Chicago & Greater Metro Neuro-Affirming Resources for Twice-Exceptional (2e) and Gifted Kids

Written By: Michelle Ptacek & Mr. Sam

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 2e children living in the Chicago area, finding the right professionals and services can be 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. In this post, we’ll introduce a variety of services available throughout the greater Chicago metro—including Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, the North Shore, and beyond—and explain why each is important for families with neurodivergent kids.

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. These evaluations help families gain a deeper understanding of how their child’s giftedness may intersect with neurodivergences like ADHD, learning differences, or anxiety, and inform the creation of customized educational and emotional support strategies.

Here are some neuropsychologists and testing resources for families in the greater Chicago area:

• The Family Institute at Northwestern University — Neuropsychological Assessments (Chicago, Evanston, Northbrook) — One of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations, the Family Institute at Northwestern University offers comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for children and adults at their Chicago, Evanston, and Northbrook locations. Their assessments use leading-edge psychological instruments to identify the root cause of learning and cognitive challenges, and are paired with detailed treatment planning to help children and families move forward with clarity.
• Devonshire Pediatric Neuropsychology — Dr. Ashley Devonshire, Psy.D. (Chicago) — A compassionate Chicago pediatric neuropsychologist offering evaluations for children, teens, and young adults ages 2–21 covering ADHD, autism, learning differences, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, memory, and emotional concerns. Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Devonshire taught in the Chicago Public School system and at a Montessori school — giving her a uniquely practical, classroom-informed understanding of how her evaluation recommendations translate into real-world school supports. She keeps her practice waitlist-free by design, so families get answers faster.

Psychologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Psychologists specializing in giftedness and twice-exceptionality offer families deeper understanding of their child’s unique cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. These professionals provide both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic support, helping children build resilience and navigate the academic, social, and emotional landscapes they encounter every day.

Here are some excellent psychologists in the greater Chicago area:

• Chicago Psychotherapy, PLLC (Chicago) — A Chicago-based practice with a published commitment to understanding and supporting twice-exceptional learners — recognizing that 2e students are among the most misunderstood and underserved populations in the mental health and education systems. Their clinical team is skilled at the nuanced work of identifying how giftedness and learning differences interact in individual children, and their therapy approach focuses on building equity-centered, individualized support that honors each child’s full profile. They serve children, adolescents, and adults navigating the complex intersection of high ability and neurodivergence.
• Positive Regard Therapy (Chicago — Andersonville) — A Chicago therapy practice with an in-person office in Andersonville and secure telehealth across Illinois, offering strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming therapy for autistic, ADHD, gifted, and bipolar individuals. Their philosophy is explicit: therapy isn’t about fixing you — it’s about understanding and supporting who you already are. Their non-pathologizing, affirming model includes practical executive functioning strategies tailored to how each client’s brain processes information, and their team has experience with ADHD, autism, and complex co-occurring conditions.
• Best Therapies — Neurodiverse Therapy (Chicago) — A Chicago therapy practice offering a safe, judgment-free space for neurodivergent individuals where clients are matched with a therapist whose specialty and approach fits their specific neurotype. Best Therapies believes in the power of neurodiverse thinking and provides individualized support for clients with autism, ADHD, OCD, and other differences — working with each person’s neurodivergence, not against it. Their matching process is thoughtful and relationship-focused, which is especially important for 2e children and teens who have had negative experiences with therapists who didn’t truly understand their profiles.

Mental Health Therapists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Mental health therapists who specialize in gifted and 2e children play a crucial role in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of these students. These professionals offer therapeutic support for concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and school-related challenges, while also helping children and families navigate their unique complexities through individualized, relationship-based approaches.

