Expert Autism Therapist Winter Garden, FL
The importance of mental health has never been more critical—especially for children navigating their formative years. For families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the journey can be complex and overwhelming. But there is hope, and it’s closer than you think.
Right here in Winter Garden, Florida, families have access to a powerful support system through Total Life Counseling, a clinical network that’s redefining excellence in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. With a mission deeply rooted in compassion and clinical expertise, Total Life Counseling is more than just a therapy provider— we are partners in each child’s journey toward progress.
With a team of compassionate professionals offering therapy, coaching, and life-changing guidance, Total Life Counseling empowers individuals and families to thrive emotionally, mentally, and relationally. Because every life deserves total care.
Take the next step toward a brighter tomorrow—with Total Life Counseling.
The Importance of Autism Therapy Services in Winter Garden, FL
Having expert autism therapy services locally in Winter Garden, FL eliminates the barriers of distance and accessibility. It allows for more personalized and effective therapy sessions. With early intervention, the therapists in Winter Garden FL can tackle the challenges while maximizing the child’s potential for growth and learning. Importantly, ABA therapy and mental health care are typically covered by insurance, making care more financially accessible to families.
Early Intervention and its Benefits
Early intervention is central to managing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The sooner the intervention, the better are the chances for the child’s development. Here’s why early intervention is crucial:
- Better Outcomes: Early treatment can significantly improve a child’s overall development and minimize the symptoms of autism over time. It aids in improving communication, enhancing social interactions, and teaching adeptness at daily life tasks.
- Skill Acquisition: It enables the child to acquire essential skills early, making it easier for them to learn complex tasks later.
- Family Participation: Early intervention will also provide ample time for the family to understand and prepare themselves for meeting the child’s needs.
Acorn’s early intervention program assures you an opportunity to meet with one of their clinical team members for a free consultation within 10 days from calling admissions. The earlier you start, the sooner your child reaps the benefits.
Localized Services and Convenience
Convenience can play a large role in therapy effectiveness. Waiting times can be anxiety-inducing for any patient, and more so for children with autism. Acorn Health understands this and ensures efficient service by having their services in Winter Garden. Localized service implies that the expert therapists are just a simple phone call or text message away, but it is important to remember that text messaging is not a secure means of communication. Besides, having familiar surroundings will put both patient and family at ease, ensuring productive therapy sessions. Familiarity with the local community helps therapists cater a more personalized touch to the therapy, understanding the child’s behavior in a better manner.
Different Types of Autism Therapies Available in Winter Garden
In Winter Garden, FL, parents have access to different types of autism therapies suitable for their child’s individual needs. The main treatments include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology. Each type of therapy has its unique approach in dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA is a proven, research-backed intervention for children with autism. It’s based on behavior analysis principles and helps improve social interactions, communication, reading, and academics. ABA also focuses on improving adaptive learning skills, such as fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, and work competence.
Here’s a schematic representation of an ABA program within Acorn Health:
| Stages of ABA Program | Activities |
|---|---|
| Assessment | A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst conducts skills assessments to understand the child’s specific needs. |
| Custom Therapy Plan | Therapy plans are developed only after we understand the family’s goals and preferences for the child. |
| Skill Building | Acorn Health focuses first on the child’s activities of daily living. |
| Behavior Reduction | Children with challenging behaviors benefit from function-based behavior reduction plans. These provide opportunities to demonstrate replacement behavior and eliminate triggers. |
Through ABA therapy, children learn to replace negative behaviors with positive ones using positive reinforcement. ABA therapy offers many benefits to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and plays a crucial role in their overall development and ability to form positive interpersonal relationships.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a fundamental part of autism therapy. This treatment involves specialists helping children with autism to develop essential skills to function daily and to participate in daily social and academic activities. The child’s ADHD, and other cognitive disorders are addressed here. This therapy aims at improving motor skills, and boosting a child’s self-esteem, and independence by teaching them life skills like dressing, eating, bathing, and relating to people.
Occupational therapy has an impact on sensory integration by helping the child respond positively to stimuli in their environment. Therapists use data rates (statistics of improvement over time) and parental inputs to gauge if the therapy sessions are working for the child and modify their approach accordingly.
