Central & North Florida Neuro-Affirming Resources for Twice-Exceptional (2e) and Gifted Kids

Supporting a twice-exceptional or gifted child can often feel overwhelming. As parents, we are constantly searching for resources that can challenge and nurture our child’s amazing strengths, while also offering the right support for areas where they struggle. Of equal importance is finding spaces where they feel truly seen and safe, where they can be themselves without fear of being misunderstood, judged, or othered.

For families of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children living in Central and North Florida — from Jacksonville down through Orlando, and across to Gainesville and Tallahassee — finding the right professionals and services can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide: to connect families with resources that not only cater to the intellectual and emotional needs of 2e and gifted children, but also embrace a neurodivergent-affirming perspective in their practices.

Why Neuro-Affirming Resources for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids Are So Important

When we talk about neuro-affirming resources, we’re referring to professionals and practices that recognize and celebrate neurodiversity. Neuro-affirming professionals do not view neurodivergent children through a deficit-based lens, where their challenges are seen as problems to be “fixed.” Instead, they take a strength-based approach, focusing on the child’s talents and abilities while providing the necessary support for areas of challenge. The goal is not to change the child to fit into neurotypical molds, but rather to create an environment where the child’s unique wiring can thrive.

For twice-exceptional and gifted children, this approach is especially important. Because they have strengths in certain areas while also facing challenges in others, a traditional educational or therapeutic approach that focuses primarily on “fixing” their weaknesses can unintentionally overlook or undervalue their talents. This can lead to negative self-perceptions, where they begin to feel defined by their difficulties rather than empowered by their strengths. A neuro-affirming approach ensures that both aspects of their identity—strengths and challenges—are recognized and supported, helping them grow in a way that nurtures their whole self.

As parents of 2e children, seeking out neuro-affirming resources is an active and conscious choice we need to make in order to ensure that they are not only supported in their challenges but also celebrated for their strengths. The right professional can make all the difference in their educational and emotional journey.

DISCLAIMER — While we’ve made every effort to ensure the quality of these resources, some of whom are colleagues of Mr. Sam, the resources mentioned in this blog are for informational purposes only and are not endorsed or guaranteed by Young Scholars Academy. We encourage you to do your own due diligence in selecting the right fit for your family. Young Scholars Academy is not responsible for any outcomes or experiences resulting from the use of these resources. It’s important to choose professionals and organizations that align with your values, understand your child’s unique needs, and create an environment where your child can truly thrive.

Neuropsychologists & Testing for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

For families of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children, working with neuropsychologists who specialize in the unique cognitive and emotional profiles of 2e kids is essential. These specialists conduct comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that go beyond traditional assessments to uncover both strengths and challenges — helping families understand how giftedness may intersect with ADHD, learning differences, or autism, and informing customized educational and support strategies.

Here are some neuropsychologists and testing resources for families in Central and North Florida:

Cato Neuropsychology Services PA / Dr. Allison Cato Jackson, PhD, ABPP (Jacksonville, FL)

Dr. Allison Cato Jackson is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with over 15 years of experience serving toddlers through young adults across North and Central Florida and into Southeast Georgia. Her practice offers a comprehensive range of evaluations including autism, ADHD, gifted/intellectual, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and psychoeducational assessments, with a personalized approach that pairs testing with a thorough clinical interview and a detailed feedback session.

Neurocognitive Consultants of Orlando (Orlando, FL)

A boutique concierge neuropsychological practice in Orlando, Neurocognitive Consultants offers comprehensive evaluation and consultation services for pediatric and young adult patients ages 5 and up. Their pediatric team — including Dr. Robyn J. Cohen (developmental neuropsychologist) and Dr. Lindsay Shaw Cadmus, both ABPP board-certified — specializes in gifted testing, psychoeducational evaluations, autism diagnostic assessments, and ADHD evaluations, with school-ready reports and a thorough parent feedback process built into every evaluation.

