Miami & Greater South Florida 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 South Florida, 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 Miami and South Florida area — including Miami-Dade County, Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines), and select resources in Boca Raton and Palm Beach — 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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Envision Wellness (Miami-Dade) — A centrally located Miami-Dade neuropsychology practice positioned between Miami International Airport and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Envision Wellness offers a full range of affordable psychological testing in both English and Spanish. Their team of licensed neuropsychologists provides same-day results for gifted testing and psychoeducational evaluations for ADHD and learning differences — making them one of the most efficient and accessible assessment options for South Florida families navigating Miami-Dade and Broward County school requirements for gifted identification. Their bilingual model is particularly valuable in a region where so many families navigate school systems in two languages simultaneously.
• Insight Neurocognitive & Behavioral Center — Dr. Isabel Gonzalez (Miami) — Dr. Isabel Gonzalez is a bilingual (English-Spanish) pediatric neuropsychologist who trained at one of the top ten children’s hospitals in the U.S., completing her fellowship in Bilingual Pediatric Neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital Colorado after earning her doctorate from Albizu University in Miami. She is licensed as a clinical psychologist, mental health counselor, and marriage and family therapist — a uniquely comprehensive clinical background that allows her to see not just the child’s test scores, but the full family and developmental context surrounding a 2e evaluation. She is especially skilled at disentangling the ways giftedness and disability mask one another in complex, multilingual, culturally diverse families.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Strengths and Solutions (Hallandale Beach, FL — Miami-Dade/Broward border) — A clinical psychology practice in Hallandale Beach offering psychological assessments and therapy for children, teens, and adults with a genuine strengths-based, solutions-forward philosophy. Their team provides gifted testing, ADHD evaluations, psychoeducational assessments for school accommodations, and therapy for anxiety and life transitions — all framed around uncovering what clients can do, not just cataloguing struggle. Their location on the Miami-Dade/Broward border and acceptance of major insurance plans makes them one of the more accessible assessment and therapy options for South Florida families.
• Broward Therapy Group — Christina Sullivan, LCSW (Davie, FL / Broward County) — Founded by Christina Sullivan, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 30 years of experience and a parent of a neurodivergent son, Broward Therapy Group is one of Broward County’s most explicitly neurodivergent-affirming therapy practices. Their team offers individual and family therapy, ADHD and autism evaluations, executive functioning support, and interest-based social groups for children, teens, and adults — with a firm belief that neurodivergence is not something to fix, but something to understand and honor.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Psych Solutions of Florida (Miami-Dade) — A South Florida practice offering psychological evaluations and counseling for individuals and families across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Services include comprehensive assessments for ADHD, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders, along with individual, family, and holistic counseling. In-person and telehealth options available, with services offered in English, Spanish, and Creole.
• Miami Counseling & Resource Center (Coral Gables) — A full-service multidisciplinary mental health center in Coral Gables staffed by psychologists, child psychologists, therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists. Services include individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, along with psychological testing and evaluation — including gifted placement and intelligence testing, ADHD evaluation, and learning disabilities assessment. Teletherapy also available.
• Bayview Therapy (Fort Lauderdale / Coral Springs / Plantation) — A neurodiversity-affirming group practice in Broward County with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation. Offers therapy and psychological evaluations for children, teens, adults, and families, including ADHD testing, gifted testing, autism evaluations, learning disability assessments, and neurodiversity assessments. Counseling services include child and family therapy, teen counseling, anxiety, trauma, and EMDR. Online therapy also available. Founded by Dr. Kate Campbell.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

Levy Learning Center (Miami-Dade / Broward / Palm Beach — in-person & virtual) — A South Florida learning center with over 40 years of experience providing one-on-one tutoring for students in grades PreK–12 across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Specializes in dyslexia, ADHD, auditory and visual processing disorders, and learning disabilities using the Orton-Gillingham approach and other multisensory, research-based methods. Services include executive function and organization skills support, reading, writing, math, and study skills. In-home, center-based, and online tutoring available.

