Less Idiot. More Savant.

Twice Exceptional (2E) is a term used to describe students having both a very high IQ (above the 98th percentile) and a learning disorder, like Attention Deficit Hyperactiviy Disorder: ADD or ADHD.  Those students grow up, continuing to be Twice Exceptional.

But superior intelligence is no defense against the effects of ADHD.  Yale researchers recently proved 2Es suffer significant impairments in memory and cognitive tests when compared to people with similar IQs not having the disorder. “Many of these people are told they can’t be suffering the loss of executive function from ADHD because they are too smart,” said Thomas E. Brown, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “Each of these individuals might be compared to a symphony orchestra of very talented musicians who cannot produce adequate symphonic music because the orchestra lacks an effective conductor.”

You may appear at times an idiot; you know deep inside you might be extraordinary.  We all deserve to acknowledge and build upon our inherent gifts.  There are more 2Es like you out there. And we are truly glad you made it here.