Gifted/Twice-Exceptional Evaluations

What is Twice-Exceptional (2e)?

Twice-exceptional, often called 2e, describes children who are intellectually gifted in one or more areas yet also have a learning disability, attention disorder, or other developmental challenge. A child might be exceptionally strong in math or reading but struggle with dyslexia, ADHD, or social communication. Because their gifts can hide their difficulties, many 2e children are misunderstood as lazy, unmotivated, or inconsistent. Testing for twice-exceptionality uncovers both the strengths and the struggles, giving families a clear picture of how their child learns and what support they need to thrive.

Signs Your Child May Be Twice-Exceptional

No single sign confirms a child is twice-exceptional, but certain patterns are common. Look for a combination of the following:

Very high ability in one subject (math, reading, science) but average or below-average performance in another
Advanced vocabulary and big ideas, yet messy handwriting or trouble spelling
Difficulty focusing on tasks that are not stimulating, but intense concentration on topics of interest
Emotional sensitivity, anxiety, or frustration with school expectations
Poor organizational skills, time management, or follow-through despite obvious intelligence
Social awkwardness or trouble relating to same-age peers, while connecting well with adults or older children

If these patterns sound familiar, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether your child is twice-exceptional and what factors are at play.

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Our Process for Twice-Exceptional Testing in Atlanta

We designed our testing process to be thorough yet as comfortable as possible for your child and your family. Here is what to expect:

Initial consultation. We meet with you to discuss your concerns, your child’s developmental history, and what you hope to learn from the evaluation.
In-person testing sessions. Your child comes to our Atlanta-area office for two to four sessions. We use a mix of interview, standardized tests, and activities that feel more like games than exams.
Parent feedback session. We review the results with you in plain language, answer your questions, and explain the diagnoses and recommendations.
Comprehensive written report. You receive a detailed report that includes test scores, diagnostic conclusions, and a clear plan for school accommodations, enrichment, and therapeutic support.

Why Specialized 2e Testing Matters

Standard evaluations may miss a twice-exceptional profile because giftedness can mask learning disabilities and vice versa. A child might score in the average range overall, but that average hides a very high IQ coupled with a specific disability. Without a targeted 2e evaluation, families and schools may never see the full picture. Our testing is designed to identify that specific pattern so your child can get the right combination of challenge and support. Many children who receive a 2e diagnosis feel a sense of relief and validation when they finally understand why they feel different.

What Locations Offer 2e Testing?

We provide gifted evaluations across all three of our locations serving the Atlanta metro area:

Atlanta: 772 Edgewood Ave NE, Unit 6, Atlanta, GA 30312
Marietta: 108 Margaret Avenue, Marietta, GA 30060
Cumming: 1455 Haw Creek Circle, Suite 601, Cumming, GA 30041

Who Needs a 2e Evaluation?

Children who are already identified as gifted but are struggling in school are strong candidates for 2e testing. So are children who show extreme peaks and valleys in their abilities, or those with a known diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, or autism spectrum disorder who also seem exceptionally talented in certain areas. Some children are never identified as gifted because their learning challenges mask their potential. An evaluation can reveal hidden giftedness and provide the documentation needed for school accommodations.

What Do Your Evaluations Typically Include?

Our comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is tailored to the unique profile of twice-exceptional children. We assess all areas that contribute to learning and development, using standardized tools and clinical observation.

Cognitive and Giftedness Assessment

We measure overall intellectual ability and identify specific cognitive strengths such as verbal reasoning, nonverbal problem-solving, and working memory. This part of the evaluation determines whether your child meets criteria for giftedness and highlights the areas where they excel.

Academic and Learning Disability Testing

We evaluate reading, writing, and math skills to detect learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Our testing also looks at processing speed, auditory and visual processing, and memory to understand how your child learns best and where they need support.

Attention and Executive Functioning

ADHD commonly co-occurs with giftedness, but it can be difficult to tell whether inattention is due to a disorder or simply boredom with understimulating work. Our assessment includes measures of attention, impulse control, organization, and planning to make that distinction clear.

Social-Emotional and Behavioral Health

Many twice-exceptional children experience anxiety, depression, or social difficulties. We explore emotional well-being and behavioral patterns to understand how your child feels about school, peers, and themselves. This information is key to creating a supportive environment at home and school.

FAQs

How Long Does 2e Testing Take?

Testing time varies by the individual and the scope of the evaluation. For most children and
adolescents, the evaluation spans one to two sessions totaling approximately four to seven hours of testing time, plus a separate feedback appointment. Adult evaluations may be completed in a single longer session. Your psychologist will give you a realistic timeline estimate during the intake process.

How Far Out Are You Scheduling?

Typically we are able to schedule your testing appointment about 3 to 4 weeks out from your initial call, but this sometimes varies by time of year.

How Much Does 2e Testing Cost At CPEA?

Fees vary depending on the scope of the evaluation. Please visit our Fees page for current pricing. CPEA does not currently accept insurance for evaluations, but we can provide documentation that many families use to seek partial reimbursement through their insurance provider as an out-of-network benefit.

Will The School Accept This Report?

Typically, schools readily accept our reports. We use assessments familiar to school systems and ask for teacher input regarding students. In addition, several of our psychologists are certified school psychologists as well as licensed psychologists and have extensive experience working in school settings.

How Is A Private Evaluation Different From A School Evaluation?

A school evaluation is conducted to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA and is limited to questions relevant to educational need. A private evaluation at CPEA is a clinical diagnostic evaluation that addresses the full picture: diagnosis, cognitive profile, adaptive functioning, sensory processing, co-occurring conditions, and individualized recommendations that extend beyond the school setting. Private evaluations can complement school data and are often more comprehensive. Private evaluations can also be used to apply for additional supports such as waivers.

Who Completes The Testing?

All of our psychologists have doctoral degrees; while an educational diagnostician or specialist may assist with some tasks, the doctor is present throughout all assessment with the exception of our reduced-fee reevaluations for college students. For a complete list of our professionals and their qualifications, click here.

Gifted/Twice-Exceptional Evaluations