“But They Did it Yesterday!”: Fluctuating Capacity in Gifted & 2e Kids

Gifted and twice-exceptional kids can be capable, curious, and insightful, and still have days when everyday expectations feel completely out of reach. A child may manage school, transitions, social demands, or emotional regulation one day, and struggle with the very same things the next. This often leaves families wondering, “But they did it yesterday. Why can’t they do it today?” This session explores fluctuating capacity: the idea that ability doesn’t disappear, but access to it can. We’ll look at how mental, emotional, sensory, and physical energy affect a child’s capacity, and how low-capacity days may show up as avoidance, irritability, big feelings, shutdowns, sensory sensitivity, fatigue, or increased need for reassurance. Families will learn how to shift the lens from “they won’t” to “they can’t right now,” and make more intentional choices about when to reduce demands, offer co-regulation, allow rest, or gently stretch skills. The goal is not to lower expectations forever, but to better understand what support is needed today — not assume capacity will look the same as it did yesterday.

Erin Tee is an advocate, educator, coach, and parent who champions neurodiversity in education and beyond. With an M.Ed. in Cognitive Diversity and a Certificate in Twice-Exceptional Education, Erin blends academic knowledge, practical tools, and lived experience as an AuDHD parent of a twice-exceptional child. She has presented internationally on inclusive design and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Through coaching, learning support, courses, webinars, and content creation, Erin provides sustainable, brain-friendly support for home, education, and work, helping neurodivergent people and their families reduce daily friction and build strategies that actually work.