Here are some great mental health therapists in the greater Chicago area:

• Aileen Kelleher, LCSW (Chicago, in-person and virtual statewide) — One of Chicago’s most explicitly gifted- and 2e-focused therapists, Aileen Kelleher is a licensed clinical social worker who has built her practice entirely around neurodivergent, gifted, ADHD, and autistic children, teens, adults, and families. Her work addresses emotion regulation, executive functioning, relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, and OCD — and her approach is grounded in the social model of disability and ongoing learning from neurodivergent people themselves.
• kiND therapy + wellness — Amanda Besinger, LCSW (Chicago — Lincoln Square) — A Lincoln Square-based therapy practice offering individual, couples, parent, and family therapy to children, teens, and adults, with a specialization in neurodivergence including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, and child development. Amanda’s approach is relationship-centered and community-informed, and her practice is known for meeting clients where they are — not where therapy textbooks say they should be.
• Konick & Associates (Naperville — two locations) — A Naperville-based counseling practice offering compassionate child, adolescent, adult, family, and couples therapy with a focus on neurodiversity including autism and ADHD. Their team serves the western suburbs with expertise in neurodivergent-affirming therapeutic approaches, and their two Naperville locations make them one of the most accessible therapy options for 2e families in Chicago’s southwest suburban corridor.

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

Many families with gifted and twice-exceptional children find educational therapists and executive functioning professionals to be invaluable resources. Educational therapists work with children to address specific learning challenges using specialized techniques, while executive functioning coaches help students build skills like organization, time management, self-regulation, and problem-solving. Both types of professionals are dedicated to helping students understand how they learn best. For gifted and 2e kids, these experts are especially valuable because they tailor their approach to the child’s individual strengths and learning style.

Here are some skilled educational therapists and executive functioning support professionals in the greater Chicago area:

• The Ladder Method — Executive Function Coaching Chicago (Chicago and North Shore suburbs, in-person and virtual) — A Chicago-area executive functioning coaching practice with deep knowledge of the pressures facing students in Chicago Public Schools, selective enrollment programs, and private institutions across the city. The Ladder Method coaches work with families across Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Hyde Park, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, Evanston, Oak Park, and throughout the North Shore suburbs — serving students from elementary age through adult professionals with ADHD coaching, study skills support, and executive functioning strategies tailored to how neurodivergent brains actually work.
• Sarah Gise — Neurodiversity-Affirming Executive Functioning Coach (Chicago) — A Chicago-based certified executive functioning coach who is herself ADHD-diagnosed, bringing rare authentic lived experience alongside professional training to her work with neurodivergent students and adults. Sarah’s creative, arts-informed coaching approach helps clients develop a personalized roadmap for their own brain — building organization, focus, and self-regulation systems that work with their neurotype rather than against it. She is also a Chicago award-nominated actor and podcaster, making her especially resonant for creatively wired 2e kids who have never found a coach who truly gets them.
• The Chicago Family Tutor — Executive Function Coaching (La Grange Park / Chicago metro, in-person and online) — Founded by Lindsay Zoeller, an Illinois-certified educator and author of Busy Parents, Happy Kids: How Executive Functioning Can Bring Out the Best in Your Family, The Chicago Family Tutor offers executive function coaching, tutoring, test prep, and IEP advocacy for kids, adults, and families across Chicago and its suburbs. Their EF coaching is particularly well-suited for ADHD students who need structure, accountability, and a relationship-based approach — and Lindsay’s 25+ years working with Chicago-area families gives the practice a deep, practical understanding of what actually works in local school systems. Phone: (708) 252-3419.
• Gifted Key Counseling — Jessica Brown-McBroom, MA, LCPC (Winfield, IL / Chicago western suburbs, in-home and virtual) — A Winfield-based licensed clinical professional counselor and one of the Chicago area’s most specialized 2e consultants, Jessica brings over 14 years of experience working exclusively with twice-exceptional and gifted children, adolescents, and adults with executive functioning challenges. Her in-home coaching model — where she comes to the family’s environment and builds systems directly in the space where the child needs to use them — is particularly powerful for 2e kids who have struggled to transfer skills from a therapist’s office to real life.

