Twin Cities 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 Twin Cities, 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 address the intellectual and emotional needs of gifted and 2e children, but also embrace a neurodivergent-affirming perspective in their practices. In this post, we’ll introduce a variety of services available throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul area and explain why each is important for families with neurodivergent kids.

Why Neuro-Affirming Resources Matter

When we refer to neuro-affirming resources, we’re talking about professionals and practices that embrace and honor neurodiversity. Neuro-affirming professionals don’t view neurodivergent children through a deficit-based lens, where their challenges are seen as issues to be “fixed.” Instead, they adopt a strength-based approach, focusing on the child’s abilities and talents while offering support for areas of difficulty. The aim isn’t to reshape the child to fit neurotypical standards, but to foster an environment where the child’s unique wiring can flourish.

This approach is especially vital for twice-exceptional and gifted children. Because they have strengths in certain areas while also facing challenges in others, a traditional approach that concentrates mainly on “fixing” their weaknesses can unintentionally overlook or undervalue their strengths. This can lead to negative self-perceptions, where they may feel defined by their struggles rather than empowered by their abilities. A neuro-affirming approach ensures that both their strengths and challenges are acknowledged and supported, enabling them to grow in a way that nurtures their entire identity.

For parents of 2e children, seeking out neuro-affirming resources is a proactive and thoughtful decision. It’s important to ensure that these children are not only supported through their challenges but also celebrated for their strengths. The right professional can have a profound impact on 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 interact with neurodivergences like ADHD, learning disabilities, or anxiety, and guide the development of tailored educational and emotional support strategies.

Here are some neuropsychologists and testing resources for families in the Twin Cities:

• Developmental Discoveries — Dr. Megan Helmen is a standout resource for Twin Cities families. She provides neuropsychological assessments with deep knowledge of giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and the less-obvious presentations of autism and ADHD. Her reports are strength-based, highly readable, and genuinely useful for both families and schools. If you’re looking for one place to start, this is it.
• Minnesota Neuropsychology — With offices in Cathedral Hill (St. Paul) and Wayzata, this practice specializes in gifted and 2e evaluations, ADHD, dyslexia, and autism testing. Their approach is strengths-based, their reports are consistently praised by families and educators, and they offer same-day feedback sessions. A strong, reliable option for comprehensive evaluation in the Twin Cities.
• White Bear Psychological Services — Founded by Dr. Matt Hall, Ph.D., LP and Kristi Hall, MA, LMFT, this practice offers both neuropsychological evaluations and therapy from a genuinely neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based perspective. They have specific experience with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profiles and are a wonderful fit for families whose children present with more complex or layered needs.
• St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development — Offers assessments and therapy services through an interdisciplinary team. Some clinicians have strong experience with complex and twice-exceptional profiles. When reaching out, ask specifically for a clinician with 2e experience to ensure the best fit for your child.
• Monarch Assessment & Learning Center — Provides psychoeducational and gifted assessments to help identify learning profiles, including giftedness, ADHD, autism, and learning differences. Evaluations are strength-based and used to guide educational planning and support.

Psychologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Psychologists who specialize in giftedness and twice-exceptionality are invaluable for families seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. These professionals provide 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 Twin Cities to check out:

• Dr. Danika Maddocks — Better Fit Psychology — Dr. Maddocks specializes in neurodivergent-affirming approaches to supporting gifted and twice-exceptional kids, teens, and their families. She has particular expertise in autistic, AuDHD, and PDA profiles, PDA-informed parenting approaches, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families. She is also skilled at working with children and teens who are reluctant to begin therapy — a quality that makes her especially valuable for 2e kids who’ve had less-than-great experiences with support in the past.
• Dr. Kai Gunty — Dandelion Spirit Psychology — Dr. Gunty has worked with children and families for well over two decades. He does not believe in treating neurodiversity itself — instead, he partners with children and families to better understand how their brains work, identify what environmental modifications would be most supportive, build skills they actually want to have, and process the very real trauma of navigating a world not built for them. He also assesses young children. A deeply thoughtful, values-aligned practitioner.
• Dr. Andrea L. Johnson — Helping Children and Families — Dr. Johnson is a clinical psychologist in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area who brings a strong background in neuropsychology and integrative health to her work with gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent children, teens, and families. Her focus is on helping clients better understand how their brains work and build on their strengths — a natural fit for the 2e community.

