Rudolph The Twice-Exceptional Reindeer

I always know it's December when the flood of Christmas movies on TV swells to a tidal high. This year, I can't help but watch these classics through a different lens; a strength-based, positive psychology lens.

After watching the 1964 classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, I can't help but feel like Rudolph is totally 2e!

For those who may not know, 2e means twice-exceptional. Being 2e means someone has both exceptional abilities and exceptional difficulties, hence the name, 2e.

Here is a definition of twice-exceptional that comes from Dr. Susan Baum’s seminal work, To Be Gifted and Learning Disabled: “Twice-exceptional individuals evidence exceptional ability and disability, which results in a unique set of circumstances. Their exceptional ability may dominate, hiding their disability; their disability may dominate, hiding their exceptional ability; each may mask the other so that neither is recognized or addressed.” (Baldwin, Baum, et al.)

Back to Rudolph- Here is this quirky reindeer with a unique profile and above-average ability who is different from his neurotypical peers. As a result, he is ostracized and struggles to socialize.

Sound familiar?

The real tragedy of the story is that Rudolph has this above-average ability that, without being understood, is overlooked by everyone, including poor Rudolph. It's sad that no one understands his gift and therefore they pick on him. This creates low self-esteem in poor old Rudolph as he internalizes the judgment and begins masking his gift so as to fit in.

While this story is rife with struggle, the climax is so beautiful because we see a change in the surrounding community, not in Rudolph. In other words, we don't see the medical model narrative play out in a manner in which he needs to "get right" or be "fixed". Rather, those around him had an awakening. Nevertheless, it's sad that poor ol' Rudy isn't accepted until he's needed,.

Too often our 2e students, like Rudolph, suffer until they are seen. We need to remember that no matter how pronounced perceived challenge areas/learning differences may seem, we need to focus on each child's strengths EARLY and OFTEN! Rudolph was weird until he wasn't. When he was no longer weird, he was an innovative leader and hero!

As iconic psychologist Dr. Joseph Renzulli famously said,

"Gifted behaviors occur in certain people, at certain times, under certain circumstances."

-Dr. Renzulli

Rudolph is a prime example of Renzulli's theory and so are our 2e students! When we see an above-average ability, unique/different thinking, and commitment to an authentic and meaningful task, we see gifted behaviors shine BRIGHT for the world to see!

That’s precisely what happened with Rudolph!

NOTE- he did not change and did not need to be “fixed”. The only thing that changed was the context and everyone else’s understanding and appreciation of him.

The BIG takeaway: let's see our students' red noses now and not wait!

Additionally, let's set the intention to do all we can next year to ensure they feel celebrated and can learn to see their own differences as gifts.

If you’re looking for ways to empower the Rudolph in your life to feel great about themselves and to light their own way, click here and discover how!

Happy Holidays!

Click Here to find a whole community of Rudolphs where you know your kiddo be will be seen for their strengths, nurtured, and happy as heck!