My Optimal Child (Brickell / Miami — in-person, in-home & remote) — A Miami-based educational therapy center offering a whole-child approach that combines brain training with academic remediation. Led by Harvard-educated licensed school psychologist Valeria Fontanals, the practice works with children and adolescents with ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, executive functioning deficits, non-verbal learning disorders, auditory processing disorders, and twice-exceptional learners. Services are delivered one-on-one at their Brickell center, in-home or at-school within the Miami area, and remotely worldwide. The team also coordinates directly with parents and teachers to align on classroom accommodations and goals.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

Interactive Therapy Solutions (North Miami Beach) — A Miami-area pediatric therapy practice at their North Miami Beach clinic offering occupational and speech therapy for children ages 0–21. OT services address fine motor development, handwriting, sensory integration, attention, behavior, and daily living skills. Their multicultural, multidisciplinary team takes an individualized approach, designing treatment plans specific to each child’s developmental profile. Teletherapy also available.

Pediatric Therapy Associates of South Florida (Plantation / Broward County) — A Broward County pediatric therapy center established in 1983, offering occupational, physical, and speech therapy for children with special needs. OT services address fine motor control, handwriting, activities of daily living, visual perceptual skills, and sensory integration. Their team-based approach coordinates care across therapy disciplines.

South Florida Occupational Therapy (South Florida — home-based) — A solo pediatric OT practice run by Amanda Messingschlager, MS, OTR/L, providing individualized one-on-one occupational therapy in children’s natural environments — home, school, and community settings — throughout South Florida. Specializes in school support alongside direct therapy services, with free consultations available.

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 autistic kids or 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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Miami Speech Language Pathology Services — Ellen Kaner, MA, CCC-SLP (Miami) — A Miami SLP practice led by a certified speech-language pathologist offering individualized evaluation and treatment for children and adults with a wide range of communication needs including language delays, articulation disorders, social pragmatic communication, and literacy-based language differences. Their individualized, family-centered model is particularly well-suited to 2e children whose communication strengths in one area may mask challenges in another.
• Pediatric Potentials Therapy (Coral Springs / Broward County) — A Coral Springs pediatric therapy practice offering speech and occupational therapy for children with special needs. Their strengths-based model focuses on each child’s abilities and communication potential, with an emphasis on meaningful and functional goals. Family involvement is central to their approach, with caregivers actively supported to carry therapy strategies into everyday life.
• Professional Speech Associates (Coral Springs / Broward County) — A Coral Springs speech therapy practice serving infants, children, and adults throughout Broward County. Specializes in speech and language therapy, feeding therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy, AAC, social skills, and auditory processing, with autism explicitly listed as a specialty population. Clients are matched with the therapist best suited to their specific needs, and the team collaborates with families and other professionals involved in a child’s care. In-network with Aetna, Tricare, and Sunshine Health. Online therapy available.

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 across the Miami and South Florida 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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Compass Outreach and Education Center (Fort Lauderdale / Broward County) — A Fort Lauderdale private microschool purpose-built for twice-exceptional learners, Compass explicitly serves high-ability students who also have learning differences — integrating intellectual challenge with structured literacy intervention, executive functioning support, and small class sizes in a genuinely 2e-designed environment. Their founders understand that 2e children need both sides of their profile addressed simultaneously: rigorous academic engagement and individualized learning support are not competing priorities here, but a unified philosophy.
• The Fredyn Academy (Broward County) — A Broward County STEAM microschool designed for gifted children ages 7–12. Their personalized, collaborative curriculum encourages students to explore, experiment, tinker, and create across science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in a dynamic small-group environment that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction.
• Fusion Academy — Multiple South Florida Locations (Miami-Dade and Broward) — Fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 6–12 with locations across South Florida, offering every class with one student and one teacher — the maximum possible individualization for 2e students who need both academic rigor and a focused, low-distraction environment. Fusion is a consistent fit for students who have struggled with school avoidance, anxiety, or traditional classroom structures, and their full-time and supplemental options give families flexibility to customize how much of the program they use. Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship may provide funding for eligible students.

