The True Progress Therapy blog is your trusted source for evidence-based ABA insights, autism research, and clinical perspectives. Designed for families seeking answers and professionals raising the bar — because meaningful progress starts with knowledge.
It usually starts the same way. It’s late, the kids are finally asleep, and you’re scrolling on your phone. Maybe a TikTok came up. Maybe a parenting forum. Maybe a Reddit thread that asked, “Which personality type is most likely to be autistic?” Suddenly you’re three hours deep into Myers-Briggs charts, BuzzFeed quizzes, online “autism […]
You might have arrived here wondering if a certain celebrity has autism, or whether something you saw on social media about autism is actually true. While we can’t diagnose public figures—and honestly, speculation doesn’t help anyone—we can walk through what autism really looks like, separate the most common autism myths and facts, and point you […]
Anxiety is one of the most common co-occurring challenges I see alongside autism, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many parents come into therapy focused on behaviors they can clearly observe — meltdowns, shutdowns, aggression, school refusal, repetitive questioning, or extreme rigidity around routines. Over time, though, we often discover that anxiety is […]
There’s usually a reason behind behaviors like screaming, aggression, task refusal, or emotional outbursts, even when the reason isn’t immediately obvious. In clinical practice, I’ve found that many challenging behaviors happen when children don’t yet have the tools to communicate effectively during stressful moments. Functional Communication Training (FCT) in ABA programs helps children develop those […]
At True Progress Therapy, I’ve worked with a lot of kids whose families came to me confused. Their child was smart — sometimes remarkably so. They could hold a conversation, read above grade level, maybe recite every dinosaur species or explain how engines work. And yet something wasn’t connecting. Friendships weren’t forming. Transitions were wars. […]
When a parent first hears the words “your child’s screening came back positive,” the room can feel like it shifts. At True Progress Therapy, I’ve sat across from families at that exact moment — some tearful, some confused, some who quietly say, “I knew something was different.” What they’re usually responding to is the result […]
There’s a pattern in autism I’ve seen more times than I can count. A child who was managing — maybe even thriving — suddenly isn’t. They stop talking as much. They can’t get through a morning routine they’ve done for years. Meltdowns arrive from nowhere. A teenager who held it together all semester falls apart […]
Updated: June 9, 2026 If a haircut or a trip to the dentist regularly ends in tears, covered ears, or a canceled appointment, you are not alone — and your child is not “misbehaving.” Here is a practical, step-by-step guide to making these everyday appointments calmer and more predictable. Haircuts, dental appointments, and doctor visits […]
The holiday season can bring excitement, family traditions, and meaningful memories, but for many autistic children, it can also create significant stress. In practice, I often see children who usually manage daily routines well become overwhelmed during holiday gatherings, travel, school events, or large family celebrations. Parents sometimes feel caught off guard when behaviors suddenly […]
Sleep problems in autism are one of the most common concerns families bring up during conversations about daily functioning and behavior. Parents often describe evenings that feel never-ending — children who struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently during the night, or start the day hours before everyone else is awake. Over time, sleep deprivation can […]
Screen time is one of the most common topics parents bring up when discussing autism and daily routines. Many families feel stuck between two concerns: wanting to limit excessive screen use while also recognizing that screens can genuinely help their child feel calm, engaged, or emotionally regulated. In practice, I often hear parents say things […]
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 […]