504 meetings.
Ensuring accommodations are designed to support both giftedness and learning challenges.
Training teachers on implementing effective modifications, such as:
Allowing alternative assignments for students who struggle with written expression.
Providing extended time for processing-heavy tasks while still offering advanced content.
Using assistive technology to support executive functioning.
With a well-designed IEP or 504 Plan, twice-exceptional students can access the education they need without unnecessary barriers.
3. Offering Social-Emotional and Behavioral Support
Twice-exceptional students often experience social and emotional struggles, including:
Difficulty connecting with peers due to intellectual differences.
Perfectionism and fear of failure leading to stress and anxiety.
Frustration with classroom structures that do not accommodate their needs.
Contracted school psychologists help by:
Providing one-on-one counseling to address anxiety, stress, and perfectionism.
Teaching self-advocacy skills so students can express their needs confidently.
Creating school-wide programs that foster inclusivity and understanding of neurodiversity.
By integrating mental health support with academic interventions, psychologists help 2e students develop emotional resilience and confidence.
4. Training Teachers and Staff on Twice-Exceptionality
Many teachers do not receive training on how to recognize and support 2e students. As a result, they may:
Assume behavioral challenges are defiance rather than a sign of frustration.
Struggle to differentiate instruction for students who are both gifted and have a learning difference.
Lack awareness of how to implement appropriate accommodations in the classroom.
Contracted school psychologists offer professional development for educators, teaching strategies such as:
Recognizing 2e students and their unique learning profiles.
Using strength-based teaching methods to engage and support these learners.
Modifying instruction without lowering expectations, ensuring academic rigor remains while addressing learning needs.
With the right training, teachers can create more inclusive classrooms that allow 2e students to excel.
How Schools Benefit from Contracting School Psychologists
1. Expanding Resources Without Hiring Full-Time Staff
Many schools lack the budget to hire full-time specialists for gifted and 2e students. Contracting school psychologists allows:
Access to expert services without long-term staffing costs.
On-demand support for IEP meetings, testing, and crisis intervention.
Custom solutions for schools struggling to support neurodiverse students.
This flexible model ensures students receive professional support even in schools with limited resources.
2. Improving Educational Outcomes for Twice-Exceptional Students
With the right interventions, 2e students experience:
✔ Increased academic engagement and motivation.
✔ Reduced anxiety, frustration, and school avoidance.
✔ Higher levels of confidence and self-advocacy.
✔ Better social connections and peer relationships.
By contracting school psychologists, schools can bridge the gap between gifted education and special education, ensuring all students receive the support they need.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring Twice-Exceptional Students Get the Support They Deserve
Twice-exceptional students often fall through the cracks of traditional education, struggling to find a place where their strengths and challenges are equally recognized. Contracted school psychologists play a critical role in identifying, supporting, and advocating for these students, ensuring they receive personalized interventions, emotional support, and academic accommodations.
At Ignition Therapy, we specialize in helping schools and families navigate twice-exceptional education. If you are a parent, educator, or administrator looking for expert guidance on supporting 2e students, contact us at Ignition Therapy to learn more.