Occupational Therapists (OT) for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Occupational therapy is a vital resource for twice-exceptional and gifted children, particularly those who experience challenges with fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, or daily living tasks. OT helps children build essential life skills, enhance independence, and boost confidence—creating a strong foundation for emotional, social, and academic success.

Here are some great OT resources for gifted and 2e kiddos in the greater Chicago area:

• Vital Rehabilitation Services (Chicago — Irving Park) — A Chicago OT and rehabilitation clinic at 5820 W. Irving Park Road that serves children with autism, ADHD, sensory integration dysfunction, language disorders, Down Syndrome, and other developmental conditions. Their therapists provide individualized, family-centered therapy that is sensitive to the unique sensory and developmental profiles of neurodivergent children — and their west-side Chicago location makes them one of the more accessible options for families on that side of the city.
• Allbright Therapies (Chicago — Lincoln Park, Skokie, West Town) — A neurodivergent-affirming DIRFloortime-based pediatric therapy practice offering speech, occupational, and feeding therapy across three Chicago-area locations. Their OT team specializes in sensory integration using a relationship-based model that meets each child where they are — no ABA, no compliance-based approaches.
• Oak Tree Developmental Center (Chicago metro, multiple locations) — A pediatric OT clinic with over 20 years of experience specializing in sensory integration, fine motor development, handwriting, motor planning, and activities of daily living for children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, and feeding challenges. Their therapists use DIR, therapeutic listening, and other evidence-based, non-ABA approaches, and work closely with families, educators, and other therapists to ensure strategies carry over into every area of a child’s life. Early Intervention certified.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Speech-language therapy is an important resource for many 2e and gifted children, particularly those who experience challenges with social communication, language processing, articulation, or the pragmatics of conversation. For neurodivergent children—especially those with language-based learning differences—working with an SLP who takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach can make all the difference.

Here are some great SLP resources for gifted and 2e kiddos in the greater Chicago area:

• Dempster Therapeutic Services — Chicago Speech Therapy (Chicago) — Five consecutive years as Chicago’s top-rated speech pathologist, Dempster Therapeutic Services offers specialized, neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy with a “Well Beyond Speech and Language” philosophy — supporting not just communication, but also social understanding, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy within a framework that celebrates each child’s neurotype. Their team is trained in autism and neurodiversity and offers comprehensive parent coaching and home programming to extend therapy’s impact into daily life.
• Amplifying Potential Therapy (Northbrook, IL — North Shore suburbs) — A fully neuro-affirming speech and occupational therapy clinic serving ages two through adulthood, with a particular focus on the autistic community and expertise in AAC, motor-based teaching, vision therapy, and Spelling to Communicate (S2C). Their OT services emphasize vision-related therapy and sensory integration, and their entire model is built around the belief that motor planning difficulties — not deficits in intelligence or communication desire — are at the root of many autistic clients’ challenges.
• Chicago Speech and Reading Center (Chicago) — A Chicago SLP practice whose team includes therapists trained in neurodiversity-affirming approaches, Orton-Gillingham reading instruction, and the full range of communication needs including articulation, language disorders, fluency, apraxia, social communication, and autism. Their therapists also serve Chicago Public Schools, giving them a practical understanding of the intersection between clinical speech therapy and the school-based services 2e children often need to navigate simultaneously.
• Social Butterfly Speech Therapy (Illinois, in-person and virtual) — An Illinois SLP practice whose lead therapist is neurodiversity-affirming and licensed in both Illinois and California, specializing in gestalt language processing, AAC, childhood apraxia, social communication disorders, and autism across the lifespan. Their team has extensive experience presenting nationally on natural language acquisition — and their virtual model makes them accessible to families across the greater Chicago area who are struggling to find a genuinely affirming SLP in their immediate community.

Schools for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

For many 2e and gifted children, traditional schools may not provide the specific support they need. Fortunately, there are schools in the greater Chicago area designed to address the unique challenges and strengths of 2e learners, creating environments where children can thrive academically while receiving the individualized support necessary for their development.

