Gifted But Learning Disabled: A Puzzling Paradox

In working with one family this week, I realize that I've been working with several students who are gifted yet also have a disability in another area of development, such as emotional, social or behavioral.  These young boys and girls, and men and women are also known as "Twice Exceptional."  

This concept of being gifted and also having an area of weakness that requires a program is confusing to schools, and often faced with much resistance when parents ask for a specialized academic program that addresses the strengths and weaknesses.  Often times, a child is in need of an IEP to address sensory needs, for example, but also is in need of small group or individualized instruction that is above his/her grade level.  Child Study Teams argue that a child is not eligible, but he/she is, and parents find themselves fighting... hard... to create that unique program.

Here is a link to an article that describes "Twice Exceptional" a little bit better: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/eric/e479.html

Please share your thoughts and questions with me :) In the meantime, Happy Memorial Day weekend!