Summary of "2e twice-exceptional: b2s special considerations"

Summary of "2e Twice-Exceptional: Back to School Special Considerations"

This video, presented by Seth Pharrell, an Executive Function Coach specializing in Twice-Exceptional (2e) students, offers parents guidance on supporting Twice-Exceptional children as they start a new school year. Twice-Exceptional students are those who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. Seth discusses the unique challenges and gifts of 2e Students and provides practical advice on how to support both aspects effectively.

Main Ideas and Concepts

Definition of Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students
- 2e Students have two exceptionalities: typically, one is giftedness/talent and the other is a learning disability or challenge.
- These exceptionalities place them outside the typical bell curve in education.
- Some students may be multi-exceptional (3e or more), but the focus is on 2e basics.
Challenges Faced by 2e Students
- Executive Function Difficulties: Problems with organization, time management, follow-through, memory, and task completion.
- Emotional Regulation Issues: High emotional sensitivity, difficulty managing stress or perceived threats (e.g., homework, perfectionism).
- Resistance and Procrastination: Avoidance of tasks, reluctance to accept help, and resistance to starting or completing assignments.
- These challenges often result in late, missing, or incomplete work and require targeted support.
Supporting the Challenges: Three Key Needs
- Systems: Personalized and effective organizational systems for managing papers, backpacks, calendars, and responsibilities. Cookie-cutter solutions rarely work.
- Mindsets: Helping the child develop empowering mindsets that acknowledge resistance but encourage perseverance, problem-solving, and help-seeking.
- Habits and Routines: Establishing productive daily habits and routines to replace unhelpful ones, enabling better task completion and consistency.
Communication and Advocacy with School Staff
- Maintain open, positive communication with teachers and school personnel.
- Use concise, bulleted advocacy emails early in the school year to inform teachers about the child’s needs.
- Assume positive intent from teachers but be aware that some may not fully understand or support 2e Students.
- Come prepared to school meetings (e.g., IEP or RTI meetings) with a clear agenda to use limited time effectively.
- Understand the concept of a “gray area kid” whose challenges may not be obvious to teachers, leading to misunderstandings about motivation or behavior.
Recognizing and Nurturing the Gifts of 2e Students
- Gifts often include high sensitivity (emotional, intuitive, sensory) and rapid learning ability.
- These students may require compacted or accelerated curriculum to stay engaged and challenged.
- Avoid letting gifted students become tutors for others or stuck with busywork.
- Advocate for Differentiated Instruction that personalizes content, process, and product to the student’s strengths and interests.
- Supplement school learning with enriching out-of-school experiences that build on strengths, passions, and curiosities.
The Most Important Factor: Relationship
- The relationship between parent and child is paramount.
- Building a secure, trusting, and supportive attachment helps the child feel seen, heard, and understood.
- Work through any family or personal challenges to strengthen this bond.
- Plan and prioritize quality, non-school-related time together regularly to foster connection and support emotional well-being.

Detailed Methodology / Instructions for Parents of 2e Students

Understand 2e: Recognize your child’s dual exceptionalities—both strengths and challenges.
Address Challenges:
- Develop personalized organizational systems.
- Foster empowering mindsets that acknowledge resistance but promote action.
- Establish consistent, productive habits and routines.
Communicate Effectively:
- Send short, clear advocacy emails to teachers at the start of the year.
- Prepare agendas for school meetings to focus discussion.
- Maintain open dialogue with school staff; assume positive intent but be vigilant.
Support Gifts and Talents:
- Advocate for differentiated, accelerated, or compacted curriculum.
- Encourage teachers to offer choices in content, process, and product.
- Provide enriching activities outside school to nurture interests and strengths.
Prioritize Relationship:
- Build secure attachment through understanding and support.
- Plan regular quality time for fun and connection unrelated to school.
- Address any emotional or behavioral issues within the family context.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Seth Pharrell – Executive Function Coach based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in Twice-Exceptional students.

This summary encapsulates the key lessons and practical advice Seth Pharrell shares for parents navigating the complexities of raising and supporting Twice-Exceptional children through the school year.