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 welcoming, 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 homeschool community options for families in the greater Miami and South Florida area:

• P.A.T.H. — Parents’ Association for Teaching at Home (Miami-Dade County) — A secular, nonprofit homeschooling co-op and support group run by parent volunteers, P.A.T.H. serves all homeschooling families in Miami-Dade County — regardless of faith, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or beliefs. Their welcoming, explicitly inclusive model makes them one of the most genuinely accessible homeschool communities in South Florida for neurodivergent and 2e families, and their programming includes field trips, enrichment classes, park days, annual testing support, and community-building activities.
• South Florida Homeschool Resource Center (SFLHRC) (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties) — A central hub for the South Florida homeschooling community serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, explicitly supporting both gifted and neurodiverse learners with a focus on each child’s unique strengths. SFLHRC offers academic classes, enrichment programs, parent workshops, homeschool consultations, and social events — including STEAM, magic, art, escape rooms, and poetry — in an environment designed to make learning feel like play.
• Alternative Homeschool Educators of South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties) — An all-inclusive homeschool group serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties that believes in respect for all people regardless of homeschooling style, race, age, or religion. Their community encompasses families practicing life learning, unschooling, school at home, and eclectic approaches — and their online discussion list, park days, field trips, and educational co-ops make them a practical social network for neurodivergent families across all three counties.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Cammarata & Cammarata, P.L. — Special Education Law (Broward County / Statewide Florida) — Established in 2006 by parents of a special needs child, Cammarata & Cammarata is a Florida special education law firm offering IEP consultations, file reviews, legal representation at due process hearings, and attendance at IEP meetings for families across Broward County and statewide. Maria Cammarata has particular expertise in gifted eligibility and dual exceptional students — one of the few Florida special education attorneys who explicitly names twice-exceptionality as a focus area.
• Florida Professional Special Education Advocates (Statewide Florida) — A Florida special education advocacy practice whose advocates are trained professionals with backgrounds in providing special education services — and are also parents of children with disabilities themselves. Services include IEP and 504 meeting attendance, comprehensive record review, strategy sessions, school placement assistance, and scholarship funding support (FES/Gardiner). Their explicitly collaborative approach prioritizes productive outcomes over adversarial proceedings. Free 15-minute consultation available.
• Florida Department of Education — Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) (Statewide) — For families who are just beginning to understand their child’s rights under Florida’s Exceptional Student Education framework, the FDOE’s BEESS office provides free resources, parent guides, and connections to Florida’s network of Parent Training and Information Centers. Understanding the state’s ESE framework — including Florida’s unique approach to gifted education as a special education category — is essential background for any South Florida family navigating both gifted services and learning difference accommodations for their 2e child.
• Palm Beach Education Solutions (Broward / Palm Beach Counties) — A special education advocacy and consulting firm serving Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. Led by advocate Ashley Rivello — recognized as an expert witness in Florida family law cases involving children’s educational rights — PBES helps families navigate IEP and 504 processes, school placements, and choice programs under IDEA and Section 504. Giftedness is explicitly listed among their specialty populations. Free initial consultation available.
• Florida Families Educational Advocacy and Consulting (Statewide / South Florida) — A special education advocacy practice led by Sabrina Ewart, a former Special Education Coordinator who has worked in Palm Beach, Martin, and Miami-Dade county school districts. Services include IEP and 504 meeting representation, evaluation advocacy, scholarship assistance, goal progress monitoring, and state complaint preparation. Her inside knowledge of how Florida school districts operate — and her membership in COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) — makes her a practical resource for families navigating a system that often underprovides. Free 30-minute consultation available; IEP reviews also offered for a flat fee.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Spot On Tutoring (Miami) — A Miami-area dyslexia tutoring practice run by Nicole, a certified structured literacy specialist (SLDI and CALP certified) and member of the International Dyslexia Association. Specializes in remediating language-based learning difficulties including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and auditory processing disorder using Orton-Gillingham and Lindamood Bell approaches. Serves Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Doral, Brickell, and Key Biscayne.
• The Learning Lab (Fort Lauderdale / Davie) — A Broward County tutoring center for children with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, offering individualized 1:1 tutoring and the Fast ForWord digital intervention program. Their model explicitly recognizes that children with learning differences are often mislabeled as lazy rather than struggling, and focuses on rebuilding confidence alongside academic skills.
• Made for Math (Virtual) — Made for Math offers online 1-on-1 math intervention specifically designed for 2e students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or autism, delivered by highly trained math specialists who understand the unique learning profiles of twice-exceptional kids. A wonderful virtual option for South Florida families seeking specialized, neurodivergent-affirming math support.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Little Eaters, LLC — Feeding Therapy (Hollywood / Miami Beach / Boca Raton) — One of South Florida’s most comprehensively trained pediatric feeding therapy practices, Little Eaters offers sensory-motor and trauma-informed feeding therapy for children with ARFID, sensory-based food aversions, and restricted eating across clinics in Hollywood, Miami Beach, and Boca Raton. Their lead therapist holds certifications in ARFID-specific treatment alongside multiple pediatric feeding frameworks — and their child-paced, pressure-free model ensures that mealtime is never a battleground. In-clinic services across South Florida; virtual services available for Florida and New York.
• Galen Hope — ARFID Program (Fort Lauderdale / Broward County) — A Fort Lauderdale eating disorder treatment program offering a dedicated ARFID track that is separate from a traditional eating disorder pathway, with individualized care built around the specific reason eating feels hard for each client. Galen Hope’s ARFID team works with adolescents, young adults, and adults — recognizing that ARFID frequently co-occurs with autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and trauma. Their gentle, never-forced exposure approach makes them a strong fit for neurodivergent ARFID clients.

