We are by no means experts in this field, however, as a foundation led by parents of twice exceptional kids, we have spent a lot of time and energy learning about this topic. Below is a list of links and information that we found helpful along our journey.

Advocacy

• National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) Provides resources to understand and advocate for individuals with learning and attention issues.
• National Education Association: Educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.
• Wrightslaw: Twice Exceptional Children Offers articles, resources, and book recommendations about 2e children and their legal rights.

College Considerations

• 10 Helpful Tips for Working With College-Bound LD Students: Working with students who have learning or physical differences can put you to the test as a school counselor. Here’s how to help with college planning!
• College Search and Scholarship Resources for LD Students: Check out all our advice, scholarships, and lists of schools for students with learning differences as you navigate the college search and application process.
• College Transitions: Directory of Colleges with Strong Learning Support Services to Explore Pathways of Support in Higher Education

IEPs and 504s

• How Does a 504 Plan Differ From an IEP?: The Autism Society of Maryland offers insights into the differences and similarities between 504 plans and IEPs.
• Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans: This document explains the protections under Section 504 for students receiving special education through an IEP.
• Section 504 Plans – Maryland: This page provides information on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires schools to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Special Education Services in Maryland: This guide discusses the IEP process and helps families participate fully in developing, reviewing, and revising their child’s IEP.
• Understood: IEPs and 504 Plans Explains the difference between IEPs and 504 plans and how they support students with learning challenges.

Learning Differences

• Gifted and Talented Resources – NAGC The National Association for Gifted Children offers a directory of resources tailored to the needs of gifted and talented children.
• LD Online: All About Learning Disabilities and ADHD. Explore our resources and help every child reach their full potential.
• Neurodiversity Hub: Resources for autistic students and young adults, parents and carers, employers, university staff, aspiring entrepreneurs, architects & building designers and senior secondary school students.
• Neurodiversity Podcast – Just because a child is gifted doesn’t mean they don’t have other types of neurodivergence, like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people.
• Understood: A comprehensive resource for learning and thinking differences.

MCPS GT/LD Information

• GT/LD Characteristics– A 10-minute interactive presentation focused on understanding the pattern of strengths and weaknesses of GT/LD students.
• Interactive Frequently Asked Questions– An interactive FAQ that will answer your basic questions about twice exceptional students, GT/LD programs and services.
• MCPS Frequently Asked Questions: GT/LD Discrete Services–  Additional information about MCPS’ GT/LD programs.
• MCPS Gifted and Talented Policy (PDF)
• MCPS Gifted and Talented Regulation (PDF)
• MCPS High Incidence Accessible Technology (HIAT)– Information and resources related to assistive technology in MCPS
• MCPS Magnet and Choice Programs– Given their intellectual  and academic strengths and interests, often twice exceptional students are good candidates for regional magnet or choice programs.  Admission into magnet and choice programs is not part of the IEP process.   An IEP Team placement may superceed an invitation into a choice or magnet program.
• MCPS Programs and Services for Twice Exceptional Students: Twice exceptional students access accelerated and enriched instruction with appropriate supports and services at their local school, within a magnet/choice program, or within a special education service.
• MCPS School-Based Special Education Services – A comprehensive list and descriptions of all MCPS school-based special education services including local school and discrete services.
• MCPS Twice Exceptional Students: A Staff Guidebook for Supporting the Achievement of Gifted Students with Disabilities – Information for staff about twice exceptional students and services. (2015 Edition)
• MCPS Wings Mentor Program  – The WINGS Program, coordinated by Accelerated and Enriched Instruction, is designed to provide additional support to gifted/learning disabled students who are struggling to succeeding in the regular education classroom. (Program is currently on hold)
• Twice Exceptional Handbook: A detailed guidebook providing identification strategies, instructional approaches, and services available within MCPS for twice exceptional students.
• Understanding the Gifted and Talented Identification Process at MCPS (2023-2024): criteria for gifted and talented designation and answers to frequently asked questions
• School-Based Special Education Services– A comprehensive list and descriptions of all MCPS school-based special education services including local school and discrete services (e.g. GT/LD, Asperger’s, Bridge, ED).

