Today’s guest is Julie Skolnick! Julie is a nationally recognized expert on twice-exceptional children, or “2e” kids — those who are both gifted and face learning challenges like ADHD, anxiety, or autism.

Julie is the author of Gifted and Distractible and the founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, a global organization that supports parents, teachers, and clinicians working with neurodiverse kids.

She’s helped thousands of families better understand the unique strengths and struggles that come with raising a child who doesn’t fit the mold.

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to raise a twice-exceptional child—how to keep curiosity alive, why motivation can disappear in boring or rigid environments, and how small shifts in communication can completely change the energy in your home.

Julie shares powerful insights on trauma, learning styles, and the role of resilience—not just for kids, but for parents too.

We also touch on relationships, love languages, and how giving yourself grace as a parent can be just as important as the strategies you use.

If you're raising a complex, bright, emotionally intense child—or if you're one yourself—this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and more equipped to lead with empathy instead of pressure.

 

Key Points

• 2e traits extend beyond being "smart."

• Punishment doesn't teach lagging skills.

• Importance of love & play in learning.

• Gifted classrooms should be active.

• Children’s nature is key in parenting.

 

Best Quotes

07:58 - 08:06

• "So the sit face forward, raise your hand, be organized, turn in your homework. Those are not gifted kids. That's anything but gifted."

11:09 - 11:18

• "So when I train teachers, I just, I just trained a bunch of administrators this week. I am always saying, your best answer is from the kid."

24:46 - 24:55

• "When you notice verbs and efforts, it's like they thank you. 'cause it's like, wow, you see how hard I'm working with all the things that I'm dealing with, right?"

39:13 - 39:27

• "Same with parents. Parents might come to me and be like, Ugh. And they'll tell me all these negative things about their kids. And I always start, my first question always is tell me what your kid's superpower is. Tell me what your kid is passionate about or loves or is interested in."

47:41 - 47:51

• "Wait, what? You don't think the way I Wait, hold on. That doesn't mean as much to you. Wait, you Right. Like we we're surprised, right?"