Concepts

We have provided a brief introduction to concepts and models that we find most meaningful in understanding the well-being, challenges, and worldview of gifted and twice-exceptional individuals. Many unique traits are common among gifted people, and our goal is to highlight as many of these characteristics as possible on this page.

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We regularly introduce new topics and concepts, and if you feel something is missing, please send an email to [email protected], and we will look into incorporating it.

General well-being

General well-being is undoubtedly a comprehensive concept that cannot be justifiably captured in a brief description. Nevertheless, we have found that Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's FLOW-theory offers an insightful overview of the challenges experienced by gifted individuals. You can explore more about the theory here:
FLOW-theory and the well-being of gifted people

Twice-exceptional

Twice-exceptional (2e) is a term used to describe individuals who are gifted and thus possess extraordinary abilities or strengths in one or more areas, while also having one or more diagnoses or learning difficulties that hinder them academically, socially, or emotionally. These individuals may struggle to fit in with their peers, may have difficulties with certain subjects or types of tasks, or may face social or emotional challenges that make it difficult for them to reach their full potential.

For example, a twice-exceptional student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have trouble reading social cues, understanding humor, or making friends. They might struggle to interpret nonverbal communication or grasp social norms, which can make it challenging for them to interact effectively with others.

Overexcitability

Overexcitability refers to an enhanced activation of senses, emotions, movement, imagination, and/or curiosity experienced by certain children and youth. Gifted children and youth are particularly overrepresented in this category. More information about the concept can be found here:
Overexcitability

Asynchrony

Asynchrony is a characteristic and perhaps even a defining feature of giftedness. You can read more about the concept here:
Asynchrony - a definition of giftedness

Pathological Demand Avoidance - PDA

PDA is commonly described as an aspect of the autism spectrum; however, we find that it can also occur in gifted individuals, meaning that one does not rule out the other.

For some children, it may be challenging to decode the underlying reasons.

The primary characteristic of typical PDA behavior is a daily pattern of resistance related to demands and expectations. Therefore, we use the term demand-avoidant to describe PDA-like behavior. This pattern of resistance arises because the gifted child has an unwavering need for self-preservation and autonomy, including a pronounced need to be self-directed regarding freedom and moral independence.

Read more about PDA here