Providing Support (Families)

• ADDitude: Coping Strategies for 2e Students Suggests coping strategies for 2e students, including mindfulness and positive affirmations.
• Connecting for Kids: Websites for Gifted or 2e:  Identifies websites, online groups, and apps that can help families with a gifted or twice-exceptional child.
• Council for Exceptional Children: The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents
• Exceed Expectation Learning is a commendable not-for-profit organization and blog that is passionately dedicated to providing support and guidance to families of gifted and twice-exceptional children.
• How to Support Twice-Exceptional Students: Common pedagogical practices that benefit all students may be crucial for those who are cognitively gifted and have a form of neurodivergence.
• The Maryland Educators of Gifted Students (MEGS) provide support and growth opportunities for educators of gifted students. Additionally, they provide GATE (Gifted and Talented) resources to parents of gifted children.
• Meeting the Challenge of Twice Exceptional Students: Gifted students who also have disabilities can slip through the cracks of the education system, prompting some states and districts to formulate new policies.
• The Open Education Database is a valuable resource that provides a comprehensive range of tools, information, and support to help parents of gifted children navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with raising a gifted child. From reading materials and advice on fostering creativity and critical thinking skills to practical tips on managing the social and emotional needs of gifted children, the Open Education Database is a “one-stop shop” for parents looking for resources to help their gifted child thrive.
• Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted is a nonprofit organization that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually—additional articles in Spanish.

Providing Support (Educators)

• Education Week: 20 Ways to Support Students With Learning Differences This Year
• ERIC: Strategies for Supporting Students Who Are Twice-Exceptional
  An article identifying evidence-based strategies for teachers instructing 2e students across elementary, middle, and secondary grades.
• Exquisite Minds: Parents and teachers who work with gifted children can find resources, online games, tips, tools, and more on this social site.
• Heinemann Blog: Neurodiversity Resources for Educators
• National School Choice Week: Resources for gifted and talented education.
• Reading Rockets: Resources about intervention and effective literacy instruction for children with learning differences.

Twice Exceptionality

• 2E at W&M: Twice Exceptional Conference– The 2e @ W&M: Twice Exceptional Online Conference focuses on twice-exceptional (high-ability/gifted with learning differences/disabilities or neurodiverse) children at home and at school. The conference aims to provide research based and best practice, resources, support, and community building opportunities to educators, administrators, parents, practitioners, counselors, and district personnel.
• 2e Primer: Key Terms & Resources: Helpful definitions of common terms used in describing twice-exceptionality
• 2eNews.com: 2eNews.com and Variations2e magazine provide readers with high-level information and perspectives about twice-exceptional (2e) education and cognitive diversity. We cover a broad range of topics that are essential for all educators, parents, and paraprofessionals.
• Center for Talented Youth: Located at Johns Hopkins, this organization engages gifted kids and their families through programs, summer classes, and even a bi-monthly magazine.
• Davidson Institute: Guides to Twice Exceptional Students: Although not local, this site features an in-depth resource guide for parents, including definitions, characteristics, and strategies for meeting the needs of 2e children.
• GT/LD Network– A non-profit, parent organization dedicated to supporting gifted students who learn differently.
• The Intersectionality of Twice-Exceptionality: Historic, Current, and Future Perspectives: The history of twice-exceptionality as a construct is presented through multiple lenses to provide developmental context and further explore the concept of multi-exceptionality.
• NAGC Position Paper: Students with Concomitant Gifts and Learning
• NAGC Position Paper: Twice Exceptionality
• Twice-Exceptional Children and Their Challenges in Dealing with Normality: This article defines the term twice-exceptional as being gifted (highly able) and having challenges with learning or physical disabilities.
• What is 2e? A Guide to Twice-Exceptionality–  According to the Oak Foundation, approximately 20 percent of children (10 million students) in United States public schools have learning profiles that are not aligned with the expectations and teaching methodologies prevalent in mainstream school systems. Yet, there is limited educational literature providing comprehensive theory and strategies for meeting their academic and social emotional needs, and misdiagnoses, missed diagnoses, and misunderstood behaviors are common problems.