Finding the Right Fit for Our Twice-Exceptional Daughter

Karlie, Parent of a Gifted Daughter

For our 7-year-old daughter, being identified as gifted has been a huge source of confidence. She lights up when she’s challenged and thrives when her strengths are recognized. But as parents of a twice-exceptional (2e) child, our journey to find the right support—both in and out of school—hasn’t been easy.

In addition to being gifted, our daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and Hypermobility. While she receives one hour each of Occupational and Physical Therapy per week, that’s the extent of the support covered by insurance. Like many families of 2e children, we find ourselves navigating a system that simply doesn’t have enough resources in place.

At school, she receives 30 minutes of emotional support each week, facilitated by her classroom teacher. That short window of time has made a world of difference—and we know how vital it is for that support to continue. More intensive options like Adaptive Behavioral Therapy, which can require 20 to 40 hours per week, just aren’t realistic. Not only would it mean pulling her out of a school she loves, but it also wouldn’t be the right fit for her needs.

We’re holding on for 3rd grade, when she’ll finally be placed in a gifted cluster within the Paradise Valley Unified School District. We’re hopeful that this environment will better support both her academic abilities and her emotional well-being.

Every twice-exceptional child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated—for both their strengths and their challenges. And every family deserves access to the resources that make that possible.