When teachers say your child is “too smart” for special ed services

09/10/2025 25 min Episodio 120
When teachers say your child is “too smart” for special ed services

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Episode Synopsis

When a teacher says your child is “too smart” for special education services, it doesn’t feel like a compliment — it’s more like a roadblock!Parent advocate Danielle Ward joins us to unpack what this response often means and how it might signal twice exceptionality, where giftedness masks real struggles. She shares practical strategies for moving forward when the system says “no,” even when your child clearly needs support.We also break down what legally qualifies a student for an IEP, when a 504 plan might be a helpful tool, and how to push through to get your child the support they need.For more on this topic: Listen: IEPs: The difference between IEPs and 504 plansRead: All about twice-exceptional studentsBook: Differently Wired Kids, by Debbie Reber (TILT Parenting)Resource: School Avoidance AllianceTimestamps:(05:00) What is 2E (twice exceptionality)?(09:20) Who is legally eligible for an IEP?(13:04) How 504 plans can support your child(18:47) Understanding academic vs. educational impactFor a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].
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