What Parents Need to Know (2024)

From the book -

Why We Wrote This Book

As lifelong educators, Val and Adam have worked with thousands of children and families over the years. Val has worked in multiple schools teaching gifted children from multiple backgrounds and at different ages. Adam has taught in multiple schools and has also served as a district-level manager for gifted services in a large and diverse school district. As a parent of a radically accelerated, profoundly gifted daughter and a profoundly gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) son, Lin knows the parenting journey of complex outliers.

In addition, Lin is the Dean of Students and Communications at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education (BGS), with a Ph.D. in Human Development Psychology from Boston University, an Academic Graduate Certificate in Twice-exceptional Education from BGS, and an Academic Graduate Certificate in Mind, Brain and Education from Johns Hopkins University.

Fortunately, most children do just fine in our schools and continue to grow up to be successful adults. That said, we know many children struggle in our educational system. If you are a parent of a child that is struggling, you know it can be heartbreaking for children and their families.

There are many reasons that result in students not thriving in school. Every child and person is unique. Some children have learning disabilities, some have difficult home lives, some have a hard time socializing, some have unique sensory, social, emotional, and/or physical needs, etc. This book was written for those parents who have children having a difficult time in school because of his or her unique learning needs as the result of dynamic interactions between discrepancies in area/s of high and low (absolute or relative) abilities. (Or in other words, their child is very bright in some areas, but has struggles in others.) Though the number of students who are formally identified educationally to fit into this category makes up a small percentage of our population, finding ways to support them tends to be quite challenging. In addition, some would also argue that many children unofficially fit into this category.

This book is meant to explain the complexities of 2e children in accessible ways and provide strategies to support them in their learning journey. We hope this also empowers parents to use the contents in this book to increase public awareness and understanding of 2e children. It takes a whole community to raise a child, and you are not alone.

This book will provide strategies that help the adults support the children in their lives. It is meant to be a useful, easy-to-access resource for parents, as well as educators, based on the research and strategies three veteran gifted educators have used to support all kinds of children, including twice-exceptional, over their careers.

This book is written from a collaboration of educator and parental voices, so parents understand what goes on in the classroom. This understanding empowers parents to make informed intentional choices to holistically support gifted and struggling children.

About the Authors 

Adam C Laningham, author of Gifted Children & How Trauma Impacts Them, and Thinkology 2.0, has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Adam was recognized as the Arizona Gifted Teacher of the Year, he has taught at several schools in multiple grade levels, created and facilitated numerous gifted programs, and also served as a district gifted services manager coordinating programs for over 6000 gifted students.

Adam has served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented for many years and is currently the President Elect of SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted). As founder and owner of Bright Child AZ, Adam is an international speaker, consultant, and gifted advocate.

Some Amazon Reviews Parents -

5.0 out of 5 Stars - Helpful and Easy to Read Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 22, 2023 This book helped me clear up some preconceived notions I had about gifted kids. It helped me understand how gifted kids have different needs, that when addressed will really help them flourish instead of struggle through challenges. Very helpful examples are presented that helped me understand complex concepts that usually only educators understand. Highly recommend!   5.0 out of 5 Stars - Ultimate 2e Guide!  Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 14, 2023 What a brilliant resource for parents of twice-exceptional children. It's full of support for the success of these gifted students developing into their full potential!

5.0 out of 5 Stars - A Must-Read Introductory Book for Parents of Twice-Exceptional Children Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 28, 2023 Finally, a book that addresses the needs of parents advocating for 2e children! This book is a quick and easy read (I read it in a day) that is part of a larger series addressing 2e topics. Professional perspectives from gifted and 2e education and human development psychology, along with 2e parent experiences, promote positive psychology, a strength-based educational approach, and social/emotional health for 2e families. Each chapter includes reflection questions with spaces to jot notes, enhancing deeper understanding and relevance for one's unique 2e child/experience - the most valuable feature of this book. This is must-read introductory book for parents of 2e. 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for parents of 2e kids! Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2023 This was a quick read but packed with useful, clear information for parents of 2e children. Some of the suggestions/information I already knew but much of it was new to me. I especially appreciate the workbook pages that made me stop and really put into words how the information relates to my child in particular. I found this very helpful. Great book!

Some Amazon Reviews Educators -

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick and Accessible 2E Resource for Educators Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023 Verified Purchase This highly recommended book is a game-changer for educators dedicated to supporting 2E students effectively. With its comprehensive coverage of 2E characteristics and classroom strategies, it equips teachers with a deep understanding. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced educator, this fast read is excellent as both an introductory resource and a valuable supplement. Packed with practical insights, reflection pages, and brainstorming prompts, it provides an array of valuable tools in an easily digestible format. Don't miss out on this must-read guide to effectively empower 2E students.