ChildTestingFL (Statewide / North & Central FL home-based)

ChildTestingFL is a mobile psychologist practice that has been coming to Florida families’ homes since 2007, offering comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations across the entire state — including the Gainesville, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and North Florida corridor where in-office options are more limited. With nearly 30 years of experience and a flat-rate affordable fee structure, their evaluations cover dyslexia, ADHD, autism, giftedness, anxiety, and sensory differences for ages 3 to adult, and are valid for FES-UA scholarships, IEPs, and 504 plans.

Therapists and Psychologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Psychologists and therapists who specialize in giftedness and twice-exceptionality help families understand their child’s unique emotional and behavioral profile — and give children a safe, affirming space to work through the anxiety, perfectionism, intensity, and social complexity that often accompany a 2e profile.

Here are some therapists and psychologists serving Central and North Florida:

Dr. Frances Bigay — Ellie Mental Health Avalon Park (Orlando, FL)

Dr. Frances Bigay is a licensed psychologist at Ellie Mental Health in Avalon Park, Orlando, who specializes explicitly in gifted and twice-exceptional children and works from a neurodivergent-affirming lens. She offers both therapy and psychological/psychoeducational evaluations for learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and other social-emotional and developmental differences, with a particular focus on identifying each child’s unique strengths alongside their challenges.

Educational Therapists & Executive Functioning Support for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Executive functioning coaches and educational therapists help 2e children build the organizational, time management, self-regulation, and study skills that so often sit at the intersection of giftedness and learning differences. For many families, these professionals become essential partners alongside academic tutoring and therapy.

Here are some executive functioning and educational therapy resources serving Central and North Florida:

Positive Development is a Jacksonville-based counseling practice that specializes in supporting gifted, creative, high-performing, and twice-exceptional (2e) children and adolescents. Through therapy, executive functioning coaching, and family support, the practice helps students build confidence, manage stress and anxiety, strengthen emotional expression, and navigate the unique challenges that often accompany advanced abilities and neurodivergence.

Parent Support Groups & Consultants for Families with Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Parenting a gifted or 2e child in a region where most school systems weren’t built for them can be an isolating experience. Parent communities and support groups provide the peer connection, advocacy knowledge, and “you’re not alone” reassurance that so many families desperately need.

Here are some parent support resources for Central and North Florida families:

Florida Gifted Network (FGN) (Statewide / Central & North FL)

The Florida Gifted Network is a statewide nonprofit — founded in 1987, formerly known as PALS — dedicated to educating the public on the needs of gifted learners and advocating for their rights. FGN maintains county-level parent group connections across the state (including Central and North Florida counties), monitors state legislation affecting gifted education, and provides resources and networking for parents navigating Florida’s unique system of gifted education as a special education category under IDEA.

Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG) (Statewide)

FLAG is Florida’s statewide organization for parents and educators advocating for gifted education, offering conferences, resources, and connections to gifted educators and advocates across the state. For Central and North Florida families seeking to understand their child’s rights under Florida gifted law — and to connect with a broader community of families navigating the same landscape — FLAG is the most established statewide hub available.

YSA Parent Social Club (Virtual)

Young Scholars Academy’s Parent Social Club offers a welcoming virtual space for parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children to connect, celebrate successes, and share challenges. Through engaging activities and supportive discussions, the club fosters a strong sense of community — a place to build lasting friendships, find encouragement, and know you’re not navigating this path alone.

Occupational Therapists (OT) & Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Many 2e children experience sensory sensitivities, fine motor challenges, and communication differences that benefit greatly from occupational and speech-language therapy delivered by professionals who understand the neurodivergent profile. A good OT or SLP doesn’t just treat symptoms — they help the whole child function more comfortably in a world that wasn’t designed for the way their nervous system works.

Here are some OT and SLP resources serving Central and North Florida families:

Pediatric Potentials, Inc. (Lake Mary / Central Florida)

Pediatric Potentials is an internationally recognized pediatric OT and SLP clinic in Lake Mary, serving the greater Orlando and Central Florida area. Their specialty is Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing Disorders — one of the most common and underserved challenges among 2e children — and their approach pairs direct child therapy with active parent coaching at every stage so families can carry strategies into daily life. OT and SLP services available in-person and virtually.

Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center (Jacksonville, FL)

Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center in Jacksonville offers pediatric OT, PT, and SLP services with a strong neurodivergent background. Their sensory integration-certified OT team works with children who have autism, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, learning delays, and motor challenges, while their SLP team addresses language, speech sound, phonological awareness, and early literacy needs. Their fully equipped sensory gym and collaborative, family-centered approach make them a well-rounded option for North Florida families.

Food, Nutrition, and ARFID Support for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Feeding challenges and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) are significantly more common in neurodivergent children, and they are often deeply tied to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and the need for sameness and predictability that many 2e kids experience. Finding professionals who approach food and eating through a neurodivergent-affirming, pressure-free lens is essential.

Here are some feeding and nutrition support resources for Central and North Florida families:

Little Bites Feeding Therapy (Greater Orlando Area)

Little Bites Feeding Therapy provides home-based pediatric feeding and occupational therapy in the greater Orlando area, including Winter Garden, Apopka, Maitland, and Winter Park. Their occupational therapist takes a whole-body, sensory integration approach to feeding challenges — building regulation and comfort at mealtimes gradually and without pressure. Services include support for picky eating, food aversions, oral-motor challenges, and ARFID.

Bloom Nutrition Academy (Atlantic Beach / Jacksonville, FL)

Bloom Nutrition Academy in Atlantic Beach offers specialized pediatric feeding therapy for children with sensory sensitivities, food aversions, limited food variety, oral motor challenges, and mealtime anxiety — with or without a formal diagnosis. Their compassionate, evidence-based team designs individualized treatment plans and works closely with parents and caregivers to create positive mealtime experiences at home.

Schools for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

For 2e and gifted children, many traditional school environments simply weren’t designed with their profile in mind. Fortunately, Central and North Florida have several strong school options that offer intellectual challenge, individualized support, and genuinely affirming environments where these kids can thrive.

Here are some school options for 2e and gifted students in Central and North Florida:

Orlando Gifted Academy (OCPS) (Orlando, FL — Orange County Public Schools)

Orlando Gifted Academy is Orange County’s dedicated public gifted school, serving identified gifted students within the OCPS district. For families in the Orlando area whose child qualifies for gifted services, OGA offers a collaborative, challenging academic environment alongside a community of intellectual peers — a combination that can be transformative for gifted kids who have felt out of place in traditional classrooms.

Fusion Academy Orlando (Orlando, FL)

Fusion Academy Orlando is a fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 4–12, offering every class with one student and one teacher. This model is a consistent fit for 2e students who need both academic rigor and a focused, low-distraction environment — and for students who have struggled with school avoidance, anxiety, or traditional classroom structures. Full-time and supplemental enrollment options give families flexibility, and the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship may provide funding for eligible students.

Homeschool Groups for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Many families of 2e and gifted children find that homeschooling or hybrid homeschooling is the right path — whether for sensory needs, asynchronous development, school avoidance, or simply wanting more flexibility and depth. A welcoming, inclusive co-op community can make all the difference, providing social connection for kids and peer support for parents.

Here are some homeschool community options for Central and North Florida families:

Free Range Learning Cooperative (FRLC) (Jacksonville, FL)

FRLC is a secular, inclusive homeschool co-op serving Jacksonville and surrounding areas since 2012. Founded to fill the need for a high-quality, welcoming co-op that doesn’t discriminate based on religion, political views, sexual orientation, or educational philosophy, FRLC is explicitly neurodivergent-friendly and meets weekly on Tuesdays for classes, with additional social activities and field trips throughout the year. A great fit for families who want a warm, judgment-free community alongside structured learning.

FL SCHOLARS Homeschool Group (Mandarin Area, Jacksonville, FL)

FL SCHOLARS (Students Choosing Homeschool Opportunities for Learning and Resources) is an educational co-op meeting in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville on Monday mornings from September through April. Their classes span preschool activities through high school computer programming, with a mix of free parent-taught and paid outside-instructor classes. Parental involvement is required — and families appreciate that FL SCHOLARS explicitly states a specialty in and desire to serve gifted children, from those moderately gifted to those profoundly gifted.

