Keywords
twice-exceptional; autism; gifted; support; education; 2e
Abstract
This thesis explores best practices for supporting the social, emotional, and academic needs of 2E students through an educational lens. Using a qualitative meta-analysis of eight peer-reviewed case studies and research articles, the goal was to identify common themes and interventions that effectively address the complex needs of this population. Four primary themes emerged from the studies: inclusive and supportive environment, awareness and professional development, collaboration and communication, and individualized instruction and enrichment. Prevalence was calculated to determine the relative emphasis of each theme across sources, with “inclusive and supportive environment” and “individualized instruction and enrichment” appearing most frequently. Results highlight the importance of flexible classroom environments, teacher empathy, social-emotional learning, and strength-based approaches to education. This study also underscores the role of multi-disciplinary collaboration and teacher training in improving preparedness. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on 2E education by synthesizing effective strategies and emphasizing the need for systemic changes in faculty education and academic infrastructure. The results are relevant to educators, school psychologists, administrators, and policymakers seeking to create more inclusive learning experiences for gifted students with neurodevelopmental or learning disabilities.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Summer
Thesis Chair
Neal, Raymonde
College
College of Sciences
Department
Department of Psychology
Thesis Discipline
Psychology
Language
English
Access Status
Campus Access
Length of Campus Access
5 years
Campus Location
UCF Online
STARS Citation
Richards, Madison K., "Improving Academic and Socio-Emotional Support for 2e Students in Educational Settings" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 397.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/397
Restricted to the UCF community until 8-15-2030; it will then be open access.