“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Dr. Stephen Shore, professor at Adelphi University and autistic advocate who was nonspeaking until age 4.
If you are looking for autism therapy for your child or teen in St. Louis, Get Centered Counseling, Coaching and Wellness offers local support for families who want practical, compassionate care. Whether you are seeking early intervention, ongoing counseling after a diagnosis, or help understanding how therapy fits alongside ABA therapy St. Louis families may already be considering, we tailor services to your child’s unique strengths, abilities, and challenges.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect how your child communicates, connects with others, responds to change, and manages emotions or sensory experiences. Through counseling, your child or teen can feel supported and encouraged to work through challenges, identify their strengths and values, and build self-advocacy skills that will benefit them throughout life. Counseling can also help your child or teen navigate social situations through social skills training, and it can complement ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and other early intervention services.
Our therapists have experience working with individuals with diverse needs across the spectrum, including nonspeakers who type to communicate. Our philosophy, which values neurodiversity, was formed through extensive work directly with autistic advocates. Learn more about how counseling can help individuals on the autism spectrum.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 31 children is identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is a wide variation in the presentation of symptoms that people with ASD experience, which is why it’s called a spectrum disorder.
Signs Your Child May Need Autism Therapy or an Autism Evaluation
Children or teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have varying symptoms. If you notice patterns like the ones below, it may help to reach out for guidance about autism diagnosis and assessment, counseling support, or both. Get Centered provides counseling for children and teens with ASD and supports families after a diagnosis; if your child needs a formal autism diagnosis and assessment, we can refer you to appropriate providers.
Social communication signs
- Having difficulty making eye contact
- Showing limited facial expressions, such as sadness or happiness
- Not responding to their name consistently
- Having delayed movement or language skills
- Having ongoing difficulty communicating or interacting with peers
Emotional and behavioral signs
- Becoming upset very easily
- Worrying excessively about things
- Losing interest in activities they used to do
- Gaining or losing significant weight
- Having insomnia or other sleep problems
- Repeating the same phrases or words over and over
- Showing impulsive or hyperactive behavior that may overlap with ADHD counseling needs
Sensory or routine-related challenges
- Following certain routines very rigidly
- Having unusual eating habits
- Using coping or learning methods that affect quality of life
- Struggling with changes in schedule, flexibility, or sensory experiences
The symptoms your child has shown may not be mentioned above. It’s still essential to get in touch with a professional if your child generally has problems communicating, navigating social situations, or interacting with peers; they may benefit from autism therapy or an evaluation. Our counseling supports confidence, relationships, and daily functioning at home, in school, and in the community.
Therapy Approaches We Use for Autism Counseling
Your child may benefit from a therapy plan that addresses emotional, social, and behavioral needs in ways that fit their developmental level. Counseling can be part of early intervention and can also work alongside school supports, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and other services.
| Area of Support | What Therapy May Look Like in Session |
| Emotional Regulation Support | Practicing calming tools such as mindfulness, deep breathing, movement, and identifying feelings before they escalate. |
| Social Skills Training | Role-playing conversations, reading facial expressions and body language, and practicing peer interactions. |
| Behavioral Strategies for Routines, Flexibility, and Sensory Processing | Breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual supports, planning transitions, and building coping tools for sensory processing needs. |
Emotional Regulation Support
Your child may have difficulty coping with stress and may show intense emotional reactions. Our mental health providers teach strategies, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and engaging in positive physical activities, to improve emotional regulation. These techniques can help your child manage emotions, develop coping strategies, reduce anxiety, and strengthen self-advocacy skills.
Social Skills Training
Your child may struggle with understanding nonverbal communication, correctly interpreting emotions, and conversing properly. Social skills training involves teaching your child how to effectively interact with others, such as understanding social cues and encouraging peer interactions.
Mental health providers tailor techniques to each child to promote the best results, but strategies typically include practicing communication skills and recognizing others’ visible emotions. This can help your child develop stronger friendships and feel more confident in social settings.
Behavioral Strategies for Routines, Flexibility, and Sensory Processing
Your child may need help managing repetitive behaviors, adapting to daily routines, developing better self-control, and coping with sensory processing sensitivities. These strategies can significantly improve daily life, especially as children get older. Techniques include breaking larger tasks into smaller manageable steps, encouraging taking breaks when needed, and using visual aids.
What to Expect From Autism Therapy at Get Centered
When you contact Get Centered, we begin with an intake process focused on understanding your child, your concerns, and your goals for therapy. We ask about communication, behavior, social experiences, school concerns, routines, strengths, and any previous services your family has tried.
During the first sessions, your child’s therapist works on building comfort, connection, and trust while also observing how your child communicates, responds to support, and engages in the session. Therapy goals are then tailored to your child’s needs and may focus on emotional regulation, social confidence, daily functioning, flexibility, or parent coaching for support at home.
Parent involvement is often an important part of the therapy process. Depending on your child’s age and needs, sessions may include feedback, strategy review, and parent coaching so you can reinforce progress between visits. We also track progress over time by reviewing goals, noticing changes in daily functioning, and adjusting the treatment plan when needed. For older teens preparing for greater independence, we also offer autism counseling for adults in St. Louis.
How to Get Help for Your Child in St. Louis
Get Centered Counseling, Coaching and Wellness serves families in St. Louis, Town and Country, and communities throughout St. Louis County. Our office is located at 14137 Clayton Road, Town and Country, MO 63017.
If you are ready to get started, the next step is to contact our office so we can learn more about your child, answer questions, and discuss scheduling. A referral is not required to reach out about counseling. If your child also needs an autism diagnosis and assessment, we can help you understand the evaluation pathway and refer you to appropriate providers.
We can also talk with you about practical access details, including scheduling steps, self-pay options, and possible out-of-network coverage.
Autism Counseling for Kids and Teens in St. Louis
At Get Centered Counseling, Coaching and Wellness, our experienced mental health professionals will assess your child and develop an effective treatment plan that is tailored for their unique struggles with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you believe your child or teen with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could benefit from support, our affiliated professional counselors are here to help. Our therapists utilize a strengths-based approach and, when appropriate, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical form of therapy that helps children notice unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and practice more effective responses. Counseling can work well alongside ABA therapy St. Louis families may already be using, and we can also incorporate parent coaching when helpful. Schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age children do you work with for autism counseling?
We work with children and teens and tailor therapy to your child’s developmental level, communication style, and goals.
Do you diagnose autism or provide counseling after a diagnosis?
We provide counseling and support for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and for families with concerns. If your child needs formal autism diagnosis and assessment, we can refer you to appropriate providers.
How does autism counseling help my child?
Autism counseling can help your child build emotional regulation, social confidence, coping skills, flexibility, and stronger daily functioning at home, in school, and in relationships.
Can parents be involved in the therapy process?
Yes. Parent involvement may include feedback, strategy review, and parent coaching so you can support your child’s progress between sessions.
How do I get started with autism therapy in St. Louis?
You can start by contacting Get Centered Counseling, Coaching and Wellness to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and request an appointment. Schedule a free consultation to take the next step.