Denver & Boulder 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 and where they can be themselves without fear of being misunderstood, judged, or othered.

For families of gifted and 2e children living in the Denver and Boulder areas, 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 Denver/Boulder area 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 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 and 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. Having a neuropsychologist who is well-versed in 2e can ensure precise testing and offer valuable insights that lead to targeted interventions, helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Dr. Joshua Shifrin — Boulder-based neuropsychologist with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in gifted and twice-exceptional children, using dynamic assessment techniques to understand what a child can do under a variety of conditions, and to help plan and select the most appropriate interventions.

Elevated Insights — A Denver developmental psychology and psychoeducational practice. They offer evaluations that can help families identify children who may be intellectually gifted and talented and/or twice-exceptional (2e), informing academic environments and enrichment programs best suited to the child’s needs.

StepStone Psychological Assessment & Therapy — Boulder-based. They offer evaluation for gifted/2e identification, with a focus on students who may have gifted or superior cognitive abilities yet struggle with schoolwork due to a learning disability, ADHD, or executive function weakness.

PEAK Exceptional Services — Westminster (Denver metro). They specialize in neurodiversity-affirmative assessment services for differently-wired children, teens, and adults, offering comprehensive psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments that go beyond scores to create a roadmap for success.

Psychologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Psychologists specializing in giftedness and twice-exceptionality are invaluable resources for families seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s unique cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. These professionals conduct thorough assessments and provide targeted interventions that address the complex intersection of strengths and challenges faced by gifted and 2e children. Psychologists can offer both diagnostic clarity and therapeutic support, ensuring that children receive the right tools to navigate academic, social, and emotional landscapes.

Here are some excellent psychologists in the Denver/Boulder area to check out:

Dr. Sarah Haider at Gameplan Therapy is a licensed psychologist specializing in pediatric anxiety, OCD, and behavioral challenges, with a particular interest in how comorbid neurodivergent diagnoses—including ADHD, giftedness, and autism—intersect with treatment. She founded Gameplan Therapy after recognizing the need for more OCD treatment providers in Denver. In addition to CBT and exposure-based therapies, she has extensive training in biofeedback and has been a sought-after speaker at local and national conferences.

SAGE Center for Gifted is a Boulder-based center with multiple Colorado locations (Boulder, Lakewood, Louisville, and Denver) offering a uniquely comprehensive, team-based model for gifted and 2e families. Their faculty includes clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, educational therapists, occupational therapists, and specialist providers all working together to create a personalized care plan for each gifted student and their family.

Catherine Zakoian at Lumineux Institute is a licensed and nationally board-certified counselor with nearly 25 years of experience specializing in counseling gifted, profoundly gifted, and twice-exceptional children, teens, adults, couples, and families, with offices in Boulder, Denver, and Vail, and virtual options available.

Educational Therapists and Executive Functioning Coaches for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Many families with gifted and twice-exceptional children find both educational therapists (ETs) and professionals who specialize in executive functioning support to be invaluable resources. While educational therapists focus on addressing specific learning challenges, those specializing in executive functioning help students build essential skills such as organization, time management, self-regulation, and problem-solving. For gifted and 2e children, these experts tailor their approach to the child’s individual learning strengths, styles, and areas of difficulty.

Here are some skilled educational therapists and executive functioning support professionals in the Denver/Boulder area for you to check out:

Kate Wagner at Aspen Grove Educational Therapy has 15 years of experience empowering students from upper elementary through adulthood. A member of the Association of Educational Therapists (AET), Kate specializes in reading, writing, executive functioning, organizational skills, and task management, and holds a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in mild to moderate disabilities. She works remotely, bringing personalized support directly to your family.

Untapped Learning — Denver and Boulder area. A trusted partner for Denver families for many years, with coaches who have deep roots in the Denver community. They offer personalized, hands-on executive function and ADHD coaching for middle school, high school, and college students.

Strive Learning Solutions — Denver-based. They provide executive functioning coaching for students with ADHD and learning differences, with tutors holding Master’s degrees and 5+ years of experience, offering specialized support for ADHD, ASD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, along with IEP assistance and advocacy.

