Understanding 2e and 3e
Updated: Sep 17
If you've ever felt like your brain is running several different operating systems at once, you might be familiar with the concept of being twice (2e) or thrice-exceptional (3e). When autism, ADHD, and 'giftedness*' combine, they create unique and complex ways of experiencing the world that challenge our traditional understanding of neurodevelopment.
*Note that 2e is not the same as being intellectually gited.
The Multifaceted Nature of Intelligence
Let's move beyond the oversimplified notion of being "smart." Intelligence shows up in our lives in fascinating ways, and when combined with different neurodevelopmental experiences, it creates distinct patterns that make each person's experience unique.
Cognitive processing...think about having a mind that notices every detail while simultaneously seeing the big picture. It's like having a powerful microscope and telescope working at the same time - both amazing and sometimes overwhelming
Emotional depth...many multi-exceptional people experience emotions with incredible intensity, creating rich inner lives while sometimes making everyday interactions more complex
Creative expression...novel approaches to problem-solving often emerge naturally, though these might look quite different from conventional methods
Why Many of Us Hate Being Called "Smart" (me included!)
Here's the thing - being labelled as "smart" can feel like being handed a heavy backpack full of expectations. Many multi-exceptional individuals actively push back against this label because:
It completely misses the mark about our daily lived experience
Creates unrealistic expectations about consistent performance
Overlooks our genuine struggles with tasks others find simple
Fails to acknowledge the intense effort required to navigate multiple ways of being
The Dance of Different Minds
The complexity of adult autism assessment reveals how different aspects of neurodevelopmental differences work together. This isn't about separate conditions existing side by side - it's more like a complex dance where each element influences the others. For instance:
Autistic pattern recognition might blend with creative thinking in unexpected ways
ADHD's variable attention could enhance ability to notice unique connections
Sensory experiences might be both more intense and more information-rich
Living With Complexity
Understanding multiple exceptionalities means acknowledging that our minds don't fit neatly into single categories. You might find yourself capable of understanding complex systems while struggling to remember where you put your keys, or have deep insights into others' emotions while finding everyday social chatter challenging.
The goal isn't to collect labels but to better understand ourselves and develop strategies that work with, rather than against, our unique ways of thinking and being.
Please note that I do not do IQ testing. I am happy to explore if you might identify as 2e. Giftedness describes exceptional high intelligence, present whether or not it shows up as achievement, together with a broader set of associated traits. It can sit in verbal or non-verbal domains, or both, and is usually described across intellectual, existential, emotional, sensory, creative and physical strands.
Being gifted is not the same thing as being capable in all areas, and being high achieving is not evidence of giftedness either.
Cognitive profiles and skillsets among gifted folk, 2ers and 3ers included, are frequently spiky, and plenty of people will never test well on standard measures, or will land in the higher ranges on only one or two strands. What counts as giftedness also sits awkwardly against what wider society notices and rewards, and against what any individual has the means and access to pursue. This is why qualitative information carries so much weight when we are looking at how giftedness and other neurodivergent profiles interact, or trying to tease one apart from the other, since a person's account of their own experience holds detail no score will ever capture.
Further Reading and Support
If you're exploring these aspects of yourself, you're not alone. The Embracing Intensity Podcast offers fantastic conversations about living with intensity and neurodevelopmental differences. Host Aurora Remember Holtzman brings together experts and individuals sharing their experiences of navigating multiple exceptionalities, offering insights that many find deeply relatable.
The Gifted Adults platform is another valuable resource, particularly for those exploring how intellectual intensity intersects with other aspects of neurodevelopment. Their community-focused approach helps many people find others who share similar experiences.
Remember, acknowledging these differences isn't about setting ourselves apart - it's about understanding and embracing our unique ways of experiencing the world. While an adult autism assessment often provides crucial insights, it's just one part of understanding your complete experience. The journey of understanding multiple exceptionalities can be complex, but having access to quality information and supportive communities makes it more manageable - and often quite fascinating.
