ADHD and Giftedness in Children: Understanding Twice-Exceptionality (2e)
Some kids don’t fit neatly into one box (and that’s totally normal). Parents often describe them as “so smart, but also so distracted” or “brilliant in some areas, but struggling in others.” When a child shows both signs of giftedness and symptoms of ADHD, they may be what’s called twice-exceptional (2e).
At Chickadee Psychology in Calgary, we often meet families who are navigating these exact questions. Let’s break down what this overlap looks like, and how assessments can help.
What Does Giftedness Look Like?
Gifted children often show:
Advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills
A large vocabulary or ability to grasp abstract ideas
Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
Intense curiosity and deep interests
Heightened sensitivity or perfectionism
Giftedness isn’t just about being “smart.” It’s about learning and thinking in unique, advanced ways.
What Does ADHD Look Like?
Children with ADHD may show:
Trouble focusing on tasks they find boring or repetitive
Difficulty with organization, planning, or finishing assignments
Forgetfulness and distractibility
High energy, fidgeting, or impulsivity
Daydreaming or appearing “off in their own world”
ADHD is not a lack of intelligence. It’s a difference in how the brain regulates attention, activity, and self-control.
How ADHD and Giftedness Overlap
This is where things get tricky, and why many parents feel confused. Some signs of ADHD and giftedness can look very similar, including:
Daydreaming vs. deep thinking: A gifted child might seem “off-task” because they’re thinking big, abstract thoughts, while a child with ADHD may be distracted by their environment.
Boredom vs. inattention: A gifted student might disengage when work feels too easy, while a child with ADHD might tune out even when work is challenging.
Impulsivity vs. creativity: Blurting out answers or jumping ahead may look impulsive, but could also be a sign of rapid, creative problem-solving.
This overlap can make it hard for teachers and parents to know what’s really going on.
What Does It Mean to Be Twice-Exceptional (2e)?
A 2e child is both gifted and has a learning or attention difference, like ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety. These children often:
Shine in certain areas but struggle in others
Get mislabeled as “lazy,” “unmotivated,” or “troublemakers”
Mask their difficulties by relying on strengths
Feel frustrated when their abilities don’t match their performance
Without the right support, 2e kids can fly under the radar — their strengths hiding their struggles, or their struggles overshadowing their gifts.
How Assessments Help
A psychoeducational assessment provides clarity by looking at the whole child. At Chickadee Psychology, our assessments explore:
Cognitive abilities (reasoning, problem-solving, memory, processing speed)
Academic skills (reading, writing, math)
Attention and executive functioning (focus, planning, self-control)
Social-emotional well-being (how your child feels and functions day-to-day)
For families, this process not only identifies giftedness and/or ADHD but also ensures children can access the right supports, whether that’s gifted programming like Westmount Charter or the GATE program, or classroom accommodations for ADHD.
Final Thoughts
If your child seems “ahead” in some ways but is struggling in others, you’re not alone. Many families wonder if it’s ADHD, giftedness, or both and a psychoeducational assessment in Calgary can provide the answers.
