Recorded live at the National Association for Gifted and Talented (NAGC) Conference in Pittsburgh, this final episode of the Winter 2026 Listen & Learn series brings together Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett with emerging scholar Jimmy Wilson and researcher Dr. Julie Delgado.

Together, they explore how creativity can become a powerful pathway for twice-exceptional (2e) learners—particularly students with autism spectrum disorder—by centering passion, projects, peers, and play.

This conversation bridges research and practice, drawing from Project 2EASD and the Lifelong Kindergarten Lab’s Four P’s Framework (Passion, Play, Projects, Peers) to reimagine how schools and universities can support neurodiverse learners.

What twice-exceptional (2e) really means—and why creativity matters

How Project 2EASD reshapes professional learning for teachers

The Four P’s of creative learning: Passion, Play, Projects, and Peers

Why interest-based peers matter more than same-age peers

The role of extracurriculars, clubs, and mentorship in student growth

Moving beyond deficit-based views of neurodiversity

How passion fuels perseverance—and when it’s okay to pivot

“Hard fun” as a catalyst for leadership, confidence, and real-world skills

From launching clubs to hosting dorm-room tea parties, the stories shared highlight how creative environments empower students to thrive—academically, socially, and personally.

Jimmy Wilson is an emerging scholar and resident expert in gifted education, specializing in twice-exceptional (2e) learners. His research focuses on supporting neurodiverse students—particularly those on the autism spectrum—through creative learning experiences, mentorship, and interest-based peer connections. Jimmy brings both scholarly insight and practical strategies for implementing programs that help 2e learners thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Julie Delgado is a tenure-track researcher in gifted education, having recently completed her dissertation on Project 2EASD (Twice-Exceptional Autism Spectrum Disorder). Her work centers on professional development for teachers, integrating creativity into learning, and helping educators cultivate meaningful experiences for neurodiverse students. Julie’s research emphasizes passion-driven projects, mentorship, and leveraging extracurricular activities to promote leadership, collaboration, and real-world skill development.

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