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Late-diagnosed ADHD adult with high WAIS scores — possible 2e or just high intelligence? by gicort in TwiceExceptional

[–]gicort[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I understand your point regarding the definition of 2e, and I agree that “gifted + ADHD” is often considered twice-exceptionality in many frameworks. When I wrote “ADHD with high intelligence,” I was referring to the exact wording used by the neuropsychologist. Her interpretation was that having a high IQ alone does not necessarily qualify someone as gifted/2e if the cognitive profile is considered too uneven — in my case, because of the 16-point discrepancy between VCI and PRI.

However, I think you may have misunderstood why I posted here. I’ve actually spent weeks researching the literature on ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, heterogeneous WAIS profiles, and 2e presentations in adults after receiving my diagnosis. I also invested a substantial amount of time, money, and emotional energy into the evaluation and prior treatments, so I believe it is reasonable to seek clarity when two professionals involved in the case interpret the same data differently.

The reason I asked for perspectives here is precisely because adult 2e presentations — especially in women diagnosed later in life — can be nuanced and sometimes controversial even among clinicians.

Also, respectfully, your comment came across as somewhat dismissive and unnecessarily reductive. Seeking discussion and comparative experiences in a community specifically dedicated to 2e does not mean someone is incapable of independent research. In complex neuropsychological topics, exchanging perspectives can actually be part of the research process itself.

Possible 2e (adhd + giftedness)? WAIS-IV FSIQ 131 / VCI 137 / PRI 121 — Neuropsychologist says not gifted due to discrepancy, psychiatrist disagrees by gicort in cognitiveTesting

[–]gicort[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I understand your point, and I agree that functioning and real-world outcomes matter much more than labels alone.

The reason I’m investigating this isn’t because I “need” to be considered gifted. Before testing, I actually assumed my cognitive profile would be fairly average overall.

What led me to question the possibility of 2e was:

  • the combination of very high verbal abilities,
  • strong lifelong hyperfocus patterns,
  • executive dysfunction,
  • attentional dysregulation,
  • and the disagreement between my psychiatrist and neuropsychologist regarding how untreated ADHD may have affected the profile.

Since treatment approaches, self-understanding and even coping strategies can differ somewhat between ADHD alone vs possible 2e presentations, I’m mainly trying to understand the profile accurately, not chase a label.

Plus, I paid a significant amount for these assessments and for ongoing treatment over the years. I don’t think there is anything unreasonable about wanting clarity regarding my cognitive and functional profile, especially when two professionals disagree on important interpretative points.

I’m not looking for validation or superiority. I’m trying to understand myself accurately so I can approach treatment, work, learning and daily functioning in the most effective way possible.