Mental Health Therapists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Mental health therapists who specialize in 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 identity development — while also helping children and families navigate the unique complexities of 2e life. By providing individualized, relationship-based care, they help children build emotional resilience and develop the coping strategies they need to thrive.

Here are some great mental health therapists in the Twin Cities to check out:

• The Art of Healing — The Art of Healing offers neurodivergent-affirming therapy specifically designed for gifted and twice-exceptional children and teens. Their approach is strengths-based and holistic, with a strong focus on emotional intensity, identity, and self-understanding. They provide a supportive, accepting environment that honors each child’s unique cognitive and emotional profile — one of the few Twin Cities practices that explicitly centers the 2e experience.
• Reclaiming You Therapy — A neurodiversity-affirming group practice that supports kids, teens, and parents with a strong focus on identity, regulation, and trauma-informed care. Especially affirming for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent youth. Their approach is collaborative and human — this is a practice that genuinely meets kids where they are.
• Amber Pearson — Interna Mental Health — Amber is a neurodivergent-affirming therapist who works with gifted, 2e, autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and families. She takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach that prioritizes understanding each person’s nervous system, identity, and lived experience.
• The Kaleidoscope View — A relational, trauma-informed therapy practice supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Their approach is highly strengths-based and experiential, weaving together traditional talk therapy with movement, art, nature-based work, and animal-assisted sessions. Especially affirming for clients with complex or layered needs — including gifted and 2e profiles — with a deep emphasis on curiosity, authenticity, and whole-person healing.
• Roots and Wings Therapeutic Services — Roots and Wings provides neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed mental health care for children, teens, and families. Services are offered in-home, in-office, and via telehealth, with individualized support tailored to each child’s neurodivergent profile. Their emphasis on meeting clients where they are — physically and emotionally — makes them a particularly accessible option for families navigating complex needs.

Educational Therapists & Executive Function Support

Many families with gifted and twice-exceptional children find educational therapists and executive function coaches to be among the most impactful professionals in their support network. While educational therapists address specific learning challenges using specialized techniques, executive function coaches help students build essential skills like organization, time management, self-regulation, and problem-solving. For 2e kids, these professionals are especially valuable because they tailor their approach to the child’s individual strengths and learning style — rather than trying to make the child fit a program.

Here are some educational support professionals in the Twin Cities to check out:

• Groves Learning Organization — Based in several locations throughout the Twin Cities, Groves offers individualized educational therapy and ADHD and executive functioning coaching for students with learning differences, ADHD, and 2e profiles. Their programming is practical, strengths-focused, and mission-driven — making quality support accessible for families across the metro. They also offer parent workshops and education, which is a valuable bonus.
• Dr. Melissa Malen — Dr. Malen holds an MA in Counseling Psychology and a PhD in Education and specializes in executive function coaching for students and adults who experience performance challenges. She works with students who have ADHD, dyslexia, nonverbal learning disabilities, and 2e profiles, and speaks both locally and internationally on supporting these learners. Find her through the MCGT Professional Directory.
• Triumph Educational Consulting — Triumph provides comprehensive educational consulting and support for children and young adults with a wide range of learning and developmental needs, including ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and executive functioning challenges. Their systems-based approach helps parents better understand their child’s learning profile while also working to strengthen school-based supports. Services are practical, individualized, and focused on building effective plans that work across both home and school environments.
• Sara Segar — Sara helps parents and educators bring learning to life through real-world, student-driven experiences. With nearly two decades in experiential and project-based education, she provides practical tools, ready-made resources, and training programs that empower twice-exceptional students to take ownership of their learning and thrive through personalized, interest-driven experiences.

Occupational Therapists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Occupational therapy is a vital resource for many twice-exceptional and gifted children, particularly those who experience challenges with sensory processing, fine motor skills, or daily living tasks. OT helps children build essential life skills, gain confidence, and better navigate their environments at home, at school, and in the community.

