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By Peg Rosen
• Children can be gifted and also have learning and attention issues.
• Many of these children go through school without being identified as having special talents or needs.
• You can help your child get more support.
“Your child is gifted and needs special education?” Many parents are all too familiar with this kind of comment. You may hear it from friends. From family. Even from some teachers and doctors.
Yet there are lots of people who have exceptional ability in some academic areas and significant learning difficulties in other areas. Educators use a special name to describe students who qualify for gifted programs as well as special education services. These children are referred to as “twice-exceptional” learners.
“Some organizations estimate that there are hundreds of thousands of twice-exceptional learners in U.S. schools.”
Consider Tessa: She’s a bright, insightful and enthusiastic fourth grader who is reading at a 12th-grade level. At the same time, she can’t pass her spelling tests, and writing is a huge struggle.
Consider Jamie: At 16, he knows everything about the Civil War, writes beautifully, and can talk endlessly about politics. Yet he needs a calculator to help him with even the most basic math. And he couldn’t tie his shoes until he was in seventh grade.
Consider Steven Spielberg: He’s one of the most successful filmmakers of all time, but reading has been a lifelong struggle for him because he has dyslexia.
Some organizations estimate that there are hundreds of thousands of twice-exceptional learners in U.S. schools. But there are no hard numbers because so many of these students are never formally identified as being gifted, having a disability or both.
Twice-exceptional children tend to fall into one of three categories. These categories help explain why students often go through school without the services and stimulation they need:
• Students whose giftedness masks their learning and attention issues. These kids score high on tests for giftedness but may not do well in gifted programs. These students use their exceptional abilities to try to compensate for their weaknesses. But as they get older, they may be labeled as “underachievers” or “lazy” as they fall behind their gifted peers.
• Students whose learning and attention issues mask their giftedness. Learning and attention issues can affect performance on IQ tests and other assessments for giftedness. For example, since many of these tests require language skills, kids with language-based challenges may not perform well. These kids may be placed in special education classes, where they become bored and possibly act out because they aren’t being challenged enough. Some of these children are identified, wrongly, as having emotional problems.
• Students whose learning and attention issues and giftedness mask each other. These kids may appear to have average ability because their strengths and weaknesses “cancel each other out.” Consequently, these students may not qualify for gifted programs or for special education programs.
Federal law protects students with disabilities. School districts are required to look for children with disabilities and provide special education to those who qualify for it. Gifted education is a different animal.
There is no federal requirement for gifted education. Decisions about gifted programming are made at the state and local level. Few states specify what these services should be and which talents should be nurtured. This is often left up to individual school districts. And funding for gifted services can vary greatly from district to district.
Identifying twice-exceptional students tends to be a low priority. Often it takes a proactive parent to push for testing for both giftedness and learning and attention issues. But sometimes teachers are the first to raise the possibility.
Here are some early tip-offs that your child could be a twice-exceptional learner:
• Extraordinary talent in a particular area, such as math, drawing, verbal communication or music
• A significant gap between your child’s performance in school and his performance on aptitude tests
• Signs of a processing disorder, such as having trouble following spoken directions or stories that are read aloud
There isn’t a simple, one-test way of identifying twice-exceptional children. Ask your child’s school how it evaluates kids for giftedness and learning and attention issues. The process will likely include assessing your child’s strengths and weaknesses as well as observing him in class and other settings.
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It may be helpful for you and the teachers to keep records of what your child excels in and struggles with. Be on the lookout for “disconnects” between how hard he’s studying and what kinds of grades he’s making.
Giftedness can add to the social and emotional challenges that often come along with learning and attention issues. Here are some challenges that twice-exceptional learners may face:
Frustration: This is especially common among kids whose talents and learning issues have gone unnoticed or only partially addressed. These students may have high aspirations and resent the often-low expectations that others have for them. They may crave independence and struggle to accept that they need support for their learning and attention issues.
Like many gifted students, twice-exceptional learners may be striving for perfection. Nearly all the students who participated in one study of giftedness and learning disabilities reported that they “could not make their brain, body or both do what they wanted to do.” No wonder these kids are frustrated!
Low self-esteem: Without the right supports, children with learning and attention issues may lose confidence in their abilities or stop trying because they start to believe that failure is inevitable. This kind of negative thinking can add to the risk of depression.
Social isolation: Twice-exceptional kids often feel like they don’t fit into one world or another. They may not have the social skills to be comfortable with the students in their gifted classes. They may also have trouble relating to students in their remedial classes. This can lead twice-exceptional learners to wonder, “Where do I belong?” These children often find it easier to relate to adults than to kids their age.
With the right supports and encouragement, twiceexceptional learners can flourish. (Just ask Steven Spielberg!) Here’s what you can do to help your child:
Talk to the school. If you suspect your child may be twice exceptional, request a meeting with the school’s special education coordinator. Discuss your concerns, and ask about types of tests.
