Best Autism Therapy in Lake Mary for Families
Watching someone you love struggle with communication, social situations, or sensory overload can be difficult. You want them to feel understood, confident, and capable, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Total Life Counseling’s Lake Mary office comes in. We support children, teens, and adults throughout Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Oviedo, and Winter Springs with autism therapy tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and goals.
We focus on the whole person, helping build confidence, communication, and independence at every stage of life.
You’re not alone. We’re here to help, every step of the way.

What Is Autism Therapy and Why Does It Matter?
When someone is on the autism spectrum, everyday situations can sometimes feel overwhelming. Communication, social interactions, emotional regulation, sensory experiences, or changes in routine may create challenges at any age.
At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Lake Mary, we provide individualized autism therapy designed around each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
Through personalized counseling and support, our experienced autism counselors can help with:
- Social interactions and communication, including relationships and understanding social cues
- Emotional expression and regulation, including self-awareness and communicating feelings
- Anxiety and emotional challenges that may affect everyday life
- Sensory experiences and changes in routine that can feel overwhelming
- Independence and daily life skills, based on each person’s stage of life and needs
At TLC, we believe every person has unique strengths. With the right support, those strengths can shine at any age.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We’re here to walk beside you, every step of the way.

Find the Right Autism Support for You or Your Family
If you are struggling with social skills, emotional regulation, routines, or sensory challenges, you don't have to figure it out alone. Connect with Total Life Counseling in Lake Mary to explore personalized autism therapy and find the right support for your child.
How Does TLC Support People With Autism in Lake Mary?
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we understand that autism looks different for everyone. Children, teens, and adults may have different strengths, challenges, and goals, which is why our approach is personalized to the individual, not based on a one-size-fits-all model.
Our experienced therapists provide a supportive space to work on communication, emotional regulation, social skills, anxiety, independence, and other challenges that can affect everyday life.
ABA therapy can help individuals with autism develop practical skills and work through behaviors that may make everyday life more difficult.
Depending on their age, needs, and goals, ABA therapy may support:
- Communication: Developing clearer and more effective ways to express needs and ideas
- Behavioral skills: Building helpful behaviors and reducing behaviors that interfere with daily life
- Independence: Strengthening skills for routines, responsibilities, and everyday activities
- Social skills: Supporting positive interactions and relationships
CBT can help people with autism better understand their thoughts, emotions, and reactions. Our therapists use age-appropriate strategies to support:
- Emotional awareness: Recognizing and expressing feelings
- Anxiety management: Developing healthy ways to manage worry and stress
- Coping skills: Learning practical strategies for challenging situations
- Thought patterns: Replacing unhelpful thinking patterns with more balanced perspectives
Social skills support can help children, teens, and adults navigate interactions and relationships with greater confidence.
Groups may focus on:
- Communication: Practicing conversations and appropriate social responses
- Social cues: Understanding body language, facial expressions, and tone
- Relationships: Developing and maintaining meaningful connections
- Confidence: Building comfort in social and group settings
Sand Tray Therapy offers a creative way to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences, particularly for children and teens who may find it difficult to express themselves verbally.
Using sand and miniature figures, individuals can create scenes that represent their experiences and emotions. A therapist can then help them explore what they’ve created and develop healthier ways to process and communicate their feelings.
At TLC, our goal is to meet each person where they are and provide support that fits their age, needs, strengths, and goals. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help you navigate the journey with compassion and understanding.
Get Autism Support When You Need It
Whether you prefer in-person counseling at our Lake Mary office or convenient teletherapy from home, Total Life Counseling offers flexible options to make getting support easier. Same-week appointments may be available.
What Makes This Different From Other Options?
You want more than just therapy; you want a team that actually understands your child. A few things set our Lake Mary office apart:
- Therapy built around your child specifically, not a generic template, with plans that nurture their real strengths while gently working through their struggles
- Support for the whole family, since raising a child on the spectrum can feel isolating, and we try to make sure it doesn’t have to be
- Flexible session locations, in our office, at your home, or at your child’s school, so support happens wherever your child feels safest
- Evidence-based methods, including CBT, social skills training, and Sand Tray Therapy, used at whatever pace actually fits your child
Licensed Counselors & Therapists
Meet Our Team of Certified & Experienced Professionals
Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, Masters Level Therapists, Espanol Counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Business Coaches, Image Enhancement Coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. Our team of certified and experienced professionals, dedicated to serving a comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship issues such as couples, women and men’s issues, children and teens with oppositional defiance, video game addiction, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, and trauma survivors, is here to support and guide you through your journey towards healing and navigating life transitions. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the counseling provided but also builds trust within the community and among potential clients, who may be seeking support.
