Teaching Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students Starts with UBP

What do you do when a student solves algebraic equations in their head but melts down during a simple writing assignment?

Or when a child shines with storytelling but forgets to turn in any homework?

You might be looking at a twice-exceptional (2e) learners- a student who is considered both gifted and has a learning difference or disability. These students often fall through the cracks because they don’t fit the typical mold. They’re bright. They’re struggling. And they’re often misunderstood by the very systems meant to support them.

What Does “2e” Actually Mean?

“Twice-exceptional” refers to students who show high measured abilities or talents and have a disability such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, or a processing disorder.

Too often, only one side of this equation is seen:

• Their strengths mask their struggles.

• Their struggles mask their strengths.

• And their needs go unmet.

Many 2e students are never identified as gifted because they don't perform in traditional ways. Others never receive the support they need for their learning difference because they’re seen as "too smart" to qualify for help.

The result? Frustration. Underachievement. Burnout. And a missed opportunity to help someone thrive.

4 Ways to Support 2e Learners Using the UBP Framework

Universal Best Practices (UBP) provides a way to support neurodiverse students holistically, without separating giftedness from disability. This framework centers on 4 key domains:

1. Communication & Interaction

• Offer multiple ways for students to express understanding (not just writing).

• Scaffold expressive & receptive communication tasks for those with social or language challenges.

• Build trust through personalized feedback and curiosity.

2. Cognition & Learning

• Compact and accelerate learning in areas of strength.

• Provide targeted intervention in challenge areas.

• Avoid labeling students by what they can’t do—support how they learn best.

3. Social-Emotional Strengthening

• Normalize emotional intensity and self-doubt in gifted students.

• Build safe classrooms where giftedness doesn’t cancel out vulnerability.

• Teach emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, and identity-building.

4. Executive Functioning

• Teach students to manage time, plan projects, and organize ideas.

• Use visual checklists, timers, and coaching systems.

• Make learning manageable—not overwhelming.

A Final Word for Educators

The Universal Best Practices for All Learners book was built for this kind of teaching. We designed it to help educators turn theory into action—without burnout, without guesswork.

You can preview the book or explore UBP at Amazon.

Or, if you’re ready to lead a 2e-inclusive shift in your district or school, I’d love to talk.

Let’s give these kids the classrooms they’ve been waiting for.

Adam Meyersieck Founder, Legacy Education Group Author of Universal Best Practices for All Learners, AI In Education, & Because You Farted