How to Teach Teens with Autism to Use Public Transportation Independently
Categories
Autism

Helping a teen with autism learn to use public transportation can feel overwhelming at first—but it’s absolutely possible with the right steps. With patience, structure, and practice, many adolescents can build the confidence and skills they need to travel safely and independently. Why Public Transportation Skills Matter Learning to use buses, trains, or subways isn’t […]

The Hidden Emotional Challenges of ABA Therapy for Autism (And How to Handle Them)
Categories
ABA Therapy

ABA therapy can be incredibly helpful for children with autism, but it’s not always easy emotionally—for kids or their families. Many parents don’t expect the ups and downs that can come with the process. Understanding these emotional challenges can make a big difference in how you support your child (and yourself). Why ABA Therapy Can […]

Are INFPs Neurodivergent? The Truth About Personality and Autism
Categories
Autism

Some personality descriptions feel almost uncannily accurate. The INFP profile—often associated with creativity, emotional depth, and strong personal values—is one that many people immediately recognize in themselves. At the same time, a few of the traits often linked to INFPs can resemble behaviors that also appear in discussions about autism. Quiet environments, deep focus on […]

Can Animal-Assisted Therapy Help Children With Autism?
Categories
ABA Therapy

Many children with autism experience the world through unique sensory, social, and emotional perspectives. Because of that, traditional approaches to communication or social interaction don’t always feel natural right away. Over the years, we’ve seen how certain environments—or even certain activities—can make those interactions easier to start. One approach that sometimes creates those opportunities is […]

Strategies for Responding to Parent Concerns in ABA Services
Categories
ABA Therapy

If you work as a behavior analyst or RBT, you’ve likely experienced moments when a parent pauses during a conversation and expresses uncertainty about therapy. Sometimes it’s a direct question about ABA itself. Other times it’s hesitation about the number of hours recommended, how therapy sessions work, or what expectations will look like at home. […]

Is “Smart Autism” a Real Diagnosis?
Categories
Autism

Parents sometimes use the phrase “smart autism” when describing a child who is autistic but also shows strong academic skills, advanced vocabulary, or impressive problem-solving abilities. Often, this phrase comes up when parents notice that their child reads early, remembers detailed information, or becomes deeply knowledgeable about specific topics. While the phrase is understandable, “smart […]

Are Time-Outs Effective for Children with Autism?
Categories
ABA Therapy, Autism

Time-outs are often seen as a simple fix for challenging behaviors. But when a child has autism, behavior is rarely simple. Are time-outs effective for children with autism? To answer that, we need to look beyond punishment and explore how autism-related behaviors are shaped by communication, sensory processing, and reinforcement patterns. At True Progress Therapy, […]

Group Projects and Autism: A Guide for Parents & Teachers
Categories
Autism, Blog

Group projects are a routine part of school—but for many autistic students, they can quickly become overwhelming. What looks like simple teamwork to others may involve unspoken social rules, unclear expectations, and sensory stressors that make participation difficult. As parents and teachers, our goal isn’t to remove collaborative assignments altogether. It’s to make them structured, […]

What is the Mildest Form of Autism?
Categories
Autism, Blog

The mildest form of autism is clinically referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1. While support needs may be lower compared to other levels, intervention is still important. At True Progress Therapy, our comprehensive ABA services in New Jersey are designed to support children with Level 1 autism through structured In-home ABA and hands-on […]

What is Autism Comorbidity? A Parent’s Guide
Categories
Autism, Blog

Autism is a spectrum, but it’s also frequently layered with other conditions. When we conduct assessments, we’re not only looking at autism traits—we’re evaluating attention patterns, anxiety indicators, communication profiles, and medical factors. At True Progress Therapy, our data-driven ABA services in New Jersey are built around comprehensive evaluation. Through hands-on in-home ABA and practical […]

Technology for Autism Support: Tools & Benefits
Categories
Autism, Blog

Many children with autism respond well to structure and visual learning—areas where technology can be especially effective. When guided by professionals, these tools can expand communication and independence. In our work at True Progress Therapy, we’ve seen technology become a powerful support tool when it’s used intentionally within evidence-based ABA treatment. Technology is not a […]

Autism Differences Between Boys and Girls
Categories
Autism, Blog

Autism in boys vs. girls is a topic that’s gaining much-needed attention. Research is evolving, and so is our understanding of how presentation patterns differ. At True Progress Therapy, our ABA services in New Jersey are designed to meet each child where they are—because no two children, regardless of gender, experience autism the same way. […]