Here are some great OTs for gifted and 2e students in the Twin Cities:

• Stepping Stone Clinic — Stepping Stone offers neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy as part of a whole-person, team-based care model that integrates mental health, nutrition, and executive function support. Their OT services are strengths-based and individualized, focusing on sensory processing, motor coordination, visual processing, and daily life skills. Their interdisciplinary model makes them especially valuable for families dealing with complex, overlapping needs.
• FUNdamentals in Nature OT Services — A one-of-a-kind option in the Twin Cities: neurodiversity-affirming, nature-based occupational therapy for children and young adults. Services focus on sensory regulation, motor skills, and emotional development through outdoor, play-based, and movement-rich experiences. Especially supportive for neurodivergent and twice-exceptional learners who thrive when learning happens outside traditional clinic walls.
• Minnesota Autism Center — Occupational Therapy — Provides occupational therapy for children and adolescents with autism, focusing on sensory regulation, motor skills, and daily living skills. Support is individualized and coordinated across home and school settings, making them a strong resource for 2e families navigating autism alongside giftedness.

Speech-Language Pathologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Speech-language therapy is an important resource for many 2e children, particularly those who experience challenges with social communication, language processing, or other areas where their expressive abilities may not match their intellectual gifts. SLPs who understand neurodiversity can help children build authentic communication skills — not mask or conform, but connect.

Here are some SLP resources in the Twin Cities to check out:

• Communication Matters — A strong fit for 2e families. Communication Matters focuses on social communication, gestalt language processing, and neurodiversity-affirming practices — all highly relevant for the asynchronous development patterns common in 2e kids. Gestalt language processing in particular is an area where many neurodivergent children are misunderstood, and having a practitioner who truly gets it makes a significant difference.
• GoTherapy MN — Offers speech-language therapy services in the Twin Cities. Worth reaching out directly to ask about their experience with neurodivergent and twice-exceptional learners and to find the right fit within their team.

Schools for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

For many 2e and gifted children, traditional schools simply aren’t built for them. The good news is that the Twin Cities has a genuinely strong landscape of schools designed to meet these learners where they are — from deeply individualized programs to ability-based environments for highly gifted kids. Finding the right fit can be transformative.

Here are some school options for gifted and 2e students in the Twin Cities:

• Arete Academy — A private school in the Twin Cities serving twice-exceptional students in grades 6–12. Arete is built from the ground up for students who are gifted and have one or more learning differences. Small class sizes (typically 8–10 students), a strengths-based curriculum, individualized support, and a focus on both academic and social-emotional growth make this one of the most purpose-built 2e options in Minnesota.
• Lionsgate Academy — A public charter school specifically designed for students with anxiety and other learning differences. Many 2e students thrive here because of the school’s flexible, highly supportive environment. The fact that it’s a public charter makes it accessible to families who need strong support without private school tuition.
• Cyprus Classical Academy — An ability-based private school in the Twin Cities for highly gifted and advanced learners. Cyprus offers accelerated, individualized instruction with small class sizes and flexible pacing across subjects — designed for students who need significantly more challenge than a traditional classroom can provide. An excellent fit for highly gifted kids whose primary need is academic depth and acceleration.
• Fusion Academy Minneapolis — A private middle and high school offering a fully personalized 1-to-1 learning model: one student, one teacher, per class. Fusion’s flexible scheduling and highly individualized pacing make it a strong option for gifted learners and those with learning differences who thrive with consistent, personalized attention.
• Nova Classical Academy — A rigorous public charter school that can be a strong fit for some gifted learners who thrive in a structured, academically demanding environment. Families should inquire specifically about 2e accommodations, as the level of flexibility for students with learning differences may vary.

Advocates, Lawyers & IEP Support

Navigating the special education system can be one of the most challenging aspects of raising a 2e child. Having knowledgeable advocates, lawyers, or IEP support professionals in your corner can make an enormous difference — ensuring that your child’s rights are protected and that their educational plan reflects both their gifts and their challenges.

Here are some advocacy resources for Twin Cities families:

• PACER Center — PACER is one of the most trusted and comprehensive special education advocacy resources in the country — and it’s right here in Minnesota. They offer free support for parents navigating special education, helping families understand their rights and prepare for their own communication and advocacy. While they do not attend IEP meetings directly, their guidance and resources empower parents to walk in informed and confident.
• The Arc Minnesota — Offers educational resources and support for families of children with disabilities, including help understanding special education rights and processes in Minnesota.
• Family Voices of Minnesota — A family-led organization that provides support, information, and community for families of children with special health care needs and disabilities — including those navigating complex educational landscapes.

