Twice-Exceptionality: A Systematic Review of Distinctive Characteristics

Twice-exceptionality stands out as a complex interplay between giftedness and one or more areas of challenge (Baldwin et al., 2015; Gilman & Peters, 2018; Lovecky, 2023; Pfeiffer, 2015; Reis et al., 2014; Trail, 2022), requiring a pedagogical approach that ensures a holistic understanding of the child and their unique needs to facilitate identification. A systematic review was carried out to identify the distinctive characteristics of this student group. The included studies highlight differences between twice-exceptional students and control groups of either gifted students or those with specific challenges. Moreover, case studies confirm the stability of previously identified distinguishing traits.