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Twice Exceptional: Sensory Integration

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  • Guidebooks: Davidson Institute Guidebooks

    Twice-Exceptionality - Twice-Exceptionality: A Resource Guide for Parents

    The Davidson Institute is committed to supporting the profoundly gifted population including the many children who are twice-exceptional (2E) within our community. Though this isn’t an exhaustive text, this guidebook is meant to act as a launch pad for parents to learn more about twice-exceptionality, the process of identification and assessment, and how to support children who are 2E intellectually, emotionally and socially.

    This guidebook includes:

    • First-Hand Stories from 2E families to give you insights from people who have “been there, done that.”
    • Expert Q & As on a variety of specialized topics with professionals currently working in the fields of twice-exceptionality and education.
    • Resource Highlights that showcase some of the organizations parents in our community have found helpful in navigating the 2E world.
    • Side Notes that include article excerpts which dive deep into topics related to the issues discussed in each section.
    • Parent Tools created by our team to help you translate the section’s information to your own family and situation.
    • Key Takeaways that summarize the main points at the end of each section.
    Beyond the Resource Highlights, each section also cites and discusses additional helpful books, articles, organizations and other resources. All these resources have been conveniently gathered into one page on the Davidson Gifted Database: the 2E Guidebook: Resources and Bibliography page. This page has been divided by section so that you can quickly find the resources discussed as well as additional readings on that section’s main topics.

  • Organizations: National

    National Center to Improve Practice (NCIP), (PA)
    This site was developed to promote the effective use of technology to enhance educational outcomes for students with sensory, cognitive, physical and social/emotional disabilities.
    Twice Exceptional Children's Advocacy (TECA)
    TECA is the primary online destination for parents of 2e children looking for a community of peers, resources, information and support.

  • Printed Materials: Books

    "Mellow Out," They Say. If I Only Could: Intensities and Sensitivities of the Young and Bright
    Through some 500 excerpts quoted in the text, Mishow Piechowski illustrates how the intensities and sensitivities of bright young chilren make them more alive, more creative, and more in love with the world than others.
    A Practical Guide to Mental Health & Learning Disorders for Every Educator
    Covering topics including PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and many others, this accessible, ready-to-use reference explains how each disorder or difficulty might be exhibited in the classroom and offers straightforward suggestions for what to do (and what not to do). Using clear, jargon-free language, the book helps all educators—whether in inclusive classrooms, general education settings, or other environments—recognize mental health issues and learning disabilities that are often observed in students. Fully revised and updated to correspond to the DSM-5, this edition addresses newly diagnosed disorders, as well as incorporating the latest research and interventions for existing disorders. The book also includes current information about educational practices such as creating a culturally responsive classroom and supporting students’ social-emotional learning.
    Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up: Help Your Child Overcome Slow Processing Speed and Succeed in a Fast-Paced World

    Drs. Ellen Braaten and Brian Willoughby have worked with thousands of kids and teens who struggle with an area of cognitive functioning called "processing speed," and who are often mislabeled as lazy or unmotivated. Filled with vivid stories and examples, this crucial resource demystifies processing speed and shows how to help kids (ages 5 to 18) catch up in this key area of development. Learn how to obtain needed support at school, what to expect from a professional evaluation, and how you can make daily routines more efficient—while promoting the social and emotional well-being of children. Read a review of this book.

    Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders
    This is the classic text written by the occupational therapist/psychologist who developed sensory integration theory and intervention.
    Sensory Integration and the Child
    A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., was an occupational therapist who first researched and described the theories and frame of reference which we now call sensory integration. In this book, Dr. Ayres makes several analogies that describe sensory integration and its dysfunction. Like many therapies in the early stages, this book claims a lot; however parents reading it can search out the parts that fit their child and experiences. It is very descriptive of the underlying theory and the practical application of sensory integration treatment. If you want to learn about sensory integration from the founder of the movement - this is the book to get.
    The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them
    Highly sensitive children (HSC) are often mislabeled as overly inhibited, fearful, “fussy,” or classified as “problem children.” In this book by Elaine Aron, parents will find helpful self-tests and case studies to help them understand their HSC, along with advice on: challenges of raising an HSC, four keys to successfully parenting an HSC, how to soothe highly sensitive infants, helping sensitive children survive in a not-so-sensitive world and making school and friendships enjoyable.
    The Out of Sync Child (book and author's website)
    Children with normal "far senses" (sight and hearing) may have, because of a poorly integrated nervous system, serious problems with their "near senses," including touch, balance, and internal muscle sensation. It's called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, or SI. This book explains SI dysfunction in all its stages. It's a comprehensive, easily-understood guide explaining a drug-free treatment approach for children with these challenges. Additionally, you'll find a resource section for parents and caregivers.
    The Out-Of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids With Sensory Integration Dysfunction
    This companion volume to The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. presents activities that parents of kids with sensory integration challenges can do at home with their child to strengthen their child's abilities - and have some fun together along the way. Find more than one hundred playful activities to help develop and organize a child's brain and body.
    The Sensory Child Gets Organized: Proven Systems for Rigid, Anxious, or Distracted Kids
    In this book by Carolyn Dalgliesh, the author helps parents with understanding what makes sensory children tick; how to create harmonious spaces through sensory organizing; how to use structure and routines to connect with children; preparing a child for social and school experiences; and, make travel a successful and fun-filled journey.
    Twice Exceptional (2e) Spotlight Series
    Published by the 2eNewsletter, the Spotlight on 2e Series includes 10 titles with more planned in the future: Parenting Your Twice-exceptional Child; Understanding Your Twice-exceptional Student; Understanding the Gifted Child with Attention Deficit; The Twice-exceptional Child with Asperger Syndrome; Guiding the Twice-exception Child: A Collection of Columns by Meredith Warshaw; The 2e Reading Guide: Essential Books for Understanding the Twice-exceptional Child; Caring for the Mental Health of the Twice-exceptional Child; The Mythology of Learning: Understanding Common Myths about 2e Learners; Writing and the 2e Learner: Issues and Strategies; and The Twice-exceptional Child with Dyslexia.

  • Schools & Programs: Independent

    Big Minds
    Big Minds is an attachment-based, community focused school designed to give 2e students the time and support necessary to grow into thoughtful, articulate citizens. Our focus is on socio-emotional development that supports both cognitive and creative growth. Students and teachers are continually engaged in a passionate, reciprocal learning process. Our academic work is inquiry-based, dynamic, and follows student interests. Big Minds is designed to help 2e children reach their full intellectual and creative potential, while giving them the necessary skills to be socially competent in the world.
    Bridges Academy (Los Angeles, CA)
    The mission of the Bridges Academy is to educate twice-exceptional (2e) students. The school offers two programs: the Phoenix Program for students ages 9-11, and the 7th-12th grade post-secondary preparatory program.

  • Schools & Programs: Public

    Spectrum Academy (Salt Lake City, UT)
    The Spectrum Academy is a non-profit organization and is Utah's first charter school that implements research-based teaching methods to accommodate children with Asperger’s Syndrome, high functioning Autism, communication disorders, and sensory integration disorders.

  • Websites & Other Media: Commercial

    Songames® for Sensory Integration
    Songames for Sensory Integration highlights the power of music and play in promoting sensory integration. Musical songames are 'tools' that promote everything from self-regulation to praxis. The music is fun and motivating, helping kids (and their parents and teachers) play in purposeful, developmentally meaningful ways.
    South Paw
    This equipment company has the most complete collection of equipment to help children with SI problems including musical/oral motor, floor activities, education and more.

  • Websites & Other Media: Informational

    2eNews.com
    2e News provides readers with high-level information and perspectives about twice-exceptional (2e) education and cognitive diversity. They cover a broad range of topics that are essential for all educators, parents, and industry professionals. Their mission is to maintain a fruitful conversation among key stakeholders to improve the lives of gifted students with learning differences.
    Sensory Integration International
    This website is the official site of the research group that has initiated and supported the scientific study of Sensory Integration. It promotes education and advocates early intervention for persons with sensory processing disorders.
    The STAR Institute
    The STAR Institute is a world leader in research, education, and advocacy for Sensory Processing Disorder, a neurological condition that disrupts the daily lives of an estimated 1 in 20 children and adults.