Jenny Espinosa

Did you know that twice-exceptional (2E) students — those who are both gifted AND neurodiverse — are among the most overlooked in our education system? I know because I was one of them.

I was admitted into the MDCPS Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program in 1992 upon the inception of Plan B & saw the program grow from its infancy to 12.6% of the total student population, a 355% increase over the past 3 decades (see chart in References below) — far exceeding the estimated 3–6% of truly gifted individuals in the general population. The numbers don’t add up. And while 2E students are estimated to make up 2–5% of the population, their data is nowhere to be found — raising serious questions about why so many students have been admitted into the program, whether they are even being properly identified and served. Individualized Education Plans (IEP) should be standardized for every student at the beginning of the school year.

There should have been a continued focus on my talents — gifted in music, math, and coding. When I transitioned out of elementary school, something changed. The program shifted — more rigorous academically, with a lack of the social/emotional component. I started to struggle without understanding why. I excelled in some areas while falling behind in others. When I had noticeable issues, I was just told to “try harder” — and eventually removed from the program without reevaluation or proper documentation as per statute, left without answers or support. Attended the largest high school within the largest school district in the US at that time. Class sizes were over state-mandated regulation.

In 2024, I discovered something that changed my perception of life as I knew it. After going through the Early Steps process for my son’s developmental delay, his therapist explained the concept of Twice Exceptional (2E) — gifted and neurodiverse. Neurodiverse simply means that the brain works differently from what is considered typical — whether through ASD, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental differences. Those who are 2E exhibit giftedness alongside one of these differences, and when left unrecognized, it becomes truly disabling. For me, it was overlooked for over 30 years. A diagnosis that should have come decades ago — one that would have changed everything.