Gifted or ADHD? Understanding Twice Exceptionality with Julie Skolnick

What if the parts of you that seemed inconsistent, overly intense, distracted, or difficult were actually clues to how your brain works? In this episode of Wired & Worthy, Dr. Amelia Kelley speaks with Julie Skolnick, author of Gifted and Distractible, about twice exceptionality, also known as 2E. Julie explains why giftedness is about far more than intelligence and how it can coexist with ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, and other learning differences. Together, they explore why highly capable children and adults are so often misunderstood, how shame develops when strengths hide real struggles, and what it takes to finally feel seen, supported, and safe enough to unmask. In this episode you’ll learn: Why giftedness is about more than being smart. How ADHD and giftedness can look very similar. Why highly capable people can still struggle with everyday tasks. How sensory needs, perfectionism, and anxiety can affect learning. Why some gifted children and adults are overlooked or misunderstood. How reframing behavior can reduce shame and build confidence. Why understanding how your brain works can make self-advocacy easier. About the guest: Julie Skolnick is the author of Gifted and Distractible and the founder of With Understanding Comes Calm. Her work focuses on supporting gifted and twice-exceptional children, adults, parents, educators, and clinicians. Through consultations, training, courses, and her Haystack community for 2E adults, Julie helps people better understand the overlap between giftedness, ADHD, learning differences, sensory needs, perfectionism, anxiety, and emotional intensity. Her approach centers on practical strategies, positive reframing, advocacy, and helping people understand how their brains work so they can feel supported rather than broken. Connect with Julie Skolnick Website: https://www.withunderstandingcomescal... Instagram:   / julieskolnick   LinkedIn:   / julie-rosenbaum-skolnick-5b582351   Chapters: 00:00 Reframing Sensitivity 00:53 What Is Twice Exceptional? 04:10 Amelia’s Giftedness Story 08:00 Sensory Needs and Motivation 11:00 ADHD or Giftedness? 13:20 Gifted Is More Than Smart 16:30 Supporting Different Needs 20:10 Helping Overlooked Adults 25:10 Stealth Dyslexia and Advocacy 27:20 The Cycle for Success 37:20 Memorization and Perfectionism 45:10 Understanding Your Brain Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley: 🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com 📸 Instagram:   / drameliakelley   👩🏼‍💼 LinkedIn:   / drameliakelley