Advocates / IEP Help for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner can make all the difference when navigating IEP meetings, 504 plans, gifted eligibility, and school placement for a 2e child. These professionals understand the systems from the inside — and can help you advocate effectively for a plan that truly honors your child’s full profile.

Here are some key advocacy resources for Central and North Florida families:

IEP Partner / Jenny Wojcik (Florida-wide (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville))

IEP Partner is led by Jenny Wojcik, a COPAA SEAT 2.0 certified advocate and qualified expert witness with more than 20 years as a teacher and 15+ years advocating for children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD across Florida. She has represented families in thousands of IEP meetings, completed Wrightslaw training, and has an outstanding record of favorable outcomes. Services include IEP and 504 meeting attendance, record review, letters to schools, dispute resolution, and complaint filings. Available across Central and North Florida.

Central Florida Parent Center (CFPC) (Central & Northeast FL — 30 counties, FREE)

CFPC is the federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) serving 30 counties in central and northeast Florida — staffed by parents, for parents. They provide free one-on-one assistance, IEP process support, IDEA/504 training, conflict resolution guidance, and empathetic support for families navigating any special need.

Florida Professional Special Education Advocates (Statewide Florida)

A statewide advocacy practice whose advocates are trained professionals with special education backgrounds — and parents of children with disabilities themselves. Services include IEP and 504 meeting attendance, comprehensive record review, strategy sessions, school placement assistance, and FES/Gardiner scholarship support. Their collaborative approach prioritizes productive outcomes over adversarial proceedings. Free 15-minute consultation available.

Educational / Parent Consultants for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Educational and parent consultants who specialize in gifted and 2e children help families navigate complex decisions — from understanding a child’s learning profile and choosing the right school setting, to making sense of evaluation results and building a coherent educational plan.

Here are some educational and parent consulting resources for Central and North Florida families:

CFL Psych Solutions — Parent Groups & Professional Consultation (Oviedo/Central Florida)

In addition to their evaluation services, CFL Psych Solutions offers parent groups and professional consultation specifically designed for families of gifted and twice-exceptional learners in Central Florida. Founded by licensed school psychologists with deep roots in the public school system, their consultation services help families make sense of their child’s profile and navigate the education landscape with clarity and confidence.

Tutors for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Tutors who truly understand 2e learners can be transformative — providing the right level of intellectual challenge while also addressing specific academic hurdles in a way that builds confidence rather than shame. Whether it’s structured literacy for a dyslexic reader or math remediation for a student with dyscalculia, the right tutor meets the child where they are.

Here are some tutor resources for gifted and 2e students in Central and North Florida:

Jacksonville Tutoring Specialists (Jacksonville, FL)

Jacksonville Tutoring Specialists is a dedicated dyslexia tutoring practice in Jacksonville, founded by a parent whose own son’s dyslexia diagnosis launched her into the field. They specialize in reading intervention and remediation using the Orton-Gillingham-based Barton Reading and Spelling System, Structured Word Inquiry, and phonemic awareness programs — and they also offer advocacy services, working directly with schools and administrators on behalf of students with dyslexia. Dyslexia screening available before tutoring begins.

Made for Math (Virtual)

Made for Math offers online 1-on-1 math intervention specifically designed for 2e students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or autism, delivered by highly trained math specialists who understand the unique learning profiles of twice-exceptional kids. A wonderful virtual option for Central and North Florida families seeking specialized, neurodivergent-affirming math support.

College Applications Support for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Students

The college application process looks different for 2e and gifted students — and finding the right campus fit, securing accommodations, and writing essays that authentically capture a complex profile all benefit from specialized guidance. Here are some resources to help Central and North Florida families navigate this journey:

Top College Consultants / Dr. Eric Endlich (Virtual)

Founded by Dr. Eric Endlich, a clinical psychologist who has worked extensively with twice-exceptional, gifted, and neurodivergent students, Top College Consultants is one of the most respected virtual resources for 2e college prep in the country. Dr. Endlich maintains an extensive database of neurodiversity-friendly colleges and has presented for Young Scholars Academy, the Learning Disabilities Association, and dozens of other organizations. Free resources, recorded webinars, and personalized consulting available.

