Des Moines & Iowa City: 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 across Central Iowa, this guide covers two distinct hubs approximately 100 miles apart: the Des Moines metro area (including West Des Moines, Ankeny, and surrounding communities) and Iowa City (home to the University of Iowa and one of the most respected gifted education centers in the nation).

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.

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. 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.

Iowa families have a remarkable asset in the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa — one of the premier gifted education and twice-exceptionality research centers in the world, right in your backyard. We’ve made sure it’s featured prominently throughout this guide.

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 understand the unique cognitive and emotional profiles of 2e kids is essential. These specialists conduct comprehensive evaluations that help families understand how giftedness may intersect with ADHD, learning differences, or autism, and inform the creation of customized educational and support strategies.

Here are neuropsychologist and testing resources for Central Iowa families:

Belin-Blank Center Assessment & Counseling Clinic (Iowa City, IA (University of Iowa))

The Belin-Blank Center’s Assessment and Counseling Clinic is one of the most specialized gifted and 2e evaluation resources in the entire country — staffed by psychologists whose entire focus is high-ability and twice-exceptional students from preschool through college. Their comprehensive evaluations include a full battery of intellectual and academic achievement testing, psychosocial assessment, gold-standard diagnostic measures, and detailed recommendations. They also offer dedicated 2e assessments to diagnose co-occurring conditions (ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression) alongside giftedness, conducted by licensed psychologists whose reports may be submitted to insurance.

Innovative Learning Professionals (I Learn) (West Des Moines, IA)

Founded in 1998 and led by Dr. David Beeman, PhD and Dr. Dusty Baker, PhD, Innovative Learning Professionals is a long-established Des Moines-area assessment and remediation center that evaluates the full range of learners — gifted, learning disabled, and intellectually disabled. Their psychoeducational evaluations are particularly linked to their in-house multisensory academic remediation services for dyslexia, ADHD, and learning differences. They accept Wellmark, Aetna, and Midlands Choice.

West Des Moines Collaborative Psychologists (WDMCP) (West Des Moines, IA)

WDMCP is a small group of psychologists offering collaborative, neuro-affirming assessment services in West Des Moines, specifically focused on providing clarity regarding ADHD, autistic identity, gifted identity, and other mental health diagnoses. Their explicitly neuro-affirming framing makes them a strong fit for families whose children have complex, overlapping profiles that have been missed or mischaracterized elsewhere.

Therapists and Psychologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Finding a therapist who truly understands what it means to be gifted and differently-wired — who doesn’t just treat the surface presenting concern but understands the intensity, perfectionism, existential questioning, and social complexity that come with a 2e profile — is very beneficial.

Here are some therapist resources for Central Iowa families:

Holistic Resources Clinic — Christina Stai (Iowa City, IA)

Christina Stai offers neurodivergent-affirming, autism-affirming, and ADHD-friendly therapy in Iowa City, bringing a depth of understanding of how neurodivergent identity shapes a person’s experience of the world. Her approach centers the whole person rather than the diagnosis, and she writes extensively about what genuinely neuro-affirming therapy looks like in practice — including why Iowa City families deserve therapists who speak this language fluently.

Neurodivergent Therapists Iowa Directory (Statewide Iowa (telehealth-friendly))

NDTherapists.com maintains a regularly updated directory of Iowa-based therapists who self-identify as neurodivergent-affirming, with detailed listings including specialty focus, age ranges served, insurance accepted, and modalities. Several Iowa City and Des Moines-area therapists are listed here with specific expertise in autism, ADHD, PDA, giftedness, and parenting neurodivergent children. A practical starting point for families doing their own search, especially for telehealth options.

Educational Therapists & Executive Functioning Support

Executive functioning coaches help 2e children build the skills that bridge their intellectual gifts and their real-world challenges: organization, task initiation, time management, self-regulation, and the independent learning strategies that make school and daily life manageable.