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 greater Miami and South Florida 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 South Florida families.
• University of Miami — Office of Disability Services (Coral Gables) — For 2e students planning to attend the University of Miami, the Camner Center for Academic Resources and Disability Services provides academic accommodations, support, and resources for students with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other neurodivergent profiles. UM’s strong arts, sciences, and marine science programs make it a compelling choice for many gifted and 2e students in South Florida — and families should connect with disability services well before the first semester begins.
• Florida International University — Disability Resource Center (DRC) (Miami) — FIU’s DRC offers comprehensive accommodation services and disability-related support for students with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other neurodivergent profiles across its Miami campuses. As one of the largest universities in Florida with strong programs in business, STEM, and public health, FIU is a natural consideration for many 2e students in Miami-Dade — and the DRC helps ensure those students arrive with the support systems in place to thrive from day one.

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 Miami and South Florida area:

• Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG) (Statewide) — Florida’s statewide advocacy and community organization for gifted education, FLAG provides parent resources, conference programming, and connections to educators and advocates across Florida’s gifted community. For Miami-Dade and Broward County families seeking to understand their child’s rights under Florida gifted education law — including Florida’s unique classification of gifted as a category of exceptionality under IDEA — FLAG is the most comprehensive statewide resource available.
• JRA Educational Consulting (South Florida — multiple locations) — A South Florida educational consulting firm with offices across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Founded by Certified Educational Planner Judi Robinovitz, JRA helps families navigate local school selection, boarding schools, college admissions, and therapeutic placements, with firsthand knowledge of school options across the region. Their team includes Casey Winderbaum, a School Choice Consultant with a special education background who works specifically with families to find the right educational fit for children with learning and attention differences. Virtual consultations available.

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:

• Parents of Miami Gifted Children (Miami-Dade — private Facebook group) — A private Facebook community for parents and guardians of gifted and 2e children in Miami-Dade, open to families whether or not their child has been formally identified. The group includes gifted advocates, child psychologists, and therapists who participate alongside parents — making it a practical first stop for families who are just beginning to navigate giftedness or twice-exceptionality and don’t yet know where to turn.
• 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 South Florida 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 Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida.

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 across Miami-Dade, Broward County, and greater South Florida can create a nurturing environment where their children feel seen, understood, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Across South Florida — from Miami’s diverse urban communities to Fort Lauderdale’s suburban corridor 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 Miami or South Florida lists? What city should we explore next? Let us know in the comments!

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