Therapy Smarts is a pediatric therapy clinic offering occupational therapy (OT), speech-therapy, physical therapy (PT) psychology services, and an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) Program for children with autism in the Chapel Hill & Durham, NC area. Our team of licensed therapists supports each child’s developmental, communication, behavioral, and physical needs through individualized therapy plans.
We serve children from infancy through adolescence (ages 0–18). Services are tailored to each child’s developmental level and specific needs.
We support children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Speech and language delays
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Feeding and swallowing disorders
- ADHD
- Developmental delays
- Motor coordination challenges
- Behavior and emotional regulation needs
- Learning difficulties
- Fine and gross motor delays
- Social skills challenges
Some signs your child may benefit from speech therapy:
- Limited vocabulary or delayed speech
- Trouble understanding or following directions
- Difficulty being understood by others
- Trouble with stuttering, articulation, or pronunciation
- Challenges in social communication (e.g., making eye contact, taking turns)
We offer screenings and evaluations to determine if therapy is recommended.
Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need for daily living, such as:
- Self-care (dressing, feeding, toileting)
- Sensory processing and emotional regulation
- Handwriting and fine motor skills
- Attention and executive functioning
- Play and social interaction
Signs include:
- Difficulty with self-help tasks
- Trouble holding a pencil, using scissors, or tying shoes
- Sensory sensitivities or avoidance (e.g., clothing textures, loud noises)
- Poor coordination or frequent falls
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
PT helps children improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility. It can benefit children with:
- Developmental delays (e.g., late walking)
- Torticollis or flat head syndrome in infants
- Cerebral palsy or neuromuscular conditions
- Orthopedic injuries or recovery after surgery
- Poor posture, core strength, or balance
Yes, but in a fun, play-based way! Our physical therapists use obstacle courses, games, and child-friendly exercises to improve your child’s physical abilities.
Our comprehensive autism services include:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- ABA-informed strategies
- Social skills development
- Behavior support
- Sensory integration
- Collaboration with psychologists and educators
We offer developmental screenings and can connect families with our psychologists or refer to diagnostic specialists. Our team works closely with families through the diagnostic and treatment process.
Yes, we offer parent support sessions and counseling as part of our holistic approach to care. Supporting the entire family is key to a child’s progress.
Start by calling us (919) 378-1340 or submitting an intake form on our website. We will gather basic information, help verify insurance, and schedule an evaluation to assess your child’s needs.
Some insurance plans require a physician’s referral, but not all. We’ll help you check and guide you through the process.
A licensed therapist will assess your child’s strengths and challenges in their area of concern (speech, OT, PT, etc.). We’ll discuss goals and create a therapy plan tailored to your child.
Yes, we accept:
- BCBS (All except Blue Home)
- United Health Care (All-Saver, Oxford Plan, Bind Benefits), UMR
- Aetna (all except Duke Select)
- NC Health Choice
- Cigna
- Tricare
- Managed Care Organizations: Amerihealth Caritas, Healthy Blue, Carolina Complete Health, UHC of NC, Wellcare of NC, Alliance, Vayahealth, Trillium, Partners Behavior Health
Yes. We provide a self-pay rate if you do not use insurance. We also offer free therapy screenings throughout the year—check our events page for details.
Most therapy sessions are 30–60 minutes, depending on your child’s plan. Sessions may be once or multiple times per week based on their needs.
In most cases, therapy is provided in person at our Chapel Hill or Durham clinic. Virtual services may be offered when appropriate and covered by insurance.
Yes! We encourage caregiver involvement and provide parent coaching as part of our services. Your therapist will guide you on when it’s best to observe, join, or wait.
Your therapist will set measurable goals and track your child’s progress each session. We provide regular updates and re-evaluate periodically to adjust the treatment plan.
- Chapel Hill Clinic: 1130 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Durham Clinic: 1920 NC-54 STE 240, 360, Durham, NC 27713
We offer flexible hours to accommodate school and family schedules. Typical hours are:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
