Gifted and Distractible by Julie F. Skolnick Summary

Gifted and Distractible provides research-backed strategies to support "twice exceptional" (2e) children—those who are intellectually gifted but also have learning differences like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. The book demystifies asynchronous development, overexcitabilities, and challenges in education, offering actionable tools for parents and educators to nurture strengths while addressing behavioral and social-emotional struggles.

This guide is essential for parents, educators, and caregivers of 2e children, as well as adults who identify as twice exceptional. It’s tailored for those seeking to understand giftedness alongside learning differences, offering frameworks to advocate for personalized educational support and build self-confidence in neurodivergent learners.

Yes—the book combines Julie Skolnick’s 20+ years of expertise with relatable anecdotes and step-by-step strategies. It’s praised for its conversational tone, depth on 2e challenges, and practical advice for reframing behavioral issues as unmet needs.

Twice exceptional kids exhibit high cognitive, creative, or academic abilities alongside learning differences like ADHD, sensory processing issues, or anxiety. These contrasting traits often lead to mislabeling (e.g., “lazy” or “attention-seeking”), requiring tailored support to harness their potential.

The book explains how 2e children may excel in math but lag in social skills or motor coordination. Skolnick provides tools to identify “splinter skills” (advanced abilities in narrow areas) and create balanced learning plans that accommodate uneven development.

Skolnick outlines how to collaborate with educators using strength-based language, request accommodations (e.g., extended deadlines), and navigate IEP/504 plans. Emphasizing partnership over confrontation, she shares scripts to communicate a child’s needs effectively.

The book reframes meltdowns as stress responses to sensory or emotional overload. Strategies include identifying triggers (e.g., transitions), using calming techniques (weighted blankets, deep pressure), and teaching self-advocacy phrases like “I need a break”.

Covered extensively, overexcitabilities are heightened intensities in areas like emotional sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, or sensory perception. Skolnick explains how these traits fuel creativity but also contribute to overwhelm, offering exercises to channel them constructively.

Skolnick urges focusing on a child’s passions (e.g., coding, art) to boost confidence before addressing challenges. Techniques include “micro-yes” questions (“Can we try this for 5 minutes?”) and gamifying tasks to align with their interests.

Some readers note the book’s dense research sections may overwhelm time-strapped parents. However, its structured chapters allow skipping to relevant strategies, and the included actionable takeaways balance depth with practicality.

Unlike broader guides, Gifted and Distractible specifically targets 2e challenges, blending academic rigor with real-world tools. It complements works like Differently Wired by focusing on dual exceptionalities and systemic advocacy.

Skolnick founded With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, mentoring thousands of 2e families and advising educators globally. Her dual background in law and gifted education informs the book’s advocacy-driven, research-backed approach.