Autism Treatment in Charlotte

Helping your child gain confidence in who they are.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts how the person interacts with others, communicates, learns and acts. It is oftentimes viewed as deficits in social communication and a tendency towards restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests or activities. But, in reality, it is so much more.

➤ What are the signs of Autism in Children?

Minimizing eye contact or seems like they are looking through while looking at you
Always a step or two behind in social interactions
Lack of pretend play or only repeats what they have seen in play
Challenges with transitions or unexpected changes in routine
Tendency to repeat phrases or words from shows they have watched
Tendency towards stimming behaviors (rocking, flapping, etc)
Very specific and limited interests
Minimal interest in engaging with peers
Increased sensory challenges
Tendency towards lining things up

challenges in understanding humor and sarcasm
challenges in connecting with peers their age
Tendency towards being monotone or overly loud with minimal voice fluctuation
Overly literal interpretation of situations or interactions
An intense expert in specific topics
May talk over others without awareness that they are talking
Misses social cues
low level of expressed empathy
may have violent outbursts
may have temper tantrums in excess of their peers

Is this your child or teen?

➤ Autism is a spectrum. Our staff are trained to support Autistic children and teens that meet the following criteria:

Level of social interest present
Fully, or close to fully verbal. Echolalia may be present
Ability to co-regulate with supports
Ability to be redirected with supports
Interest in playing and interacting with others
Openness to learning about topics such as emotions, flexible thinking, social skills, etc

Do children and teens with Autism have feelings?

They absolutely do! In fact, oftentimes it is recognized that Autistic persons have an extremely deep experience of emotions, but it is a challenge for them to express it. So imagine having all the feelings, without words to name what it is because you also have an overly literal viewpoint on things, and struggle to connect a feelings chart with the actual feelings you are experiencing. Emotions are just really complex and that can make it challenging for an Autistic person to express it in ways that others do.

Why are Autistic children and teens not empathetic?

This is an inaccurate interpretation of challenges! They are often very empathetic and aware, but struggle in expressing it in a way that others can understand.

Do Autistic children have mood swings?

Absolutely! And parents often call them temper tantrums and meltdowns, but just like everyone else, mood swings are 100% normal.

Can they have friends?

Absolutely! In fact, many Autistic persons crave social interactions and friendships. They will oftentimes find their people once allowed to join groups of other like minded kiddos, which are oftentimes neurodivergent themselves!

How can therapy help an Autistic child or teen?

Just like it helps anyone else! Therapy is an opportunity to support an Autistic person in learning more about themselves. We work on self esteem and confidence, emotional regulation, learning about how to express themselves etc. There are no limitations in how therapy can support Autism.

Is this your child or teen and you’re ready to make a difference today?

The Dandelion Difference

We do our best to make the process of therapy exactly what you need.

Yoga and Mindfulness

Social Skills Classes

Weekly Parent Sessions

Teacher Recommendations

Unlimited Calls and Email

Written Accommodations

Due to our intensive parenting support process, in addition to individual weekly child sessions, weekly parenting sessions are expected at the beginning of therapy. The duration of these sessions depends on the level of distress in the family and the level of parenting needs. With meeting weekly, many families meet their goals in 6-8 months!