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Our Blog — Page 11

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.

Showing 12 of 543 articles · page 11 of 46

Two hands hold a brain-shaped puzzle made of colorful pieces.
Autism Nov 2025

Autism and Neurodivergence: Are They the Same Thing?

You might be wondering, is neurodivergent the same as autism? While these two terms are related, they’re not quite the same thing. Autism is one type of neurodivergence, but the term "neurodivergent" actually covers a wide range of conditions. Think of "neurodivergent" as the large category and auti

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A smiling boy with autism is listening to music with headphones outdoors.
Autism Nov 2025

How Does Music Help Autistic Children?

Music has a special way of reaching children on the autism spectrum. It can calm, motivate, and help them connect in ways that feel safe and natural. Many parents notice that music becomes a bridge—helping their child communicate, express emotions, and enjoy shared moments. Why Music Makes a Differe

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A little girl doing blocks with her RBT.
Autism Nov 2025

What Is the Divorce Rate for Families with Autism?

Key Highlights Divorce is a challenging topic for many families, but it can be especially complex for those raising children with autism. As we delve into the statistics surrounding divorce rates in families with autistic children, we aim to shed light on both the unique challenges these families fa

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Autistic child wearing headset plays at desk with Pepsi and snacks, immersed in a glowing blue gaming setup.
Autism Nov 2025

How Noise-Canceling Headphones for Autism Improve Daily Comfort

Understanding Noise-Canceling Headphones Noise-canceling, or calming headphones for autism have become an essential aid for many individuals on the spectrum, helping to manage sensory sensitivities and improve daily comfort. These specialized headphones use either electronic or physical methods to r

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Individual holds up palm with blue circle in sunlit living room, wearing floral shirt and facing camera.
Autism Nov 2025

The Impact of Environmental Causes on Autism Development

Understanding Environmental Factors Research increasingly shows that environmental causes of autism extend beyond genetics to include exposures before, during, and after birth. These factors may affect brain development by triggering neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, or hormonal disruptions. Scie

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Red-haired child in blue shirt focuses on drawing with pencil at a sunlit table near a softly lit window.
Autism Nov 2025

What Does Stimming Mean in Autism?

Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive movements or sounds that individuals with autism use to regulate emotions, process sensory input, or express themselves. Common examples include hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, humming, or repeating words or phrases. For many auti

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Crying child leans forward on white surface, reaching out to grasp an adult’s hand for comfort and support.
Autism Nov 2025

What Are the Red Flags for Autism in a 2-Year-Old?

Recognizing early signs of autism in toddlers is key to getting the right support at the right time. While every child develops differently, there are several common red flags to watch for around age 2. Some 2-year-olds with autism may show delays in speech or language, such as not saying single wor

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Silhouetted figure stands by large window, gazing out at green trees and distant hills under a pastel sky.
Autism Nov 2025

Is Autism More Common Today Than It Was 20 Years Ago?

Yes, autism is diagnosed far more frequently today than it was 20 years ago. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism now affects about 1 in 36 children, compared to roughly 1 in 150 in the early 2000s. However, this increase doesn’t necessarily mean autism itself is

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Bundled-up child in fall outfit pulls yellow toy wagon filled with dry leaves along a leafy autumn path.
Autism Nov 2025

How Is High-Functioning Autism Diagnosed?

High-functioning autism is diagnosed through a combination of behavioral observation, developmental history, and standardized assessments. While the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it generally refers to individuals on the autism spectrum who have average or above

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Man sits on couch, gesturing as he speaks seriously to child standing nearby in a softly lit home setting.
Autism Nov 2025

Can a Child Have Autism and Still Talk Normally?

Yes, a child can have autism and still talk normally. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how individuals communicate and interact, but it doesn’t always mean they have speech delays. Some children with autism speak fluently yet struggle with social communication, like understanding tone, body la

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Autistic father embracing and kissing his autistic daughter with a beautiful mountain landscape in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

Can an autistic father have a normal child? Genetic Factors

Key Highlights Here are the main points to remember about genetic factors and autism: Autism spectrum disorder is influenced by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. An autistic father can pass on certain genetic variations, but this does not guarantee their child will have

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An autistic couple sharing a loving moment, with one partner lifting the other on the beach in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

Discover What Percentage of Autistic Adults Are Married

Key Highlights Here are the key takeaways about marriage and autistic adults: Studies show that marriage rates for autistic adults are around 9%, which is lower than the general population’s rate of approximately 50%. These lower rates often reflect unique challenges, such as difficulties with socia

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About the Author

Michele Young

Regional Clinical Director

MS · CCC-SLP · BCBA · LBA

Michele has been working with young people with autism since 2009, bringing more than 15 years of hands-on clinical experience to every article she writes. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP), Michele has built programs at Rutgers, led behavioral services at Autism Family Services of NJ, taught graduate students at LaSalle University, and worked in schools across New Jersey and the Carolinas.

As Regional Clinical Director at True Progress Therapy, Michele oversees clinical operations and makes sure every BCBA on the team has what they need to deliver real, measurable results for families.

She writes about ABA therapy, autism support, communication-building strategies, and what families and therapists can do to drive measurable progress — translating decades of clinical experience into guidance you can actually use.

Clinical Specialties

  • Functional Communication Training (FCT)
  • Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
  • Real-world ABA program design
Credentials & Verification

BACB Certification #1-10-6918

Active · Certified since 2010

Verify on BACB