Speech-Language Pathology
Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder often face communication barriers that can lead to frustration and disconnection. That is where a Speech-language pathologist steps in. They work on various aspects such as speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. It is famously effective with all age groups, making sure that each individual gets the best treatment plan regarding their requirements.
Here is a brief outline of the process:
| Stages of Speech-Language Pathology | Activities |
|---|---|
| Assessment | The pathologist assesses the child’s communication abilities and identifies areas that need work. |
| Therapy Plan | A tailored therapy plan is developed to address specific communication challenges.* |
| Therapy Sessions | Regular sessions focusing on mastering different communication skills are conducted. |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | Continual assessment of the child’s progress and adjusting the therapy plan as needed. |
Through comprehensive plans, they help children articulate words clearly, understand spoken language better, and use verbal and non-verbal language effectively.
Autism Therapy Services Offered By Total Life Counseling
Total Life Counseling Center (TLC) in Winter Park, Florida, offers a comprehensive range of services tailored for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Their approach focuses on providing personalized support from licensed mental health counselors (LMHC) to help clients and their families navigate the challenges associated with autism..
TLC provides one-on-one and family therapy sessions aimed at addressing the unique needs of individuals with autism. These sessions focus on enhancing communication skills, managing anxiety, and developing coping strategies to improve daily functioning.
Social Skills Groups:
Recognizing the importance of social interaction, TLC offers social skills groups designed to help participants develop and practice essential social competencies in a supportive environment. These groups cater to various age ranges, including children, teenagers, and young adults, and focus on areas such as making friends, understanding social cues, and building confidence in social situations.
Summer Camps:
TLC organizes summer social skills camps that provide immersive experiences for individuals with ASD. These camps aim to enhance social interaction abilities through structured activities, group exercises, and recreational outings, all facilitated by trained professionals. The camps offer a blend of therapeutic interventions and fun activities to promote learning in a relaxed setting.
Parent Training and Support:
Understanding that family involvement is crucial, TLC offers parent training programs to equip caregivers with effective strategies for supporting their loved ones with autism. These sessions provide education on ASD, behavioral management techniques, and guidance on fostering a supportive home environment.
Holistic and Alternative Approaches:
TLC emphasizes a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating alternatives to medication when appropriate. They explore dietary adjustments, FDA-approved supplements, and other non-pharmacological interventions to address symptoms associated with autism, working collaboratively with clients and their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action.
The team at TLC comprises experienced professionals specializing in various therapeutic modalities, ensuring that each client receives individualized and effective care. Their commitment to a relational and approachable therapeutic environment makes them a valuable resource for autism therapy in the Winter Park area.
Why Choose Total Life Counseling for Autism Therapy in Winter Garden?
At Total Life Counseling, we understand that every child with autism is unique—and so is their path to progress. Our approach to autism therapy is deeply personalized, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based practices that empower both the child and the family.
Here’s why families in Winter Garden and surrounding areas trust Total Life Counseling for autism support:
Holistic, Whole-Family Approach
We don’t just treat the child—we support the entire family. Autism impacts more than one individual, and our therapy integrates parental coaching, sibling support, and stress management strategies to create a nurturing environment for everyone.
Individualized, Strength-Based Care
We focus on building upon a child’s strengths while addressing challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. No cookie-cutter plans—just thoughtful, individualized strategies tailored to your child’s personality, interests, and developmental needs.
Expert Clinicians Who Truly Care
Our team includes licensed counselors and therapists with deep experience in working with children on the autism spectrum. Beyond credentials, they bring warmth, patience, and an unwavering commitment to seeing every child thrive.
Collaborative Therapy Model
We work hand-in-hand with educators, pediatricians, and other specialists to create a seamless circle of care. Whether your child needs support in school, at home, or in social settings, we’re with you every step of the way.
Local & Accessible in Winter Garden
Conveniently located in Winter Garden, Total Life Counseling provides therapy that fits into your life—not the other way around. We offer both in-office sessions and flexible virtual options to meet your needs.
A call is all that’s standing between your child and a bright future. Get in touch with us now and start your child’s therapy.