Collegiate Coaching Services — Boulder-based. They offer in-person executive function coaching for college-bound students in Boulder, with virtual options available globally, focusing on skills like organization, time management, and self-regulation.

Access to Achieve — Serving Boulder, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, and Longmont, they offer executive function skills coaching in a supportive, strengths-based environment, with a focus on helping students recognize their strengths and use them to compensate for executive function weaknesses.

Sarah Lovell at Executive Functioning First offers one-on-one virtual coaching and membership support to help college students and adults build key skills like organization, self-regulation, time management, and problem-solving. Sarah’s approach emphasizes self-care and positive self-talk as the foundation for success.

Maayan Glaser-Koren at Educational Therapy LLC works virtually with students and adults with ADHD, ASD, and learning differences, integrating executive functioning support and self-compassion techniques to foster both academic and emotional growth. Her practice is client-centered, ensuring individualized care and support.

Therapists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Mental health therapists who specialize in working with gifted and twice-exceptional children play a crucial role in addressing the emotional and psychological needs of these students. These professionals offer therapeutic support for a range of concerns—including anxiety, depression, trauma, and school-related challenges—while helping children and families navigate the unique complexities of 2e life. By providing individualized, relationship-based approaches, they help children build emotional resilience and develop coping strategies to thrive in both academic and personal settings.

Here are some great therapists in the Denver/Boulder area to check out:

Opal Counseling Center offers a unique approach in Colorado. They provide equine-assisted therapy for gifted children and adults, with a focus on anxiety, ADHD, and high-functioning autism.

Rooted Rhythm Therapy offers play therapy in Denver, Arvada, and Lakewood. They specialize in supporting highly sensitive, emotionally intense, or gifted (including twice-exceptional) kids who tend to feel deeply and react strongly, using evidence-based play therapy for children ages 2–12, as well as connection-based therapy for sensitive teenagers navigating anxiety, identity, and big emotions.

Dhruvi Mehta Shah at The Art Alchemy Studio offers therapeutic art experiences grounded in emotional safety and creative expression. Based in the Denver Metro area, Dhruvi holds a Master’s in Counseling (M.Ed) and draws on art-therapy-informed training and her own lived experience with ADHD to create non-clinical spaces where kids and adults can process what’s hard to put into words. She offers workshops, private sessions, and community and family experiences. Reach her at hello@artalchemystudio.com.

Occupational and Speech-Language Therapists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language therapy (SLP) are vital resources for twice-exceptional and gifted children, particularly those who experience challenges with fine motor skills, sensory processing, or social communication. These therapies help children build essential life skills, enhance their independence, and boost their confidence. Whether it’s improving daily living tasks, navigating social situations, or managing sensory sensitivities, OTs and SLPs are essential in helping our children thrive in everyday life.

STAR Institute for Sensory Processing is located in Centennial (Denver metro) and is a world-renowned leader in sensory health. All STAR therapists are highly trained in sensory integration therapy and DIR/Floortime, and their neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed approach supports autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, feeding differences, anxiety, and other developmental differences.

Gather & Grow Therapy Services in Broomfield takes a truly integrated approach. Their multidisciplinary team combines occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral health under one roof, providing specialized, neurodivergent-affirming care for autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and a wide range of other neurodivergent experiences — with OT, speech, and mental health providers collaborating closely so families don’t have to navigate care alone.

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 Denver/Boulder area designed to address the unique challenges and strengths of 2e learners. These schools create environments where children can thrive academically while receiving the specialized support necessary for their development.

The Logan School for Creative Learning is a private K–8 school in Denver with a mission to cultivate the curiosities of gifted children. Each of their students pursues a distinct, individually co-designed unit of study, ensuring that every student’s curiosity is nurtured, their abilities are stretched, and their love of learning is ignited — with each child learning at their own pace. Parents of 2e students consistently report the school’s individualized approach working well for ADHD, dysgraphia, and anxiety.

Brightmont Academy has multiple Colorado locations including Denver (Cherry Creek), Broomfield, and Castle Pines, so it’s very accessible across the metro area. Brightmont is a private school dedicated to helping gifted and twice-exceptional students maximize their potential, using a unique one-to-one classroom model that allows them to design a curriculum, schedule, and approach that aligns with each child’s exceptional abilities, so gifted and 2e students can learn without masking their differences or having their gifts overlooked.