Ask to stay in the gifted program. If your child has been identified as gifted but is not doing well in that program, request that he be assessed for learning and attention issues before any decisions are made about removing him from the program.
Make the most of your child’s IEP. If the school determines that your child is twice exceptional, use the annual goals in his Individualized Education Program (IEP) to address his weaknesses and nurture his gifts. Be prepared to brainstorm—and to be persistent!
Find other twice-exceptional kids. Encourage your child to spend time with children who have similar interests and abilities. This can help him celebrate his strengths and feel less isolated. You may be able to connect with twice-exceptional families through Understood’s parent community.
Empower your child. Help him understand what his gifts and weaknesses are. Reassure him that he can get support in the areas where he struggles. But resist the urge to rush in and rescue him every time he gets frustrated. It’s better to help him learn to cope with his mixed abilities.
By partnering with your child’s teachers, you can help your child develop his talents and achieve his full potential. Learn more about how to be an effective advocate for your child at school. Explore Parenting Coach for strategies on how to handle frustration and other everyday challenges. With your love and support, your child can move ahead and make the most of his gifts.
• Gifted children with undiagnosed learning and attention issues may appear to be “underachievers” or “lazy.”
• Twice-exceptional children are often at risk for social and emotional challenges.
• Your child’s IEP can address his weaknesses and nurture his strengths.
https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/ empowering-your-child/building-on-strengths/ gifted-childrens-challenges-with-learning-andattention-issues
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com
Mindcolor Autism
833-646-3222
8507 Culebra Rd Suite 101 info@mindcolorautism www.mindcolorautism.com
Shelby May Behavioral Consulting 210-239-7181 shelbynunn@maybehavior.com www.maybehavior.com
LifeSpan Home Health Pg 2 877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
ADAPTIVE SPORTS (COMPETITIVE & RECREATIONAL)
◆Kinetic Kids
210-748-5860
11931 Starcrest Dr info@kinetickidstx.org www.kinetickidstx.org
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Brain Therapy Clinic -San Antonio 210-926-7847 901 NE Loop 410 Suite 405 www.mipcare.com
Brain Therapy Clinic - Houston 832-271-4775
2200 North Loop West Suite 106, Houston www.mipcare.com
◆Pathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
Clarity Child Guidance Center Pg 7 210-616-0300 8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
Catholic Charities 210-377-1133
San Fernando Community Center 231 W Commerce
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
Wave Healthcare Pg 3
866-935-9283
121 Interpark Blvd #300 www.wavehealthcare.com
EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESOURCES
101 ADVOCACY, LLC
210-722-9974
www.101advocacy.com
uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm 210-577-6500
150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
A.I.M. Educate
210-838-5351
10127 Morocco St #202 privateclinic@aimeducate.com aimeducate.com
Texas School, Community & Public Policy Liaison TBI SOS 4 Kids Project Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT)
University of Oregon cmagrane@uoregon.edu
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Catholic Charities
210-293-1009
202 W. French Place www.ccaosa.org
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
www.unitedwaysatx.org
2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
City of San Antonio - Utility Assistance 210-207-7830
Hill Country MHDD Centers 358 Landa Street, Suite 300, New Braunfels 888-315-3277
http://www.hillcountry.org
Kerr County MH Center 955 Water Street, Kerrville 888-445-5232
http://www.hillcountry.org
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
Clarity Child Guidance Center Pg 7
210-616-0300
8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
Project Warm - Bexar County Dept of Community Assistance 210-335-3666
Salvation Army
210-226-2291 226 Nolan St
San Antonio Food Bank 210-337-3663 5200 Old Hwy 90 West
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 210-225-7837 WIC Program 210-207-4906
CDS in Texas Pg 2 210-798-3779
Toll Free 866-675-7331 www.cdstexas.com
CLASS - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658
Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123 6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
HCS - Home & Community-Based Services Program 210-832-5020 MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
LifeSpan Home Health Pg 2 877-434-3153 6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
Texas Home Living Waiver 210-832-5020
American Red Cross 210-224-5151
Cerebral Palsy Foundation ucp.org 210-520-1686
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 800-572-1717
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), SA 210-734-3349
National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
Scleroderma Foundation www.Sclerodema.org
Spinal Bifida Association Texas Chapter 972-238-8755
Williams Syndrome 800-806-1871 www.Williams-syndrome.org
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
Pg 15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
Children's Home Health
806-367-6612
1612 S Van Buren - Amarillo www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Health 361-204-2198
301 Texas Trail Suite 1, Corpus Christi www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Health
915-955-9797
1250 East Cliff Dr 5C - El Paso www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 915-955-9797
5225 S Loop 289 Suite 126, Lubbock www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 972-661-3737
901 Waterfall Way Suite 105, Richardson www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 210-530-1098 / 737-320-5887
8418 Fountain Circle, San Antonio/Austin www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 903-348-9020
293 W Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
512-532-4800
2921 Steck Ave A-120, Austin www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
16 469-753-4901
7929 Brookriver Dr Suite 640, Dallas www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
915-343-7744