Here are some great school options for gifted and 2e students in the Chicago metro:

• Midwest Academy for Gifted Education (MAGE) (Chicago) — Chicago’s dedicated private school for gifted, highly gifted, and twice-exceptional learners, MAGE is built around the understanding that gifted education requires a fundamentally different approach — not just faster or harder, but deeper, more creative, and more attuned to the social-emotional complexity that comes with giftedness. Their curriculum integrates academic depth, creative thinking, and social-emotional learning, and their staff includes specialists in 2e learning profiles including ADHD, autism, and executive functioning challenges. MAGE is also one of the only Chicago schools offering on-site psychoeducational testing for gifted and 2e identification.
• City Elementary — Transformative Neurodiverse Education (Chicago) — A Chicago private school explicitly designed around neurodiversity, catering to students who are academically at, near, or above grade level but benefit from a more supportive, sensory-aware learning environment. City Elementary welcomes 2e and twice-exceptional learners — autistic and gifted, ADHD and creative — and their environment is designed around the understanding that most educational spaces are built for neurotypical norms that simply don’t work for differently-wired kids. With a spiky-profile-friendly approach, small class sizes, and deep respect for each learner’s individuality, this is one of Chicago’s most genuinely inclusive academic environments.
• Fusion Academy Chicago (Chicago) — A fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 6–12 in Chicago where every class has one student and one teacher, allowing instruction to be completely personalized to each student’s strengths, interests, and learning style. Fusion is a natural fit for 2e students who need both intellectual challenge and a focused, low-distraction environment — and for students who have struggled with school avoidance, anxiety, or traditional classroom structures. Full-time and part-time/supplemental options available.

Homeschool Groups for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Many families of gifted and 2e children find that homeschooling—or hybrid homeschooling—is the right path for their child, whether because of sensory needs, asynchronous development, school avoidance, or simply a desire for greater flexibility and depth. Finding a secular, inclusive community to homeschool alongside can make all the difference, providing both social connection for kids and support for parents navigating this journey.

Here are some secular homeschool community options for families in the greater Chicago area:

• Chicagoland Homeschool Network — Support Groups Directory (Greater Chicago) — The most comprehensive free directory of homeschool support groups across the Chicago metro, listing secular, inclusive, and faith-based co-ops, unschooling groups, and enrichment communities filterable by location and philosophy. For families actively searching for the right homeschool community fit — whether in the city, the North Shore, the western suburbs, or beyond — this is the most practical starting point in the Chicagoland area, as the landscape shifts frequently and this directory stays more current than any static list.
• Northside Unschoolers Group (NUG) (North Side Chicago) — A north side Chicago support group of approximately 80 diverse families practicing child-led, interest-driven learning for children ages newborn to 18. NUG offers weekly Park Days, Beach Days, drama classes, and member-organized activities — all in a non-directed, leaderless community model that resonates deeply with 2e and gifted families whose children need flexibility, autonomy, and a peer group that values curiosity over compliance.

Advocates / IEP Help for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Many families with gifted and twice-exceptional children find advocates and IEP support professionals to be crucial partners in navigating the educational system. Having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner can make all the difference in securing appropriate accommodations, services, and educational plans that truly honor your child’s full profile—both their gifts and their challenges.

Here are some key advocacy resources for families in the greater Chicago area:

• Clancy & Associates — IEP Attorneys Illinois (Illinois, statewide) — An Illinois special needs law firm specializing in IEP attorneys, education planners, and special needs planning. Clancy & Associates assists families in navigating IDEA, IEP development, 504 plans, disciplinary hearings, and the critical transition planning process for older students — ensuring that the services and opportunities families are legally entitled to are actually secured. A strong resource for Chicago-area families whose informal advocacy efforts have not produced results.
• NorthStar Educational Advocates — Pamela Star, Ed.S (Chicago) — Founded by Pamela Star, a board-certified school psychologist with nearly 15 years of experience leading IEP teams in Chicago Public Schools, NorthStar offers educational advocacy, private psychoeducational evaluations, and expert guidance through the special education process. Pamela’s deep insider knowledge of CPS school politics and her track record of bringing systemwide changes to how Chicago schools identify and support students with disabilities makes her a rare and powerful advocate for families who feel like the school team has become an adversary. Free 30-minute consultation available; phone: (708) 809-2888.
• Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) (Statewide, including Chicago metro) — Illinois’s only federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities who provide free individualized support, workshops, webinars, IEP coaching, and connections to local resources for families navigating special education from birth through age 26. For Chicago-area families who want to better understand their rights under IDEA before retaining an advocate — or who simply need someone in their corner who has been through it themselves — Family Matters is the most accessible free first step available. As of October 2025, they serve the entire state of Illinois.

Tutors for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Many families with gifted and twice-exceptional children find tutors to be an invaluable resource in supporting their child’s academic journey. Tutors who understand 2e learners can adapt to each child’s individual learning style, providing the right level of challenge while offering support to overcome specific academic hurdles. Whether it’s advancing in a beloved subject or building confidence in a challenging area, the right tutor helps these students shine.

Here are some tutor resources for gifted and 2e students in the greater Chicago area:

• Children’s Dyslexia Center of Metropolitan Chicago — A nonprofit Orton-Gillingham dyslexia tutoring center serving the Chicago metro, offering free or low-cost structured literacy tutoring to children with dyslexia by highly trained, certified tutors. Backed by the Scottish Rite Masons, their tutors complete 45 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised practicum before certification — making this one of the most rigorously trained and affordable dyslexia tutoring resources in the Chicago area.
• Chicago Home Tutor Resources — Orton-Gillingham Tutoring — A Chicago-based tutoring service staffed by certified Learning Behavior Specialists (LBS) in Illinois with advanced training in structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham, and other evidence-based reading interventions. Their team understands that dyslexia, ADHD, and autism each present distinct reading challenges — and their individualized, assessment-first approach ensures every student gets the specific intervention their profile requires.
• Cognitive Solutions Learning Center (Chicago) — A Chicago learning center specializing in one-on-one and small group intervention for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. Their approach targets the underlying processing differences that drive academic struggles — including auditory processing, visual tracking, expressive and receptive language, and executive skills development — making them one of the few Chicago tutoring resources that addresses math difficulty through a neurodevelopmental lens rather than simply reteaching content.

Food / Nutrition / 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 lens—without pressure, force, or shame—is essential for these families.

Here are some resources for feeding and nutrition support in the greater Chicago area:

• The Chicago Center for Evidence Based Treatment (CCEBT) — ARFID Clinic (Northbrook and Chicago) — One of the most specialized ARFID treatment resources in the Chicago metro, CCEBT’s ARFID Clinic uses CBT-AR — the evidence-based gold-standard treatment developed at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital — alongside the Feeling and Body Investigators (FBI) program for children. Their multidisciplinary team offers individual treatment, parent/caregiver intensive programs, and ARFID community groups, with offices in both Northbrook and downtown Chicago. For families navigating complex ARFID presentations in neurodivergent children, CCEBT offers a rare level of clinical depth and specialization.
• Authentically You Eating Disorder Counseling — ARFID (Deerfield, IL) — A Deerfield-based eating disorder counseling practice offering dedicated ARFID and feeding concern therapy, recognizing that ARFID frequently co-occurs with OCD and neurodivergence. Their clinicians approach ARFID through both therapeutic and dietitian support, creating a more comprehensive and integrated treatment experience than single-provider approaches typically allow. For families in Chicago’s North Shore and northern suburbs, Authentically You is one of the most accessible local ARFID-focused practices available.

College Support for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Students

The college application process can be especially challenging for 2e students, whose spiky profiles, unconventional academic paths, and executive functioning challenges don’t always fit neatly into standard application frameworks. Working with a consultant who truly understands twice-exceptionality—someone who knows how to help these students present their authentic strengths and find colleges that will actually support them—is invaluable.