Denver Academy is an independent private school for grades 2–12 with more than 50 years of experience bringing out the best in bright individuals with varied learning profiles, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and twice-exceptional students — using small class sizes of 12 to 15 students and a curriculum customized for each individual. They’re also hosting Colorado’s first large neurodiversity resource fair this June, which speaks to their community commitment.

Advocates / IEP Help

Many families with gifted and twice-exceptional children find advocates and professionals specializing in IEP (Individualized Education Program) support to be crucial resources. These experts play a vital role in navigating the complexities of special education law and ensuring that schools provide the appropriate accommodations and services for gifted and 2e children. Having a dedicated advocate can make all the difference in securing the resources and support your child needs to succeed.

Here is a professional who can offer this kind of support in the Denver/Boulder area:

Lindsay N. Brown at Brown Education Law serves Denver and Colorado families as a seasoned special education advocate, helping families navigate IDEA, Section 504, and Colorado’s ECEA — attending IEP meetings, reviewing documents, requesting evaluations, and representing families in mediation and due process hearings when needed.

Shelley Kenow is a Master IEP Coach and special education consultant who works with families all around the country, making the world better for all — one IEP at a time. Shelley helps parents become confident, informed advocates so their child’s voice is truly heard in every IEP meeting. She offers parent services, free resources, and a podcast, and is the author of Those Who Can’t Teach. Reach her at shelley@shelleykenow.com.

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. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, tutors work one-on-one with students to provide personalized attention and tailored learning strategies. For gifted and 2e children, the right tutor can build confidence, fill gaps, and unlock a love of learning that may have gotten buried under years of frustration.

Here are some tutors to check out in the Denver/Boulder area:

Strive Learning Solutions serves Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, and beyond. Their tutors use structured, multisensory teaching methods that support the way neurodivergent students learn, supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, autism, twice-exceptional profiles, and processing disorders — with both in-home and online options available.

Spectrum School for Individualized Learning serves the Boulder area including Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont, Superior, Erie, and Broomfield. Their certified Orton-Gillingham tutors provide personalized reading intervention that builds confidence, improves skills, and supports neurodiverse learners, with in-person and online options available for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Learning Pathways is a Boulder-based practice founded by a parent who walked the path herself. Their team provides tutoring using only evidence-based methods including Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood-Bell, in a warm, supportive environment designed to build a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math for students who learn differently.

Spiral Skills Tutoring and Academic Coaching is based in Boulder and provides individualized multisensory instruction based on Orton-Gillingham methods for children and young adults with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and executive function or learning differences, with online tutoring also available for those outside the area.

Made for Math offers online math intervention specifically designed for 2e students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or autism. Everything is one-on-one and provided online with highly trained math specialists who understand how neurodivergent brains learn.

Secular Homeschool Groups

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice for families of gifted and 2e children, and finding a secular, neurodivergent-affirming community can make all the difference. These groups offer connection, co-op opportunities, and shared resources for families charting their own educational path.

Here are some secular homeschool groups in the Denver/Boulder area to check out:

Rocky Mountain Education Connection maintains a comprehensive directory of secular and inclusive homeschool and unschooling support groups across Colorado, including many Denver and Boulder area groups. It’s a great starting point for families looking to find a local community that fits their approach, from relaxed homeschoolers to unschoolers and everything in between.

Wildling Collective is a secular, inclusive non-profit homeschool cooperative along the Denver Front Range. Their interest-led co-op offers whole-family Monday meetups and a tween/teen drop-off program on Thursdays, with semesters planned with democratic input from families, and they’ve been awarded a Vela grant for boldly imagining education.

Denver Inclusive Homeschoolers is a Denver-area Facebook group with over 2,000 members, focused on connecting homeschooling families for social activities, field trips, classes, and other events. Join the group on Facebook to connect with the community and stay up to date on local happenings.

Food, Nutrition & ARFID Support

Sensory challenges around food are common among neurodivergent children, and for families navigating ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) or other feeding differences, finding professionals who truly understand the connection between neurodivergence and eating can be life-changing.

