Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/english/1626521-supporting-children-who-are-twice-exceptional-and-beyond
https://studentshare.org/english/1626521-supporting-children-who-are-twice-exceptional-and-beyond.
Children who are twice exceptional still suffer from misunderstanding and social stereotyping despite many medical breakthroughs and information influx nowadays. It is in this light that the writer aspires to share opinion on the subject matter through extensive research by academic articles found on the internet. This paper is intended to help provide clarity over the subject matter of supporting children who are “twice exceptional”. Keywords: twice exceptional, exceptional, comorbid situations, comorbid, children, child care1.) How does understanding children who are "twice exceptional" deepen your understanding of comorbid conditions?
The terms “twice exceptional” seems to be a vague concept to me at first. When I delved further I learned that it is usually abbreviated as 2e, “twice exceptional” refers to children with physical disability but are blessed intellectually. They are called as such because of their special intellectual capacity and because of their physical condition that requires special attention (Beckley, 2012).Little did we know that 2e children also bear the burden of certain disabilities that entail for them to be misunderstood?
Common disabilities found in 2e children are dyslexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, tourette syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorders among others. They often have the difficulty to study in a traditional learning environment. Because of this, 2e children are often perceived as lazy, distracted and lacks interest with disruptive behaviour (Beckley, 2012). Because of these perceptions, parents and child carers tends to use a different approach to discipline does not fit the 2e children. They tend to apply the kind of discipline that they use to non-2e children not realizing that 2e children have special needs.
Although my understanding on 2e is not absolute, I believe that it helped me broaden my mind and further my understanding on child psychology. Generally, children are the most vulnerable section in our society (if not, the world) what more with the 2e children who have certain limitations that tests our patience? My initial understanding on 2e children fortified my belief that we should take extra care precaution when dealing with them. To be more careful with what we say, what we show them and how we guide them because that’s who they become.2.) What are the implications of understanding comorbid conditions in general, and children who are "twice exceptional" specifically, for supporting childrens individuality?
2e children show an array of traits, behaviour and most of them are gifted children. However, they possess a quality that is the discrepancy of their mental age is different from their biological or physical age.Comorbid situation and children who are “twice exceptional” are distinct but not separate. Their conditions might have differences but their commonality is that they need special attention and extra care (Beckley, 2012). These situations did not happen by chance, there are factors behind it thus understanding the said condition only imply further understanding towards the needs of children and how they should be fulfilled.
Adults and child carers should be cautious to know the difference between spoiling and fulfilling their special needs. Their strengths should not compensate their weakness but rather help them improve it or accept it as it is because nobody is perfect.One thing that these children need is support for whatever they aspire to become despite their limitations. Give the children your unrelenting encouragement yet recognize their weakness and offer guidance to help them overcome it. Most of the children, 2e children and children in comorbid situations have a hard time socializing with their fellows.
Show them how to talk to fellow kids, immerse them in play grounds, and expose them to cartoons as well as to interactive and educational toys.Assess the things that children find interesting and give them opportunities to hone that. If they like to paint, to art exhibits, buy them colouring book and most of all, do not impose what you like or what you want them to become.REFERENCEBeckley, D (2012). University of Connecticut. "Gifted and Learning Disabled: Twice Exceptional Students". Retrieved February 3, 2014.
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