UCF Student Accessibility Services (SAS) (University of Central Florida, Orlando)

For 2e students heading to the University of Central Florida — one of the largest universities in the country, with strong programs in STEM, business, and the arts — UCF’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodations and support for students with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other neurodivergent profiles. Families are strongly encouraged to connect with SAS before the first semester begins to ensure accommodations are in place from day one.

University of Florida — Disability Resource Center (University of Florida, Gainesville)

For 2e students planning to attend UF in Gainesville — a flagship institution with outstanding research programs and a strong honors college — the Disability Resource Center provides comprehensive accommodations and support services for students with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other neurodivergent profiles. Early registration with the DRC before enrollment begins is strongly recommended.

Social-Emotional and Intellectual Enrichment for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Gifted and twice-exceptional children thrive in environments that support their intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Enrichment programs offer 2e kids the opportunity to build friendships, explore their passions, and be fully celebrated in a neuro-affirming setting.

Mind Outlet (Virtual)

Michelle Ptacek primarily serves highly and profoundly gifted students in the Davidson Young Scholars program through daily M-F online homerooms covering creative thinking, social-emotional learning, and executive functioning. Her approach draws on research into extreme cognitive profiles and bibliotherapy, giving HG/PG students both the intellectual community and the social-emotional scaffolding that is so rarely available to them in traditional settings. Individual instruction also available for families whose schedules don’t align with group homerooms.

Young Scholars Academy (Virtual)

Young Scholars Academy is a virtual village that offers strength-based enrichment courses and community for gifted, twice-exceptional, and bright, differently-wired kids ages 5–18, empowering them to develop their strengths, make like-minded friends, and thrive under the loving care of mentors!With a wide range of subjects from math and science to arts and humanities, YSA challenges students at their own pace while fostering skills like time management, independent learning, and creative thinking. Students connect with like-minded peers and passionate mentors, forming friendships over shared interests such as World War I submarines, Dungeons & Dragons, Minecraft mods, and so much more. These neuro-affirming courses allow 2e children to dive into their passions, build confidence, and thrive socially—all from the comfort of home, fitting perfectly into the busy lives of families across Jacksonville, Orlando, Gainesville, and beyond.Picture a place where your child fits in, is celebrated, mentored, and loves learning the unique content they crave. That is happening every day at YSA for nearly 400 families, and it can happen for your family too!

Conclusion

Supporting twice-exceptional (2e) and gifted children requires a thoughtful, holistic approach that honors both their strengths and challenges. By connecting with neuro-affirming resources such as neuropsychologists, educational therapists, parent support groups, and occupational therapists, families across Central and North Florida — from Jacksonville and St. Augustine through Orlando, Gainesville, and Tallahassee — can create nurturing environments where their children feel seen, understood, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

A growing network of specialized professionals and organizations is available to guide families through the complexities of 2e and giftedness. From comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to IEP advocacy, specialized schools to virtual enrichment, these resources help ensure that children are not only supported in areas where they struggle, but also celebrated for their remarkable gifts.

By embracing a neurodivergent-affirming perspective, parents can empower their children to flourish — academically, socially, and emotionally — while fostering an environment of acceptance, growth, and self-advocacy. With the right resources, every 2e and gifted child can thrive, embracing their unique potential and becoming confident, resilient individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

We want to find the best resources for 2e and gifted kids in as many cities as we can. Did we miss anyone you think we should add to our Central or North Florida lists? What city should we explore next? Let us know in the comments!

DISCLAIMER — While we’ve made every effort to ensure the quality of these resources, some of whom are colleagues of Mr. Sam, the resources mentioned in this blog are for informational purposes only and are not endorsed or guaranteed by Young Scholars Academy. We encourage you to do your own due diligence in selecting the right fit for your family. Young Scholars Academy is not responsible for any outcomes or experiences resulting from the use of these resources. It’s important to choose professionals and organizations that align with your values, understand your child’s unique needs, and create an environment where your child can truly thrive.