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In this episode, Melissa Sornik, LCSW, discusses "2e", which are twice -exceptional children, both gifted and with a neurodevelopmental difference such as ADHD and/or autism. What does it mean to be twice exceptional, how do we identify these kids and how do we help them thrive?
A licensed clinician, Melissa has been working with gifted individuals and their families since 2001 and earned her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University with a specialization in children and families. The co-founder of Twice Exceptional Children's Advocacy, Inc., she served as president of the organization from 2002 through 2023. Her clinical practice, Melissa Sornik LCSW/Smart Practice Network specializes in support and services for gifted individuals, including 2e individuals who are gifted with social, emotional, and/or learning challenges. Melissa manages all programs and services, including training and supervision, collaborates with a network of experienced independent professionals, and works directly with gifted children, adolescents, and adults in a therapeutic capacity.
Believing that resilience and healthy relationships are fundamental to personal and professional success and fulfillment, Melissa has developed the B.E.S.T. model — four key elements she uses in her work with clients. Reflecting upon her educational experience as a gifted artist and writer with certain learning challenges (including struggles with math and memorization), Melissa relived a similar experience as a parent of her gifted child. She has worked with many gifted individuals, especially those whose gifts, talents, and unique emotional needs aren't typically recognized or supported in traditional school or work settings, or those with certain challenges that overshadow their gifts and abilities. Melissa and the collective of teachers, clinicians, and mentors who collaborate with her practice provide onsite and online client services and support. Each clinician has been thoughtfully chosen for their own gifts, talents, and abilities. A collaborative sharing of ideas, unique talents, and creative synergy results in the creation of programs, projects, and activities that are as innovative and unique as the individuals they were created for.
Melissa has developed programs for gifted and 2e children and adolescents, conducted professional development sessions for public and private school settings and colleges in the NY tri-state area, has authored several articles on the subject of twice-exceptionality, and has presented lectures and workshops at regional and national conferences. She has served as an advisory board member of GiftedNYS, and has co-authored and co-presented the first online course on 2e for the National Association of Social Workers' NY Chapter. Melissa has served on district and county Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) boards and is a 2e consultant for school districts and private schools. She is a SENG SMPG certified parent support group facilitator and an adjunct professor at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY where she has taught her own undergraduate course on a systems model and approach to working with children with special needs and their families. She has supervised and mentored undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate social workers through training, internships, and licensure. Melissa is also the former director for admissions and outreach at a school for gifted and 2e learners in NYC. She resides in New York City and maintains clinical practices in New York City and Sea Cliff, New York.
https://giftednys.org/about-us/our-team/
https://sites.google.com/view/2enyc/home/about-us
Please note that while I am a pediatrician, I am not your child's pediatrician. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any medical concerns or decisions, please reach out to your child’s health care professional.
Cover art by Charlotte Feldman