1790 Lee Trevino Dr Ste 202, El Paso www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
682-450-2495
2001 Beach St, Suite 102, Fort Worth www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
713-597-1230
2626 South Loop West Suite 325, Houston www.entrustedphc.com
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Page 16
956-449-1818
6826 Springfield Ave #204A, Laredo www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 469-827-7500
275 W Campbell Rd, Suite 255, Richardson www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 210-447-1650
4502 Centerview Dr, Suite 233, San Antonio www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 832-280-8500
24624 Interstate 45 N Suite 241, Spring www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 254-935-0450
2027 S 61st Street, Suite 121, Temple www.entrustedphc.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months
Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department 210-207-3018
PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CAR CENTER (PPECC)
Health Care for Kids
210-951-4840 16019 Nacogdoches Rd Suite 119 www.healthcareforkids.com
SPECIAL EDUCATION/504 ADVOCATE
uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm 210-577-6500
150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
uMarbridge Foundation 512-282-1144
2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca TX info@marbridge.org Marbridge.org SPEECH THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
Pg 15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
Customer Service Line (Ombudsman)
877-787-8999
www.hhsc.state.tx.us
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
NOW Texas Work Force
www.twc.state.tx.us
North Field Office
210-561-8600 12000 Network Blvd #210
West Field Office 210-522-8010 5309 Wurzbach, Suite 102
Northeast Field Office 210-590-5740 10303 Nacogdoches
South Field Office 210-927-8300 1011 Ada St
Yield: 8 Dozen
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 jars (5 ounces each) sharp American cheese spread, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 loaves (1-1/2 pounds each) thinly sliced sandwich bread, crusts removed
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, cheese spread and egg until smooth. Stir in chiles, salsa and cheddar cheese. Spread about 1 tablespoon cheese mixture on each slice of 1 loaf of bread. Top with remaining bread; spread with more cheese mixture. Cut each sandwich into 4 squares or triangles; place on a
baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Getting your child back into school mode after winter break can feel like a challenge. Here are practical, parentfriendly tips to make the transition a little smoother for everyone.
After a long break, children often need time to settle back into familiar habits. A few days before school starts, revisit morning routines, bedtime schedules, and homework expectations. If certain routines weren’t working before the break, now is a great time to adjust them or let them go completely.
The first week back can feel bumpy. Kids may be tired, emotional, or unmotivated—and parents often feel the same way. Give your child (and yourself) extra grace as you ease back into the school rhythm.
Children thrive when they feel a sense of belonging. Spend a little time talking
about friends, teachers, and what they’re looking forward to at school. These conversations help rebuild excitement and confidence.
The new year is a perfect reset button. Encourage your child to choose a simple personal or academic goal—like staying organized, reading more, or trying a new activity. Parents can set goals too, such as creating calmer mornings or staying more consistent with routines.
Think about the activities your child enjoyed at school before break—reading time, art, sports, or certain subjects. Remind them of the things they love about school. This can help rebuild enthusiasm and reduce back-to-school jitters.
Reconnect with your child’s teacher if needed. Share any changes that happened over the break—new medications, family adjustments, or concerns. Being on the same page makes the transition smoother for your child.
Not all winter breaks are joyful. Some children return to school feeling overwhelmed, tired, or emotionally drained. Watch for signs that your child might be struggling, and give them space to talk when they’re ready. Your understanding will help them ease back into routine with confidence.
I am bored! I have nothing to do!
How often has your child said, “I am bored. I have nothing to do.” ere is so much new technology available for our children today to educate, communicate and entertain. But sometimes they just need another activity to break the monotony and do something di erent. Most often they want to spend time with you. Below are some suggestions of fun activities you can do at home with items you already have on hand.
One of my favorites is to build a fort: take some old sheets, blankets, pillows and lay them over several chairs. You and your child can sit or lie underneath and let your imagination take over. You can get a ashlight for additional lighting. Your child can bring their favorite stu ed animal into their fort and you can read a story, talk about the characters, laugh and enjoy your time together. is activity is fun for the whole family and you can adapt it to your child’s ability.
Have a scavenger hunt: take some items from around the house, i.e., a stu ed animal, a bright colored ball, a squeaky toy, doll or action gure, items from the kitchen are fun, a spatula, bright colored bowl, the choices are endless. Make a list of the items, hide the items (make sure to consider the
age and ability of your child to reach the treasures they nd). Depending on your child’s age, let them take the list and go around looking for the items. You can take the list around and read o the items for them. At the end of your scavenger hunt have a special treat such as a favorite snack.
Pull out paper, crayons, pencils whatever you have around the house, sit down and draw or color pictures with your child. Coloring can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Don’t worry about what they draw or staying in the lines just enjoy the time you are spending together.
I hope these suggestions will inspire you with ideas of your own. Just remember, the cost is zero, the time with your child is priceless.
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