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Michaela Thomas
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Why bright ADHD children struggle: Understanding Twice Exceptional (2e) kids, with Emma Hetherington
Have you ever looked at your child and thought, "They're incredibly bright... so why are they finding school, friendships or everyday life so hard?" If so, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Emma Hetherington, founder of Kind of Extraordinary, to unpack what it really means to be Twice Exceptional (2e) – when a child is both gifted and neurodivergent, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia or another learning difference. We talk about why these children are so often misunderstood, why their strengths can hide their struggles (and vice versa), and why so many bright neurodivergent children fall through the cracks. As both clinicians and parents of twice exceptional children ourselves, this conversation is packed with practical examples, personal stories and plenty of reassurance that you're not imagining things. In this episode we explore: What Twice Exceptional (2e) actually means How giftedness is also being differently wired, or neurodivergent Why gifted children can also have ADHD, autism or dyslexia as part of neurodivergence How bright children can mask their struggles at school Why schools sometimes miss both giftedness and neurodivergence The "spiky profile" that many 2e children have Perfectionism, anxiety and burnout in bright neurodivergent children Why 2e children ask "why?" about everything Parenting strategies that build connection instead of conflict How to better understand and advocate for your child Whether you're parenting a gifted ADHD child, wondering if your autistic child is also highly able, or recognising parts of yourself in this conversation, I hope this episode helps you feel seen. Resources & Links ✨ Join my free Nervous System Reset to help you move from overwhelm to calm (without having to sit still!): www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/reset . Connect with Emma: www.kindofextraordinary.co.uk Instagram @kindofextraordinary TikTok @emma_kindofextraordinary 💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with another parent who needs to hear this conversation.
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