Nashville, Tennessee 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 living in the Nashville metro area — from Davidson and Williamson counties to Murfreesboro, Brentwood, and Franklin — finding the right professionals and services can feel 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.

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.

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 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 some neuropsychologists and testing resources for families in the Nashville area:

Nashville Neuropsychology & Family Services (NN&FS) (Nashville, TN)

Nashville Neuropsychology & Family Services is a multidisciplinary pediatric mental health practice founded by Dr. Jackie Klaver, PhD, whose assessment team includes three fellowship-trained pediatric neuropsychologists. Their comprehensive services cover neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations for ADHD, autism (using a neurodivergent-affirming approach), learning disabilities, gifted identification, and twice-exceptionality, for children through age 25. They also offer skills-based therapy groups, medication management, and social skills support using PEERS and Children’s Friendship Training programs. A well-rounded one-stop pediatric neuropsychology practice for Nashville families.

Nashville Psychological Assessment and Learning Associates, PLLC (Nashville, TN)

Founded in 2017 by three licensed psychologists with over twenty combined years of experience in school districts and clinical settings across the Southeast, Nashville Psychological Assessment and Learning Associates specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational assessments. Their particular expertise includes autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities, developmental delays, intellectual giftedness, ADHD, and behavioral and emotional concerns — making them especially well-equipped to document a 2e profile for school-based IEP and 504 processes.

Zephyr Care Mental Health (Nashville & Murfreesboro, TN)

Zephyr Care is a neurodiversity-affirming practice specializing in high-masking and often-overlooked presentations, including autism in women and girls, adult ADHD, and twice-exceptional (2e) individuals — many of whom have spent years feeling misunderstood or misdiagnosed. They offer in-person testing in Nashville and Murfreesboro, as well as virtual psychological evaluations for clients in most U.S. states. In addition to assessments, they offer ADHD coaching for gifted individuals and support for standardized testing accommodations (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT).

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (Nashville, TN) A nationally recognized university-based center offering two key resources for 2e families: the Learning Assessment Clinic, which evaluates children ages 5–25 for learning differences, ADHD, autism, and twice-exceptionality, and TRIAD, which provides gold-standard autism diagnostic evaluations and parent workshops. One of the strongest evaluation options in Middle Tennessee.

Therapists and Psychologists for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Psychologists and therapists who specialize in giftedness and twice-exceptionality give 2e children a safe, affirming space to work through anxiety, perfectionism, intensity, and the social complexity that so often accompanies a neurodivergent profile. Finding someone who truly understands what it means to be gifted and differently-wired makes a profound difference.

Here are some therapist and psychology resources for families in the Nashville area:

Enjoyco Counseling & Wellness (Cool Springs / Brentwood, TN)

Enjoyco is a Nashville-area counseling practice co-founded by Neal and Carly Samudre that offers neurodivergent-affirming therapy for children, teens, and adults with ADHD, autism, and learning differences — explicitly taking the position that masking is not the goal, and that each person’s neurodivergence is something to understand and celebrate, not fix. In addition to in-person sessions at their Cool Springs office, they offer telehealth throughout Tennessee and walk-and-talk sessions in local parks. Their approach integrates EMDR, trauma therapy, and CBT with a deeply affirming lens.

Macy Fouse, MMFT (Nashville, TN — in-person & telehealth) A Nashville therapist with over 15 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and their families, specializing in autism, ADHD, PDA, and giftedness across the lifespan. Her work is explicitly neurodiversity-affirming and draws on play therapy (CCPT/CPRT), sandtray, IFS/parts work, and psychodynamic approaches — and she brings lived experience with autism, ADHD, giftedness, and complex trauma.

The Hope Preserve (Brentwood, TN — near Nashville) A trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice in Brentwood offering individual sessions for clients navigating autism, ADHD, and related neurodivergent experiences. Their team explicitly rejects masking as a therapeutic goal and centers healing and growth in a space that honors each client’s unique wiring — a strong fit for 2e kids and teens who’ve been burned by more traditional clinical approaches.

ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare (Nashville, TN — telehealth statewide) A neuropsychologist-led, neurodivergent-affirming practice offering therapy, assessment, and EF coaching for teens and adults across Tennessee, specializing in ADHD, autism (including high-masking and late-identified presentations), OCD, trauma, and PDA-profile demand avoidance. All services via secure telehealth statewide.

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

Executive functioning coaches and educational therapists help 2e children build the skills that sit at the intersection of giftedness and learning differences: organization, time management, self-regulation, task initiation, and the independent learning strategies that make everything else possible.

Here are some EF and educational therapy resources for families in the Nashville area:

Sarah Lundquist, M.Ed. — Southeast Psych Nashville (Nashville, TN) Southeast Psych Nashville’s Executive Functioning & Learning Coach brings over 17 years of experience working with students with learning differences, gifted young artists, and adults facing their own EF challenges. Sarah builds personalized coaching plans grounded in each student’s strengths and learning style — emphasizing gradual release toward independence rather than ongoing dependency — and works with students ages 9 and up. Southeast Psych operates out of network on insurance but provides detailed receipts for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

ADD Action Coach — Christine L. Robinson, M.Ed. (Nashville, TN — in-person & virtual) Christine Robinson is a certified master ADHD coach and educational consultant with over 20,000 coaching hours, affiliated with the Hallowell Center in New York City and trained directly by Dr. Edward Hallowell. Her personal experience parenting a child with ADHD and dyslexia drives her strengths-based, whole-child approach — addressing EF skills, school advocacy, IEP navigation, and the mind-body connection (sleep, nutrition, exercise) alongside traditional coaching. In-person in Nashville; virtual nationwide.

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

Parenting a gifted or 2e child in Nashville can feel isolating — and finding community with parents who truly get it makes an enormous difference. Fortunately, Nashville’s growing population has brought a more robust community of resources than many mid-sized cities.

Here are some parent support resources for Nashville-area families:

Tennessee Association for the Gifted (TAG) (Statewide / Nashville)

TAG is Tennessee’s statewide gifted education association, connecting parents, educators, and advocates who support the educational, social, and emotional needs of gifted students across Tennessee. Their advocacy work centers gifted students at the state level, and they provide connections to county-level gifted programs, community organizations, and local parent groups. Membership is a practical first step for any Nashville family navigating Tennessee’s gifted education system.

Neurodivergent Parent Support Group — Shane Thrapp, ADHD/Autistic Coach (Nashville, TN)

A monthly in-person support group in Nashville for neurodivergent parents and/or parents of neurodivergent kids, facilitated by Shane Thrapp, an ADHD/autistic coach and neurodivergent parent himself. This group provides a safe space for psychoeducation about ADHD and autism, shared experiences, and practical tools for building systems that harness the strengths and resilience of both parent and child.

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. A place to build lasting friendships, find encouragement, and know you’re not navigating this path alone.

Occupational Therapists (OT) & Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

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 serving the Nashville area:

Honeysuckle Pediatric Therapy (Nashville / Williamson County (in-home & community))

Honeysuckle Pediatric Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based speech therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children birth through 18, delivered in homes and community locations throughout Davidson and Williamson County, with online therapy available anywhere in Tennessee. Their PROMPT-trained SLP and team explicitly honor sensory needs, center each child’s interests in therapy, and include strong parent coaching at every session. They accept Medicaid and Anthem. A particularly well-suited option for 2e families who want therapy to feel like play.

Magnolia Speech Therapy (Nashville / Middle Tennessee)

Magnolia Speech Therapy is a certified woman-owned practice serving families across Middle Tennessee, offering compassionate speech, feeding, and occupational therapy for children who experience challenges with communication, social skills, feeding, fine motor development, and sensory regulation. Founded by Ebony Johnson, a CCC-SLP with over 17 years of experience and a mother of children with ADHD, Magnolia’s model is built around dignity, trust, and family partnership — the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. 2025 Comcast RISE Grant Recipient.

