Privileging the Voices of Twice-Exceptional Children: An Exploration of Lived Experiences and Stigma Narratives*

Abstract

This study presents an exploration of the lived experiences of eight twice-exceptional children through their own voices. The narratives reveal a meta-narrative of stigma where identified contextual factors related to discrimination, perceptions of difference, and stigmatized views of disability, giftedness, and subsequently twice-exceptionality. Eight distinct stigma-related themes emerged from the data and each of these is shared. These narratives provide crucial insights into the daily lives of children living with twice-exceptionality in societies where able-bodied and able-minded norms frequently prevail. The study focuses attention on the omnipresent nature of stigma and the importance of cultivating awareness and understanding about twice-exceptionality to address the unique needs of these children. Moreover, policy and practices can be informed by engaging with these children’s experiences so that their needs can be adequately recognized and addressed.