Here are some EF and educational therapy resources for Central Iowa families:

Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center is a speech-language and academic support practice with two Central Iowa locations — Johnston (Des Moines area) and North Liberty (Iowa City area). Their SLPs offer executive functioning support alongside dyslexia treatment, academic tutoring, and social skills work, building the planning, organization, and follow-through skills that make school manageable — all one-on-one with individualized treatment plans.

Julie Smith is an ICF-certified coach with advanced ADD Coach Academy training in ADHD and executive functioning — and a Des Moines mom who has lived the 2e experience firsthand with three kids with ADHD, one with dyslexia. She works with kids, teens, and parents using a strengths-based approach to build real systems for focus, organization, and task initiation. In-person sessions available in Des Moines.

Parent Support Groups & Consultants

Parenting a gifted or 2e child can be deeply isolating, especially in communities where these kids are rare and often misunderstood. Iowa has a dedicated statewide gifted parent organization, and the Belin-Blank Center provides parent resources that are second to none.

Here are some parent support resources for Central Iowa families:

Iowa Talented and Gifted (ITAG) (Statewide Iowa)

ITAG is Iowa’s statewide organization for parents and educators of gifted children, providing advocacy tools, parent tip sheets, connection to SENG-trained facilitators who lead parent support groups, and a hub for navigating Iowa’s gifted education system. They maintain a list of private assessment and counseling resources for Iowa families, host events, and help parents understand how to advocate effectively within Iowa school districts — including how Iowa’s state mandate for gifted services works in practice. An essential first stop for any Iowa family new to gifted education.

Young Scholars Academy Parent Social Club offers a welcoming virtual space for parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children to connect, celebrate wins, and work through challenges together. Through engaging discussions and community-building activities, the club provides ongoing support and connection for parents navigating this unique journey — and it’s fully accessible to Iowa families from the comfort of home.

Occupational Therapists (OT) & Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)

Many 2e children experience sensory sensitivities, fine motor challenges, and communication differences that benefit greatly from OT and SLP delivered by professionals who understand the neurodivergent profile. The right therapist doesn’t just treat symptoms — they help the whole child function more comfortably in the world.

Here are some OT and SLP resources for Central Iowa families:

Rise Pediatric Therapy (Des Moines, IA (in-person & telehealth))

Rise Pediatric Therapy is a neurodiversity-affirming, play-based pediatric speech, feeding, and occupational therapy practice serving Greater Des Moines, with telehealth available across Iowa. Their team is passionate about accessible quality care — accepting most major insurances — and provides collaborative, family-centered support through strong parent coaching and coordination with schools and other providers. An excellent first call for Des Moines-area families seeking ND-affirming OT or SLP for their child.

Sensory Kids Iowa (North Liberty, IA (Iowa City corridor))

Sensory Kids Iowa is a pediatric OT and speech therapy clinic founded by occupational therapist Teresa Grueter, serving families throughout Eastern Iowa including Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and the Corridor. They specialize in sensory processing challenges, feeding difficulties, speech and language development, and the whole range of neurodivergent pediatric needs, delivered in a warm environment that children genuinely look forward to. A strong option for Iowa City-area families.

Blank Children’s Pediatric Therapy (UnityPoint Health) (Des Moines metro)

Blank Children’s Pediatric Therapy, part of UnityPoint Health, offers occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and physical therapy for children across multiple Des Moines metro locations. Their OTs specialize in sensory processing, fine motor, and cognitive skills, and their SLPs cover the full range of speech and language concerns. A widely accessible option for families who need insurance-covered services through a major health system.

Food, Nutrition, and ARFID Support

Feeding challenges and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) are significantly more common in neurodivergent children, often rooted in sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and the need for predictability. Finding professionals who approach food through a neurodivergent-affirming, low-pressure lens is essential.

