Solutions to Support Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Learners

1. Ask Your Primary Care Provider

Your child’s primary care provider (PCP) can use developmental screening and help you decide whether to test for giftedness. A PCP can also help rule out other concerns, like anxiety.

Learn how to bring up a concern.

2. Communicate with School

The state of Ohio recommends school-wide screening once between grades K-2 and again between grades 3-6. Parents can also refer their child for screening by asking their child’s classroom teacher.

When a gifted child is struggling in school, good communication is also important. Some gifted children may need more challenging materials while others may need support for a disability.

Learn how to communicate better with your child’s school (guide) (podcast) or discover how to get started with special education. Written Education Plans (WEPs) can also support gifted students. For more information, see “My child is gifted but not motivated” in the FAQ section of this guide.

3. Find a Mental Health Professional

Some mental health professionals can identify giftedness. When working with a mental health provider to identify gifted children, families should first check with the school to learn which tests are accepted.

Mental health professionals can also help you and your child to understand your child's needs and build coping skills. This may be helpful when dealing with emotional intensity or perfectionism.

Learn how to choose a mental health provider to work with your family (guide) (podcast). For more information on using a private provider to test for giftedness, see “How do I get my child tested for giftedness?” in the FAQ section of this guide.

4. Provide Challenges

Gifted kids often crave challenges and there are lots of ways to add them. Many families use enrichment activities like logic games, open-ended projects and deep-dive studies. Others work with the school to explore gifted education options.

Connect with other local families of gifted kids in our Facebook groups to share enrichment activities – or explore gifted education options in the FAQ section of this guide.

5. Use a Growth Mindset

Gifted kids often develop asynchronously. This means they are ahead in one area, but may have the same struggles as peers in others. Asynchronous development can be frustrating for both the kids and adults – especially when there are gaps, like ADHD or learning disabilities. Supporting kids with a growth mindset can help build coping tools and a tolerance for failure.

Learn more about building a growth mindset with this podcast.

6. Build Your Parenting Toolbox

Because many gifted kids tend to be emotionally intense, parents and family members may need a different set of tools. Understanding some of the reasons behind this intensity and how to detach can help parents to support their children.

Learn how emotional intensity is different in gifted kids with this podcast.

7. Connect with Intellectual Peers

Gifted kids can sometimes feel “weird” or out-of-place with same-age peers. Helping them to find friends who share their interests can build a sense of belonging.

Join our Facebook groups to find local families with gifted kids or ask at your child’s school to learn about clubs, camps or competitions.

8. Try Social Skills Training

It’s not unusual for gifted kids to struggle with social skills. Some gifted children may benefit from speech therapy or counseling (where children can learn social skills 1:1), social skills groups or parent education on social skills.

Search the provider directory for speech therapists, counselors or social skills groups or listen to this podcast to learn more about social skills in gifted kids.