I have two twice exceptional sons in early adulthood. I have been advocating for their educational needs since the oldest started to struggle in KG, and it became more noticeable by the time he was in the 2nd grade. I knew he was gifted as a preschooler, because he could do math equations backwards and forwards in his head. He was walking by 10 months and talking by 11 months. But by 2nd grade he was shutting down, putting his head on his desk and giving up. That was when I knew something was going wrong. That was the beginning of our journey into special education.
Our younger son was late walking and late talking. The pediatrician said not to worry until he turned 3 years old. I didn’t know any better so I listened to her advice and didn’t think anything was wrong. By preschool he was catching up with his peers, and acting very typically. He was reading by 4 years old, running, climbing, and playing like the other kids. But in KG his reading progress slowed. He became anxious and started having stomach aches. His activity slowed. His interest in playing youth sports tapered off, and he started to complain about leg pain. We didn’t listen. We told him to stop whining and complaining. Through 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades he continued to have increasing leg pain and continued to gain weight as his activity slowed. He was slowly becoming withdrawn and the stomach aches increased along with headaches. He spent a lot of time in the nurse’s office. Our journey into medical and health issues was just beginning.
Twice Exceptional means individuals who have high abilities and also have learning challenges, social challenges, mental health challenges and/ or physical health challenges. If the challenges are significant enough to affect the individual’s ability to be successful in education or in self sufficiency, then they are probably on the twice exceptional “spectrum”. We are very inclusive. Some challenges are visible and many are invisible and can be difficult to understand. We want to help families find information so that you can understand your complex family members.
We offer educational advocacy, parent mentoring, parent education, monthly support groups, and family social activities so that all members can meet others who are similar. We also have a network of wonderful professionals who we can refer families to for professionals services if needed.
For additional information and support, please visit any of our other sites:
Twice Exceptional/ 2E Network International – https://www.facebook.com/groups/2E.Network.LA,
Twice Exceptional/ 2E Network LA – (business page), https://www.facebook.com/2E.Network.LA.
Twice Exceptional/ 2E Network LA – (meet-up for 2E families in the Los Angeles area), http://www.meetup.com/Twice-Exceptional-2E-Network-LA/.
San Fernando Valley Gifted & 2E – (meet-up for G/ 2E Families in the Los Angeles area), https://www.meetup.com/SFV-G2E/
2E Network International 