Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Learning Differences
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Key Takeaways
- Giftedness is more than academic achievement; it is a unique developmental profile that can include heightened intellect, sensitivity, creativity, asynchronous development, and co-occurring challenges.
- Gifted children often show asynchronous development, meaning their cognitive age can differ from their emotional or physical age, alongside traits like intense emotions, perfectionism, and high sensitivity to criticism.
- Twice-exceptional (2e) children are gifted while also having learning differences such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety, and their strengths can mask their challenges and vice versa.
- There is no single test for giftedness; a full evaluation may combine IQ testing (typically 130+), academic assessments, teacher and parent input, and social-emotional and sensory evaluations.
- Beyond enrichment, gifted and 2e children often benefit from therapies that address emotional regulation, sensory integration, motor coordination, and social skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is giftedness in children?
Giftedness is typically defined as having exceptional intellectual or creative ability, often accompanied by advanced problem-solving, curiosity and intensity, emotional depth, unique learning needs, and asynchronous development. It goes beyond academic achievement and may include emotional, sensory, or developmental challenges.
What are common signs that my child might be gifted?
Common traits include rapid learning and long attention spans when interested, advanced vocabulary and abstract thinking, intense emotions and empathy, perfectionism, a preference for older peers or adults, strong moral or justice concerns, and boredom in structured environments.
What does twice-exceptional (2e) mean?
Twice-exceptional children are gifted but also have learning differences such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia or dysgraphia, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety. Because their strengths can mask their challenges, these children may go unidentified or be misunderstood.
How is giftedness identified in a child?
There is no single test for giftedness. A full evaluation may include IQ testing (typically 130+), academic assessments, teacher and parent input, social-emotional and sensory evaluations, and observations of problem-solving and learning style.
What kinds of therapy can help a gifted child?
Gifted children may benefit from sensory integration for sensory sensitivities, executive function coaching for planning and emotional regulation, fine motor support for handwriting or coordination, social communication training for 2e learners, and support for expressive language and gross motor coordination.