Here are some college application resources for 2e students in the Chicago area:

• Top College Consultants — Dr. Eric Endlich (Virtual) — Founded by Dr. Eric Endlich, a clinical psychologist and educational consultant 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. They offer free resources, recorded webinars, and personalized consulting for Chicago-area families.
• University of Chicago — Student Disability Services (SDS) (Chicago) — For 2e students planning to attend the University of Chicago, the SDS provides academic accommodations, support, and resources for students with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other neurodivergent profiles. UChicago’s distinctive curriculum — with its emphasis on deep intellectual inquiry, seminar-style discussion, and independent thinking — can be a powerful fit for many gifted and 2e students, and families should connect with SDS during the application process to understand what support structures will be in place from day one.
• Northwestern University — AccessibleNU (Evanston) — For 2e students considering Northwestern, AccessibleNU provides individualized accessibility planning, accommodations, and support for students with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other neurodivergent profiles. Northwestern’s North Shore campus and wide range of academic programs make it a compelling consideration for many gifted and 2e students in the Chicago area — and AccessibleNU’s team helps ensure students have the support systems in place to thrive from arrival.

Educational / Parent Consultants for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Educational and parent consultants who specialize in gifted and 2e children help families navigate complex systems — from school placement and IEP advocacy to understanding their child’s unique learning profile and making informed decisions about educational options.

Here are some educational and parent consultant resources in the greater Chicago area:

• Illinois Association for Gifted Children (IAGC) (Statewide) — Illinois’s statewide professional organization for gifted education, IAGC provides parent resources, conferences, and advocacy tools to help families understand their child’s rights under Illinois law and navigate gifted and 2e education options across the state. Their annual conference and parent resources are particularly valuable for Chicago-area families new to the landscape of gifted and 2e education in Illinois public schools.
• Chicago Gifted Community Center (CGCC) (Chicago metro) — A nonprofit community organization dedicated to supporting gifted and twice-exceptional children and their families across the Chicago area, offering parent education events, workshops, speaker series, and community connection opportunities specifically designed for the gifted experience. CGCC is one of the few organizations in the metro that explicitly focuses on the social-emotional and community needs of gifted and 2e families — making it a valuable starting point for parents who feel isolated in their journey and want to connect with others who truly understand.

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

Parent support groups and consultants are invaluable resources for families of gifted and 2e children, offering community, guidance, and expert advice. These resources empower parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their child, foster their child’s strengths, and effectively manage the unique challenges of raising a 2e child—while also reminding parents that they don’t have to do this alone.

Here are some great parent support resources to check out:

• Dr. Lori Baudino, PsyD, BC-DMT (Virtual) — Dr. Baudino is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified dance/movement therapist with over twenty years of experience supporting children, families, and parents. She specializes in children with sensory processing differences, neurodivergent profiles, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, and behavioral or emotional challenges — offering both psychological support and a distinctive movement-based, mind-body approach to understanding children’s needs. For parents, she provides comprehensive family treatment, behavioral observation, and parent coaching that helps families not just manage challenges but deeply understand and celebrate their child’s development. She offers virtual services, making her accessible to Chicago-area families.
• 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, providing valuable support for parents on their unique journey. It’s a place to build lasting friendships, find encouragement and understanding, and know you’re not navigating this path alone.

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. For families whose schedules don’t align with the group homerooms, she also offers 1:1 instruction.

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 Chicagoland.

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 consultants, and occupational therapists, families in the greater Chicago metro can create a nurturing environment where their children feel seen, understood, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Across Chicagoland — from the city’s distinctive neighborhoods to the North Shore, the western suburbs, and beyond — a growing network of specialized professionals and support 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.

Remember, the path to success for 2e and gifted children involves recognizing both their strengths and challenges. By seeking out resources that respect neurodiversity and embrace a strengths-based approach, you can provide your child with the support they need to flourish — just as they are.

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 Chicago list? 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.