THRIVE Feeding Therapy is a Denver-based team of speech-language pathologists, feeding specialists, and a registered dietitian. With over 40 years of combined experience with the pediatric population, they treat complex feeding disorders from infancy through the teenage years, with extensive experience working with children with ARFID, autism, and gastrointestinal disorders, offering both in-home and telehealth sessions.

NEST: Neuro Empowered Specialty Therapies in Longmont takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Their feeding therapists use a strengths-based, evidence-informed approach grounded in the SOS Approach to Feeding, tailored to children with sensory processing differences, autism, ARFID, or developmental delays — with the goal of reducing mealtime stress and helping families feel confident and connected at the table.

Side by Side Nutrition has locations in both Denver and Fort Collins. Their registered dietitians provide personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling for ARFID, with a holistic philosophy that prioritizes behaviors and overall well-being, fostering a positive relationship with food — and they also offer family-based treatment, online support groups, and virtual meal support.

College Application Support

The college application process can be especially overwhelming for 2e students and their families. Professionals who specialize in supporting neurodivergent applicants can help students identify the right fit, navigate accommodations, and tell their unique story in a way that colleges will understand and appreciate.

Mindfish has offices in both Denver and Boulder and is Colorado’s top-rated college counseling center. Their certified college admissions counselors help neurodivergent students (including those with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum conditions) showcase their strengths, advocate for accommodations, and find campuses that align with their social, academic, and emotional needs, with flexible in-person and virtual options.

Emerging Educational Consulting is a Denver-based firm founded by Laura Barr, a Certified Education Planner with decades of experience. They specialize in supporting ADHD and neurodivergent college-bound students through a personalized process that helps students find their rhythm, build momentum, and move toward college with confidence — because they understand that neurodivergent students don’t thrive in cookie-cutter systems

Parent Support Groups and Parent Consultants

Parent support groups and parent consultants are invaluable resources for families of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children, offering guidance, community, and expert advice. Parent consultants provide individualized support to help families navigate educational systems, emotional challenges, and unique needs, while parent support groups create spaces for connection and shared experiences. These resources empower parents with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their child, foster their child’s strengths, and effectively manage the challenges of raising a 2e child.

Here are some great parent support groups and consultants in the Denver/Boulder area to check out:

Denver Area Twice-Exceptional Support Group is a long-running, low-key parent support group moderated by Susan Wroble for over a dozen years. Most members are parents of 2e kids, but it is open to anyone interested in twice-exceptional children and the joys and challenges of neurodiversity. The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month, with each person sharing updates on their 2e child and members offering ideas and suggestions. Contact Susan through her website for location details.

YSA Parent Social Club offers a welcoming 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 and connection for parents on their unique journey.

Something a Little Different: Professional Organizing for Neurodivergent Families

Sometimes the support a 2e family needs isn’t clinical—it’s practical. Traditional organizing systems often fail neurodivergent brains, and the right professional organizer can reduce daily overwhelm, improve routines, and create a home environment that actually works for how your family thinks and lives.

• Ann Pereira at House of Projects LLC is a Denver-based professional organizer and coach who specializes in ADHD-friendly and neurodivergent organizing systems. Ann holds Level II specialist certifications in ADHD Organizing and Chronic Disorganization from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, and she designs practical, repeatable systems that fit how you actually live, not the other way around.

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. Social connections groups, emotional support tools, and enrichment programs offer 2e kids the opportunity to build friendships, develop emotional regulation skills, and explore their passions in a supportive, 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 5–18-year-old gifted, twice-exceptional, and bright, differently-wired kiddos to empower 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 also connect with like-minded peers and passionate mentors, forming friendships over shared interests such as World War I submarines, Dungeons & Dragons, and Minecraft mods. These neuro-affirming courses allow 2e children to dive into their passions, build confidence, and thrive socially—all from the comfort of home.

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—psychologists, educational therapists, parent support coaches, creative therapists, advocates, and more—families in the Denver and Boulder areas can create a nurturing environment where their children feel seen, understood, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

A wealth of specialized professionals and support networks are available throughout the Denver/Boulder area to guide families in navigating the complexities of 2e and giftedness. From personalized coaching and therapy to IEP advocacy and strength-based learning, 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 Denver/Boulder 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.