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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Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
“He is doing so well! We are continuing with the diet changes and vitamins and his attitude is so much better. You were right! – kids don’t see you for very long [because of the diet, supplements and coaching]! We are so grateful for your help. We were in a bad place before we saw you and I am really amazed at the difference.”
Anne Marie
Parent
“So glad you duked it out with us. You always gave way above and beyond what I think most in your field would have. And I don’t think anyone else could have reached our teenage son as you did. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
Kristi
Parent & Teacher
“Jim, thank you again for giving so much of your time on Friday. The feedback I got from everyone that attended was extremely positive. I also gave a copy of your DVD to one of our teachers. Your help will make an enormous difference for Daniel both at home and at school.”
Anonymous
“We were so thankful to Total Life Counseling. Over the past five years, we had seen five other counselors/psychologists with our son, but in the last 1 1/2 years our son gained skills to cope. The ADHD/Social Skills group helped our son realize that he was not alone. The parenting skills group helped us know how to anticipate problems and equipped us to handle them. Thank you to Jim and the caring team of professionals at Total Life Counseling – you are an answer to prayer.”
Tim & Janet
Parents
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!
Jim West
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, national certified counselor
President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Author, Social Skills, ADHD, ODD, ASD, children, teens, and more!
Dana West
MSW, Licensed clinical social worker
Vice President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Addictions, Trauma, Couples, Abuse, and more!
Mathew Martin
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Counselor, Coach, Guest Speaker, Marriage, Individual Males, Substance Abuse and more!
Dr. Jada Jackson
Ed.D, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, NATIONAL CERTIFIED COUNSELOR
Counselor, Coach, Guest Speaker, National TV Host, Self-Esteem, Sports Therapy, Teens, Couples and more!
Brandon Feinberg
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Male Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
Lyris Steuber
MS, licesned marriage & family therapist
Counselor, Coach, Marriage & Family, Play Therapy, Divorce, Adolescent and more!
Valerie Ware
Psychologist and Behavioral Specialist
Psychological Evaluator, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, Gifted, Career Pathways, and emotional assessments.
Gemima McMahon
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in Women’s issues, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Cutting, Couples, Children and Teenagers and more!
Pedro Michael Valdez IV
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in personality disorders, trauma, depression, and anxiety for individuals, families, and couples.
Audrey DeBruler
MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Faith Based Counseling, Trauma Recovery, Anxiety and more!
David Duany
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Social Skills, and Anger Management counseling for children, young adults, and families.
Katherine Waldheim
MS, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Trauma, anxiety, couples counseling, and child & adolescent counseling services and more!
Jaimie Homan
MSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
Trauma, EMDR, adoption, attachment, foster care support, anxiety, couples counseling, and child & teen counseling services and more!
Sarah Dornas Albuquerque
BS, Mental Health Counseling Student Intern
Anxiety, Depression, Children, Teens, Young Adults and Adult Counseling
Struggling with ADHD, ASD or Defiance?
It’s Time to Stress Less!
Everyone knows someone struggling with ADHD, ASD or Defiance. So, Jim West Developed the StressLess Educational Series as a comprehensive video program to help people all over the world! StressLess Now or Book Jim as a Guest Speaker Today! Click for more info and free video tips.
Southwest Orlando Office Location
Our Total Life Counseling Center Southwest Orlando location is conveniently located at Metro West Professional Plaza near Dr. Phillips & Windermere 2 miles off the 408 off Hiawassee. Surrounded by shops and beautiful sceneries, our main office location provides counseling, therapy, coaching, camps and career services for relationships, addictions, abuse, trauma, depression, ADHD, and more!
Total Life Counseling Center Metro West (Main Office)
Metro West Professional Plaza
1507 South Hiawassee Road, Suite 101
Orlando, FL 32835
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a child with autism begin therapy?
Therapy should ideally begin as soon as autism is diagnosed. The earlier the intervention, the more effective the outcomes tend to be. Early intervention programs at Acorn Health can start for children as young as 18 months old.
How do I find the right therapist for my child in Winter Garden?
Locating the right therapist for your child involves researching their expertise, experience, treatment philosophy, and credentials. Acorn Health connects you with certified therapists who focus on providing effective and comprehensive therapies tailored to your child’s unique needs.