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

Rise Pediatric Therapy — Feeding Therapy (Des Moines, IA)

Rise’s specialized feeding therapists work with infants and children navigating picky eating, sensory aversions, and ARFID using play-based, child-led techniques that never turn mealtimes into battles. Their approach includes parent coaching so families can carry strategies into daily life between sessions, and they coordinate closely with schools, physicians, and other providers.

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital — Pediatric Feeding Clinic (Iowa City, IA)

For complex ARFID presentations — particularly those linked to autism, sensory processing, anxiety, or gastrointestinal concerns — the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City offers multidisciplinary pediatric feeding evaluation and treatment. Families with complex cases that haven’t responded to outpatient feeding therapy should reach out directly to discuss their child’s profile and appropriate care pathways.

Schools for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Iowa’s open enrollment law gives families meaningful flexibility to find public school settings that better fit their child, and the state’s gifted education mandate means every district must offer services. For families needing something beyond what their local district offers, there are also strong alternative options.

Here are some school resources for gifted and 2e students in Central Iowa:

The Bucksbaum Early Entrance Academy at the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center is an early college entrance program that allows highly advanced students to begin full-time university study after completing roughly two or three years of high school. Students join a structured cohort of peers and transition directly into college life while receiving dedicated academic, social, and emotional support from the center. The program is designed to help gifted learners accelerate their education in a supportive environment as they pursue undergraduate degrees earlier than the traditional timeline.

Belin-Blank Center Student Programs (Iowa City — University of Iowa) The Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa is the state’s premier resource for gifted education and offers a suite of student programs for grades 2–12: above-level testing, free online above-level courses for students whose schools don’t offer them, Saturday enrichment programs, and residential summer programs including the Junior Scholars Institute (middle school) and Blank Summer Institute (8th grade). For Iowa families of gifted kids, this is the first place to look for intellectual community and academic challenge beyond what a local district can offer.

Cowles Montessori School (Windsor Heights / Des Moines — PreK–8, public) Iowa’s only public Montessori school, located in Windsor Heights and open to Des Moines metro families through open enrollment. The Montessori model — child-centered learning, multi-age classrooms, student-driven pacing — is a natural fit for many gifted and 2e kids who chafe against the lockstep structure of traditional classrooms. Cowles also offers a gifted program, making it one of the few public options in the metro that combines an alternative pedagogical approach with explicit support for advanced learners.

Homeschool Groups for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Iowa has a strong homeschool community with good secular options. For gifted and 2e families, homeschooling is often the educational choice that finally allows their child to thrive — and finding community with other homeschooling families makes the journey far less lonely.

Here are some homeschool community resources for Central Iowa families:

Homeschool Iowa (Statewide Iowa)

Homeschool Iowa is Iowa’s leading homeschool advocacy and support organization, providing information on Iowa’s homeschool law, regional representative support across all 18 regions of the state, special needs advisors for homeschooling parents of children with disabilities, and connections to local homeschool support groups statewide. An essential starting point for any family beginning or deepening their homeschool journey in Iowa, regardless of family values or educational philosophy.

Iowa City Secular Homeschool Group (Iowa City, IA)

A secular homeschool support community serving Iowa City-area families, offering connection, social opportunities, and shared resources for families who prefer a non-religious homeschool community. Iowa City’s university-town culture makes it a particularly good home base for intellectually curious, gifted, and 2e homeschooled children who thrive around other academically engaged families.

Advocates / IEP Help for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Iowa families have access to strong free statewide advocacy resources, including Iowa’s federally funded parent training center — one of the most comprehensive in the country.

Here are some advocacy resources for Central Iowa families:

ASK Resource Center — Iowa’s Parent Training & Information Center (Statewide Iowa)

ASK (Access for Special Kids) Resource Center is Iowa’s only federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), serving families of children with disabilities from birth through age 26 statewide — including gifted children with co-occurring learning differences who need IEP or 504 support. In partnership with the Iowa Department of Education, ASK now has regionally located staff across all nine of Iowa’s superintendent and AEA regions. Their services include IEP meeting preparation and attendance, navigating dispute resolution with school districts, understanding IDEA rights, and training parents to be effective long-term advocates.

