Home
Referring Providers

ABA Services & Developmental Support in Charlotte, NC

Individualized ABA therapy, caregiver coaching, parent training, developmental consultation, school-based consultation, and community-based services for neurodivergent children, adolescents, and families.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Honoring Choice. Building Growth.

At Ascent Developmental Group, meaningful growth is nurtured — not imposed. We support neurodivergent children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care that honors each child's unique identity.

Who We support

Ascent serves children, adolescents, and families across the Charlotte, NC region.

Autistic children & teens

ADHD & attention differences

Developmental delays

Communication differences

Learning differences

Executive functioning challenges

Adaptive skill needs

Families seeking guidance & coaching

A Different Kind of ABA Care

Our services are grounded in the science of learning, behavior, and communication — and shaped by a commitment to individualized, neurodiversity-affirming practice.

No cookie-cutter programs. Every plan is built around the individual.

We prioritize caregiver training, assent-based care, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Supports range from direct ABA to caregiver coaching, school-based consultation, community-based services, and group-based programs.

Goals focus on meaningful quality-of-life outcomes — not compliance for its own sake.

Four Commitments at the Heart of Ascent

These four commitments define how Ascent practices ABA — by seeing the whole child, partnering with families, practicing with clinical integrity, and focusing on growth that matters in daily life.

Whole-Child Care

We see each child's full picture: strengths, communication style, sensory needs, and home environment.

Family Partnership

Caregivers are essential collaborators — informed, respected, and actively involved at every stage.

Clinical Integrity

We use evidence-based strategies and thoughtful clinical judgment to deliver principled, compassionate care.

Meaningful Growth

We target skills that improve real life: communication, self-advocacy, independence, and connection.

Why We Started Ascent

Families deserve more than treatment plans and progress reports.

Too often, developmental services focus on compliance and checklists — overlooking the individual behind the goals. Ascent was created to be different: rooted in partnership, dignity, and meaningful outcomes.

Read our full story →

Our Philosophy

The Ascent Difference

Ascent's approach is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis — the science of learning, behavior, and environmental support. We practice ABA differently: with assent, dignity, and a genuine commitment to each child's quality of life. Every service we offer is shaped by the belief that meaningful growth happens when children are seen, heard, and supported as whole people.

Our Values

These seven values are not aspirational statements on a wall — they are the active principles that shape every clinical decision, every interaction, and every relationship at Ascent.

Dignity

Every child and family is treated with deep respect — always.

Partnership

Caregivers are true collaborators in every decision we make.

Assent

Children's voices, preferences, and choices are honored first.

Compassion

Warmth and empathy guide every interaction, every day.

Excellence

Clinical quality and meaningful outcomes are never negotiable.

Neurodiversity

We celebrate neurological differences as a valued part of human diversity.

Independence

We build skills that open doors to a more self-directed life.

Learn more about our approach →

What We Offer

Services Designed Around Your Family

ABA services and developmental supports — individualized for your child, built around your family.

ABA Services

Individualized, assent-based ABA therapy focused on communication, independence, and meaningful skill development.

Caregiver Coaching & Parent Training

Practical strategies and confident support so caregivers can nurture growth in everyday moments.

Developmental Consultation

Expert guidance for families navigating assessments, diagnoses, school planning, and next steps.

Family Support Services

Compassionate care coordination, advocacy, and collaborative planning for the whole family.

Group-Based Services

Social learning programs where children build real friendships and practice skills alongside peers.

School-Based Observation & Consultation

On-site school visits to observe, collaborate with educators, and align support strategies across home and classroom.

Future Interdisciplinary Services

Coming soon: speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, educational support, and transition services.

Meet the Founder

Danielle Virnelson, MS, BCBA, LBA

15+ Years in ABA & Developmental Services

BCBA Since 2015

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Clinical Leadership Experience

Assent-Based Care

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

Danielle has 15+ years of experience supporting neurodivergent children and families through ABA-informed, compassionate care — spanning clinical practice, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2015. She founded Ascent Developmental Group because every family deserves services delivered with both clinical excellence and genuine human compassion.

"Meaningful growth happens when we honor the whole person — not just the goals on a treatment plan."

Vision for the Future

Building the Future of Developmental Healthcare

Ascent Developmental Group is building toward a fully integrated, interdisciplinary pediatric developmental healthcare organization — where families can access everything they need under one trusted roof.

Caregiver Training & Family Support

Developmental ABA Services

Speech Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Counseling & Mental Health Support

Educational Support Services

Social Learning Programs

Transition-to-Adulthood Services

Coming to the Charlotte region and beyond.

Not Sure Where to Start?

That's okay — and it's more common than you think. Many families reach out before they know exactly what they need. Whether you're wondering about ABA therapy, caregiver coaching, parent training, developmental consultation, or just need someone to talk to, Ascent is here to help you figure out the right next step.

ABA Therapy

Structured, individualized support for skill development and behavior.

Caregiver Coaching & Parent Training

Practical strategies to support your child in everyday life.

Consultation

Expert guidance for families navigating assessments, diagnoses, or next steps.

You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out.

Your family doesn't have to figure this out alone.

Whether you're ready to get started or just have questions, we'd love to hear from you. Every journey begins with a single conversation — and we're here to listen.

For Families & Caregivers

Reach out to learn how Ascent Developmental Group's services can support your child and family — we're here to answer your questions with honesty and care.

For Community Partners

We welcome collaboration with educators, medical providers, and community organizations who share our commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.

For Referring Providers

We partner with pediatricians, psychologists, therapists, and other providers to ensure seamless, family-centered care for the children you serve.

Ascent Developmental Group

ABA Services · Caregiver Coaching · Developmental Support

Charlotte, NC

Get Started


Please do not send protected health information by standard email. Use the secure inquiry form or HIPAA-secure fax line for documentation containing PHI.

© 2026 Ascent Developmental Group. All rights reserved. · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use