Hope, Help, and Understanding—Supporting Your Child’s Journey with Autism

Serving Southwest Clermont, Oakland, Minneola & Winter Garden Florida

Watching your child struggle with communication, social situations, or emotional ups and downs can leave you feeling helpless, exhausted, and uncertain about the future. You want to help them thrive, but some days it’s hard to know where to begin.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Clermont, we understand the weight you’re carrying. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Our personalized, compassionate autism therapy is designed not just for your child, but for your whole family. Whether it’s improving social skills, emotional regulation, or day-to-day independence, our team walks beside you every step of the way—offering guidance, support, and hope.

Because every child deserves a chance to shine. And every parent deserves a team that truly cares.

What is Autism Therapy?

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Autism therapy is here to help make everyday life a little easier, more manageable, and more connected.

Understanding the Challenges

Many parents come to us feeling overwhelmed. You may have noticed signs like:

• Difficulty with eye contact or social interaction
• Trouble expressing needs or understanding others
• Repetitive behaviors or intense focus on specific topics
• Sensory sensitivities—being easily overwhelmed by lights, sounds, or touch
• Struggles with emotional regulation or sudden meltdowns
• Delays in speech or language development

These challenges can affect day-to-day life, making school, friendships, and even simple routines feel hard. That’s where therapy comes in.

At Total Life Counseling, we offer personalized support that focuses on you. Whether it’s building communication skills, learning how to manage emotions, or simply feeling more confident in social situations, therapy is shaped around your unique needs and strengths.

Some sessions might look like play. Others might involve hands-on activities, calming techniques, or guided conversations. Every step is taken with care, at your pace, in a safe and supportive space.

We understand that every child is different. That’s why we offer a range of evidence-based therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sand Tray Therapy, designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental differences.

How Does TLC Support Children with Autism?

If your child is struggling with things like social skills, emotional outbursts, behavioral challenges, or simply feeling understood, you’re not alone. These moments can be tough—for them and for you. That’s why our approach goes beyond therapy sessions.

At TLC, we believe in supporting the whole family. We meet your child where they are—with compassion, patience, and a personalized plan that fits their world. But we also walk beside you—because your wellbeing matters too.

We focus on real-life, meaningful progress:

• Helping your child communicate more clearly
• Building friendships and social confidence
• Learning to manage big emotions and meltdowns
• Encouraging independence, step by step
• Guiding you as a parent, so you feel confident too

Whether your child needs one-on-one therapy, help adjusting at school, or group sessions to practice social skills—we offer support that grows with your child.

Personalized Autism Support, Right Here in Clermont

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy)

If your child struggles with daily routines, big emotions, or communication, ABA therapy can help turn frustration into progress.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Clermont, we offer gentle, research-backed support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder—focusing on small, meaningful wins that build lasting confidence.

What We Work On:

• Communication Skills – Helping your child express themselves clearly
• Daily Routines – Building independence in dressing, eating, hygiene
• Emotional Regulation – Managing meltdowns, anxiety, or sensory overload
• Behavior Support – Reducing challenging behaviors with care and consistency

Our sessions are playful, personalized, and progress-focused—always at your child’s pace.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with anxiety, frustration, or big emotions they can’t always explain. At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Clermont, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children make sense of their thoughts and feelings—and learn what to do with them.

With CBT, We Help Children:

• Understand and express emotions in healthy ways
• Tackle everyday challenges with problem-solving tools
• Build confidence and emotional resilience
• Reduce anxiety, stress, and social fears

CBT offers your child practical tools to feel more in control, more confident, and more connected.

Social Skills Groups

Making friends shouldn’t feel scary—but for many kids on the autism spectrum, it is. Struggles with social cues, group settings, or just knowing how to start a conversation can feel overwhelming—for them, and for you.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Clermont, we create warm, supportive social skills groups where kids can safely learn how to connect with others and feel more at ease in social situations.

What We Focus On:

• Starting conversations – Learning to take turns, listen, and speak with confidence
• Understanding social cues – Picking up on body language, tone, and facial expressions
• Making real friendships – Knowing how to build and keep connections
• Handling tough moments – Navigating teasing, disagreements, or group dynamics

Led by caring autism counselors, our sessions feel more like playdates with purpose—fun, engaging, and full of real growth.

Sand Tray Therapy

Sometimes, kids don’t know how to say what they’re feeling—and that’s okay. Big emotions like fear, anxiety, or sadness often show up through behavior instead: outbursts, withdrawal, or feeling overwhelmed.

At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Clermont, we use Sand Tray Therapy as a gentle, nonverbal way for children to express what’s going on inside—without having to say a word.

Sand Tray Therapy removes the pressure of having to “explain.” Instead, it lets children explore feelings in their own way, at their own pace. Whether they’re working through stress, trauma, or social struggles, this hands-on therapy helps them feel seen, understood, and supported.

Parent & Family Counseling

Raising a child with autism brings so much love—but also a lot of questions, stress, and emotional ups and downs. At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Clermont, our Parent and Family Autism Counseling is here to support you through every part of the journey.

We walk alongside you, helping you:

• Understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – Discover your child’s unique strengths and challenges
• Strengthen communication – Build better connection and understanding within the family
• Manage stress together – Learn calming strategies to reduce frustration and emotional overwhelm
• Create a nurturing home environment – Reinforce therapy goals and support your child’s growth at home

With the guidance of our experienced autism counselors, you’ll feel more confident, supported, and equipped to navigate each step with love and clarity.

Why Families Choose TLC?

• Therapists Who Truly Get It – Our team has deep experience working with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, PTSD, and more. But more than that, we lead with compassion.
• Therapy That Fits Your Child – No two kids are the same. We personalize every plan based on your child’s strengths, struggles, and goals.
• Proven, Effective Methods – From ABA and CBT to social skills groups, we use evidence-based therapies that lead to real, lasting change.
• Support for Your Whole Family – We’re here for you, too—parents, caregivers, even siblings. Because when one family member is supported, everyone benefits.
• Therapy That Fits Your Life – Whether you need in-clinic, in-home, or school-based sessions, we offer flexible options that work around your schedule.

Testimonials

I’ve heard fantastic things about this life counseling company! They seem to have a reputation for a warm, empathetic approach that helps people feel genuinely supported and understood. Their team appears dedicated to guiding clients toward personal growth, helping them find clarity, and developing real-life strategies for positive change.

– Rick S

Jim and his team have been a God send! Our son has been cared for and built up for the last two years and boy has he grown. I recommend Jim and his Total Life Counseling team for all your needs, from overcoming ADHD, social skill needs, anger management, autism, etc. I pray for their continued success in helping those in need! Blessings to you all! –

– Omar

I cannot recommend Total Life Counseling enough. They truly care and seek to help. They are truly the standard when looking for a counselor who listens, understands, and has the patience and experience to help you point in the right direction.

– Robert and Elizabeth Montgomery