Schools for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Nashville has some genuinely exceptional school options for 2e and gifted learners — including one that families have moved across the country for. Whether your child needs a dedicated learning differences environment, a personalized 1-to-1 program, or something in between, the region has strong choices.

Here are some school options for gifted and 2e students in the greater Nashville area:

Currey Ingram Academy (Brentwood, TN (JK–12 day + 9–12 boarding))

Currey Ingram Academy is one of the most exceptional 2e-focused schools in the Southeast — a fully accredited JK–12 day and boarding school on an 83-acre campus in Brentwood, Tennessee, entirely dedicated to students with learning differences. Founded in 1968, the school offers individualized learning plans for every student, evidence-based instruction, a 4.5:1 student-teacher ratio, and embedded OT and SLP support woven into the school day. Students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and executive function challenges thrive here, and families from 33 states and eight countries have cited Currey Ingram as their primary reason for moving to Middle Tennessee. On-campus psychoeducational testing also available.

Fusion Academy Nashville (Nashville, TN)

Fusion Academy Nashville is a fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 4–12, where every class involves one student and one teacher. This model is a consistent fit for 2e students who need both academic rigor and a focused, low-distraction environment — and for students who have struggled with school avoidance, anxiety, or traditional classroom structures. The Tennessee Individualized Education Account (IEA) scholarship may cover a portion of tuition for eligible students.

Fusion Academy Franklin (Franklin, TN (South Nashville))

A second Fusion Academy campus serving South Nashville and Williamson County families in Franklin, offering the same fully accredited 1-to-1 personalized model for grades 4–12. The Tennessee IEA scholarship and Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) accepted. Rolling enrollment throughout the year.

MNPS GATE Program (Metro Nashville Public Schools — K–8) For families staying in public school, MNPS runs a district-wide GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program in grades K–8, with pull-out enrichment classes at every elementary school and dedicated GATE classes at select middle schools. It won’t meet the needs of every 2e child, but for gifted kids whose learning differences are mild or well-accommodated, it’s a free option worth understanding — particularly since MNPS uses a multiple-measures identification process that goes beyond a single test score.

Nashville School of the Arts (Nashville, TN — grades 9–12, public magnet) For the 2e student whose gifts are artistic rather than strictly academic, NSA is Nashville’s public arts magnet high school, offering rigorous arts training in visual art, dance, theater, guitar, orchestra, band, and choir alongside college-prep academics. Many intensely creative, twice-exceptional teens thrive in arts-centered environments where their gifts are front and center — and NSA’s audition-based admission means entry depends on demonstrating talent, not test scores.

Homeschool Groups for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Nashville’s homeschool community is substantial and growing, with strong secular and inclusive options that welcome neurodivergent and 2e families. Finding your people in this community can be genuinely life-changing for both parents and kids.

Here are some homeschool community options for Nashville-area families:

Nashville Secular Homeschoolers (Nashville / Middle Tennessee)

Nashville Secular Homeschoolers is a community hub dedicated to celebrating and cultivating the diverse, inclusive community represented by secular homeschool families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Their resources page is one of the most comprehensive local listings of secular enrichment options, co-ops, classes, and community activities available for Nashville-area homeschoolers. A practical starting point for any secular-leaning homeschool family new to the area or new to homeschooling.

Common Ground Homeschool Enrichment Co-op (Nashville, TN)

Common Ground Homeschool Enrichment Co-op is a secular, inclusive homeschool co-op based in Nashville, offering weekly enrichment classes and a genuine community for families who want both the support of a group and the flexibility of homeschooling. A welcoming space for neurodivergent and 2e families seeking co-op participation without a religious framework.

Advocates / IEP Help for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Having a knowledgeable advocate in your corner can be the difference between an IEP that truly honors your child’s full profile and one that misses the mark. These resources can help Nashville-area families navigate Tennessee’s special education system with confidence.

