Auditory Processing Disorders and Vision Processing Disorders in Twice-Exceptionality (2e): Are These Foundational Factors Being Overlooked?

Abstract

A growing understanding of twice-exceptional (2e) students has caused many to consider the possibility of misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses in the gifted student. Despite this, auditory processing disorders (APD) and vision processing disorders (VPD) are seldom examined in the 2e research literature, yet are not uncommon in the 2e population. Because both auditory and vision processing are foundational to the human experience, challenges in these areas may significantly impact higher-order skills such as attention and executive function, as well as academic performance. This article explores what is currently known about these processing disorders, examines potential co-occurring conditions, such as dyslexia and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and presents clinical case file data suggesting how these sensory disorders may appear in the 2e population. Proper identification, management, and support of APD and VPD in 2e students could improve our ability to address student needs at the foundational level.