Parent Support & Community

Parenting a 2e child can be isolating. Finding your people — whether that’s a local support group, a statewide organization, or an online community of parents who truly get it — can be genuinely life-changing. The Twin Cities has a rich network of parent support options that are worth knowing about.

• Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT) — MCGT is the cornerstone resource for gifted and 2e families in Minnesota. They offer events, resources, and learning opportunities statewide — including in-person and virtual parent education, social opportunities, and presentations from both local and national experts. Family membership is $40/year and opens the door to an incredibly active, knowledgeable community. If you do nothing else from this list, connect with MCGT.
• MCGT CHOICES Chapter — CHOICES is a community within MCGT specifically for families using nontraditional educational approaches — homeschooling, hybrid models, and everything in between. It’s especially helpful for families who’ve stepped off the traditional school path and need connection, resource sharing, and a nonjudgmental space to figure out what works for their child.
• YSA Parent Social Club — Young Scholars Academy’s parent community offers a welcoming space for parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children to connect, celebrate wins, and share the hard stuff. Through engaging activities and supportive discussions, the club fosters genuine community and lasting friendships among parents on this unique journey.

Secular Homeschool Groups

Many families of gifted and 2e children in the Twin Cities choose homeschooling — whether full-time, part-time, or in hybrid form — as a way to meet their child’s needs outside traditional school structures. Finding an inclusive, secular-friendly community can make homeschooling feel far less lonely.

• Minnesota Homeschoolers’ Alliance (MHA) — A broad, inclusive resource hub that can help families find secular-friendly co-ops, communities, and resources throughout the state. A good starting point for families new to homeschooling in Minnesota.

Food, Nutrition & ARFID Support

Sensory-related eating challenges and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) are more common in neurodivergent and twice-exceptional children than many families realize. Having a specialist who understands the neurodivergent connection to food and eating can be an important piece of the overall support puzzle.

• Melrose Center (part of HealthPartners) — Melrose Center specializes in eating disorders, including ARFID, with a growing awareness of neurodivergent presentations and sensory-related eating challenges. A trusted Twin Cities resource for families whose children’s relationship with food has become a significant area of challenge.

Tutors for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

One-on-one tutoring can be a powerful supplement for 2e learners — particularly when a tutor understands how to build on a child’s strengths while providing targeted support for areas of challenge. The key is finding someone who sees the whole child, not just the gap.

• Twin Cities Academic Tutoring — Offers individualized tutoring including targeted support for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges. A practical, accessible option for Twin Cities families seeking academic support that accounts for their child’s learning differences.
• 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.

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 together. Finding a community of like-minded peers — kids who share their intensity, their passions, and their quirks — can be one of the most powerful things a 2e child experiences.

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 — empowering them to develop their strengths, make like-minded friends, and thrive under the loving care of expert 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 real friendships over shared interests — World War I submarines, Dungeons & Dragons, Minecraft mods, obscure historical trivia, and everything in between. These neuro-affirming courses allow 2e children to dive into their passions, build confidence, and thrive socially — all from the comfort of home.

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.

At Young Scholars Academy, the vision is simple: empower clever, quirky kids to explore their passions, build confidence, and connect with others who are as uniquely awesome as they are.

A Note on the MCGT Professional Directory

Looking for even more Twin Cities professionals who specialize in gifted and 2e learners? The MCGT Professional Directory is a searchable database of local specialists across all disciplines — therapists, coaches, educators, and more — who work specifically with gifted and twice-exceptional children and families. It’s an invaluable meta-resource and a great next step after exploring this guide.

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, mental health professionals, and specialized schools, families in the Twin Cities can create a nurturing environment where their children feel seen, understood, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Minnesota has a rich landscape of specialized professionals and support networks ready to guide families through the complexities of 2e and giftedness. From comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to individualized therapy, strength-based schools, and vibrant parent communities, the resources are here — and they are exceptional.

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 support, every 2e and gifted child can thrive — embracing their unique potential and becoming the confident, resilient individual they were always meant to be.

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 Twin Cities 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.