Here are some advocacy resources for Nashville-area families:

STEP — Tennessee’s Special Education Parent Training and Information Center

STEP is Tennessee’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, offering free assistance to parents navigating special education, IEP and 504 processes, disability categories, evaluation and eligibility, and transition services. STEP provides one-on-one support tailored to your child’s specific needs, free webinars, and online training. An essential free first call for any Tennessee family beginning to navigate special education.

The Arc Tennessee — Exceptional Education Mentors

The Arc Tennessee offers free Exceptional Education Mentor services to families navigating IEP and 504 processes. Their mentors — who are not attorneys but are empowering parent advocates with deep knowledge of IDEA — can review IEPs, behavior plans, and progress reports, and can attend IEP meetings in a limited capacity to support families. Their goal is to empower parents to become their child’s strongest advocates. Contact: (615) 248-5878 ext. 306.

Disability Rights Tennessee (Statewide Tennessee)

Disability Rights Tennessee is the state’s Protection and Advocacy organization, offering free legal assistance and advocacy for individuals with disabilities across Tennessee. For families facing significant IEP disputes, denial of services, or systemic issues with the school district — including situations involving gifted children with co-occurring disabilities who are being denied appropriate services — Disability Rights Tennessee can provide legal guidance and representation.

Educational / Parent Consultants for Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids

Educational consultants who specialize in gifted and 2e learners help families make sense of their child’s profile and navigate complex decisions about school placement, educational planning, and building the right team of supports.

Here are some educational and parent consulting resources for Nashville-area families:

Currey Ingram Academy — Annette Eskind Institute of Learning (Brentwood, TN)

The Annette Eskind Institute of Learning at Currey Ingram Academy offers community education programming for parents and the public on topics related to learning differences and child development. Even for families whose children are not enrolled at Currey Ingram, their public programming provides valuable psychoeducation and access to professionals with deep expertise in 2e learners. Check their website for current session schedules.

Nashville Education Consultants (Nashville, TN) Led by Becca Arnold, a seasoned education professional with over two decades of deep relationships with Nashville’s independent schools, NEC helps families navigate school placement decisions for children ages 3–12th grade — including placement informed by psychoeducational testing results. For families new to Nashville or trying to find the right school fit for a complex learner, Becca’s insider knowledge of the local school landscape is genuinely hard to replicate.

Thrive Education Partners (Nashville, TN) A Nashville-founded education consulting and tutoring practice whose consultants bring decades of classroom, special education, and educational leadership experience to school placement decisions, IEP and 504 planning, homeschool planning, and long-term educational strategy. Notably, approximately 75% of their students have learning differences — including ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, and giftedness — making them one of the more naturally 2e-fluent consulting options in the Nashville market.

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 gifted and 2e students in the Nashville area:

Learning Matters, Inc. (Nashville, TN (non-profit))

Learning Matters is a Nashville-based non-profit tutoring and assessment center specifically serving metro Nashville K–12 students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Their Certified Structured Literacy Instructors are trained in Orton-Gillingham methodologies and create individualized tutoring plans for each student — whether the goal is intensive literacy remediation, subject-matter support, or building study skills and executive function strategies. Communication with classroom teachers is actively encouraged. A particularly accessible option given their non-profit model and discounted services.

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 Nashville-area families seeking specialized, neurodivergent-affirming math support.

College Applications 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 resources to help Nashville-area families navigate this journey:

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.

Vanderbilt University — Student Access Center (Nashville, TN)

For 2e students heading to Vanderbilt — one of the nation’s premier research universities, with particularly strong programs in engineering, music, medicine, and the social sciences — the Student Access Center provides academic accommodations and disability support for students with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and other neurodivergent profiles. Families are strongly encouraged to connect with the Access Center before the first semester begins to ensure accommodations are in place from day one.

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. 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 Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and beyond.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 groups, and occupational therapists, families across greater Nashville — from Davidson and Williamson counties to Murfreesboro and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region — can create nurturing environments where their children feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Nashville’s growing network of specialized professionals and 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.

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 Nashville 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.