We offer next level counselors specialized in areas such as relationships, video game & drug/alcohol addictions, abuse, trauma, depression, and ADHD. Our Therapists are EMDR (eye movement desensitization) trauma therapy trained, cognitive behavioral therapy, specialize in ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Children, and are also professional Gottman method marriage couples counselors to give the best results to couples and to provide the best comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship care for our clients.
Struggling with Anger? We offer 8 hour anger management group therapy!
Discounted Rates and the president of Total Life Counseling Center Jim West does not want to turn people away and we have counselors at various levels of experience at a discounted rate that are trained by our next level counselors!
Valerie Ware
Licensed Psychologist and Behavioral Specialist
Psychological Evaluator, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, Gifted, Career Pathways, and emotional assessments.
Why Choose TLC for Autism Therapy in Lake Mary?
When your child is facing challenges, you want more than just therapy; you want a team that truly understands. At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we walk beside you with open hearts, real expertise, and unwavering support.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Therapy That’s All About Your Child: Every child is beautifully unique, and so is our approach. We create personalized therapy plans that nurture your child’s strengths and gently guide them through their struggles.
- Therapists Who Truly Care: Our team isn’t just experienced; we’re deeply compassionate. From autism therapy and ABA to emotional support, we’re here to lift your child up, one step at a time.
- Support for the Whole Family: We know this journey affects everyone. That’s why we empower parents and caregivers with tools, encouragement, and honest guidance because when families thrive, children do too.
- Therapy That Fits Your Life: We offer flexible sessions in our warm, welcoming clinic, in your home, or even at school so your child can feel supported wherever they feel safest.
- Personalized Approaches That Fit Your Needs: We use evidence-based techniques that help your child grow with confidence, communication, and resilience at a pace that feels just right for them.
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Play Therapy Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our subject matter experts have participated in over 200 national & local news interviews and they are here for you!
At Total Life Counseling Center our Counselors are Experts for National and Local TV, Radio and Print Media. We have an excellent reputation amongst graduate & private schools, attorneys, doctors, therapists, providers and corporations. We strive to ensure our therapists have diverse clinical backgrounds, to allow us to match each client to the therapist that will best meet his or her needs.
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What Happens During the First Visit?
Starting therapy can feel like a big unknown, especially for a child who doesn’t do well with the unfamiliar. Here’s what actually happens:
- A free 15-minute phone consultation. A short, no-pressure call to share what’s going on, so we can match your child with the right counselor before anything is booked.
- A warm introduction. Your child’s comfort comes first, before any formal assessment.
- A conversation with you. Your insight into your child’s routines, triggers, and strengths matters as much as anything observed directly.
- A personalized plan. Covering recommended services, session frequency, and clear next steps, built around what your child actually needs.
- Ongoing support and adjustments. Therapy in Lake Mary, at home, or at school, with the plan evolving as your child grows.
Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs autism therapy?
If your child shows signs of developmental disabilities or struggles with communication skills, even without a formal diagnosis, a conversation with a mental health professional at our Lake Mary office can clarify the right step.
What therapy approach is best for my child?
It depends on your child’s unique needs. We offer applied behavior analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral therapy built on positive reinforcement for young children, using a collaborative approach that gently adjusts as your child grows and changes.
What should I consider when choosing autism therapy in Lake Mary?
Look for an individualized approach that considers specific needs, goals, age, and daily challenges. TLC provides a safe space and welcoming environment while supporting communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and daily living.
Does TLC offer support beyond ABA therapy services?
Yes. TLC offers CBT, social skills groups, Sand Tray Therapy, and behavior therapy. Support may also include the child’s school when appropriate, along with family support to help caregivers navigate autism-related challenges together.
How do I find an autism therapist near me in Lake Mary?
If you’re searching for autism therapy near me in the Lake Mary area, Total Life Counseling offers access to licensed counselors and behavioral specialists who work with children, teens, and adults. You can choose in-person support at the Lake Mary office or use telehealth.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call our Lake Mary office or complete our online form to get started. We’ll discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and help you determine which services and next steps may be the right fit for your child.
Lake Mary Office Location
Our Lake Mary office location, conveniently located at 725 Primera Blvd, Primeira court one, in Lake Mary, FL provides marriage, family, child, adolescent therapy and more services for all ages.
Total Life Counseling Lake Mary
725 Primera Blvd
Primera Court One, Suite 135
Lake Mary, FL 32746