Iowa Compass (Statewide Iowa)

Iowa Compass is a statewide information and referral service connecting people with disabilities and their families to services and supports across Iowa, hosted through the University of Iowa. Their searchable database covers special education, disability services, assistive technology, and much more. A useful navigation tool for families who aren’t sure where to start, or who need help connecting with specific resources in their area.

Iowa IDEA Information (Statewide Iowa)

Iowa IDEA Information is the state’s central hub for special education law, forms, and guidance, maintained by the Iowa Department of Education. Families navigating IEP processes, eligibility questions, or disputes with their school district will find detailed parent rights information, timelines, and links to ASK Resource Center’s advocacy guides here.

Tutors for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Tutors who truly understand 2e learners provide the right level of intellectual challenge while addressing specific academic hurdles in a way that builds confidence rather than shame.

Here are some tutor resources for Central Iowa families:

Innovative Learning Professionals — Multisensory Academic Remediation (West Des Moines, IA)

In addition to their assessment services, I Learn’s learning center offers one-on-one academic remediation specifically for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, using multisensory learning techniques and innovative teaching methods. Their goal is to find solutions for students for whom other approaches haven’t worked — making them an especially well-suited option for 2e students in the Des Moines area who need both challenge and targeted support.

Made for Math (Virtual)

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

College 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 college support resources for Central Iowa families:

Academy for Twice-Exceptionality (Iowa City — University of Iowa) Also housed at the Belin-Blank Center, the Academy for Twice-Exceptionality supports neurodivergent University of Iowa students with structured academic, practical, and social-emotional skills programming that goes beyond standard disability services. For 2e families with a high schooler starting to think about college, knowing this program exists at U of I can be a meaningful factor in the college search.

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.

University of Iowa Student Disability Services (Iowa City, IA)

For 2e students heading to the University of Iowa — one of Iowa’s flagship universities and home to the Belin-Blank Center — Student Disability Services coordinates academic accommodations for students with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other neurodivergent profiles. Families are strongly encouraged to connect with SDS before the first semester begins. The University of Iowa also offers the Belin-Blank Center’s Academy for Twice-Exceptionality, a pilot support program specifically for 2e first-year students.

Drake University — Student Disability Services (Des Moines, IA)

For 2e students considering Drake University in Des Moines, the Student Accessibility Services office provides academic accommodations and disability support. Drake’s smaller, more intimate university environment can be a particularly strong fit for 2e students who thrive with closer faculty relationships and a less sprawling campus experience.

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 chance to build friendships, explore their passions, and be fully celebrated in a neuro-affirming setting. Iowa families have access to some truly exceptional enrichment options — including a world-class center right in Iowa City.

Mind Outlet / Michelle Ptacek (Decorah, Iowa - virtual)

Michelle Ptacek is an Iowa-based educator, writer, and presenter specializing in cognitive variation and high-ability learners. She 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 deep research into extreme cognitive profiles and bibliotherapy, giving HG/PG students both the intellectual community and the social-emotional scaffolding rarely available to them in traditional settings. Individual instruction is also available. For families who aren’t in the Davidson Young Scholars program, Mind Outlet provides general gifted 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 Des Moines, Iowa City, and all of Central Iowa. 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. Central Iowa families have a genuinely remarkable set of resources available — anchored by the nationally renowned Belin-Blank Center in Iowa City, strong community providers in the Des Moines metro, and a growing network of neuro-affirming professionals who truly understand what it means to raise a differently-wired, deeply capable child.

Whether you’re in the Des Moines metro area, Iowa City, or anywhere in between, these resources can help ensure your child is not only supported in areas where they struggle, but celebrated for their remarkable gifts.

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 Iowa 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.