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 532 articles · page 11 of 45

A young couple in casual clothes, the woman with autism is angrily yelling while the man looks down.
Autism Nov 2025

Does Saying Inappropriate Things Mean You Have Autism? Understanding Social Communication

It’s a common question: Does saying inappropriate things mean you’re autistic? The short answer is no. While it’s true that some individuals with autism may struggle with social communication, saying something inappropriate doesn’t automatically mean someone is autistic. Autism is a spectrum disorde

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A BCBA with autistic girl smile at each other while sitting on the floor with a book.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

Should Parents Attend ABA with Siblings? Learn the Importance of Family Involvement

When it comes to ABA therapy, parents are often involved, but siblings usually aren’t part of the sessions. Parents typically attend parent training to learn how to apply ABA strategies at home, helping create consistency in their child’s progress. While siblings don’t attend therapy directly, they

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A girl with autism sitting on a couch holding a green apple and thinking with her finger on her chin.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

How ABA Therapy Helps Children Replace Harmful Stimming with Healthier Coping Tools

Key Highlights ABA therapy seeks to understand the purpose behind self-stimulatory behaviors in autism spectrum disorder, not just eliminate them. The approach uses positive reinforcement to encourage alternative, functional ways for a child to get sensory input. A core strategy is teaching replacem

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A smiling girl with autism holding her finger to her lips to signal quiet.
Autism Nov 2025

What’s the Difference Between Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding?

Key Highlights Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding are two common ways children respond to sensory input. Sensory seekers crave strong sensory experiences. Sensory avoiders are easily overwhelmed and withdraw from sensory input. Some children show both patterns. Understanding your child’s sensory p

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A mother helping her daughter with autism get ready, adjusting her school uniform while the girl smiles.
Autism Nov 2025

The Strengths of Autism: What Many People Overlook

Key Highlights The discussion around the autism spectrum is shifting to focus on autistic strengths, not just challenges. Many autistic people possess exceptional skills in areas like pattern recognition and logical thinking. A strengths-based approach can significantly improve mental health and sel

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A BCBA reading a book with a young girl with autism, who is pointing at the pages.
Autism Nov 2025

What is Echolalia in Autism? Insights, Causes, and How to Help Your Child

Echolalia is a common behavior in children with autism, but it can often be misunderstood. It refers to the repetition of words, phrases, or sounds that a child hears, either immediately or after a delay. While echolalia may seem like mimicry or a random behavior, it’s actually a meaningful part of

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A stressed mother is talking on the phone while her baby with autism sleeps in a crib in the background.
Autism Nov 2025

How to Avoid Burnout as a Parent of a Child with Autism or Developmental Differences

Raising a child with autism or developmental differences can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Balancing the demands of daily life, therapies, and your child’s unique needs can leave parents feeling drained and stretched thin. The good news is that there are ways to

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A BCBA and two young children with autism are playing together.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

10 Fun Natural Environment Teaching Ideas to Try with Your Child at Home

Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a fantastic way to help your child learn by using real-life, everyday situations. Instead of sitting at a desk or in a classroom, NET takes advantage of daily activities to teach new skills in a natural, comfortable setting. Whether you’re playing, cooking, or c

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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-Cancelling Headphones for Autism Improve Daily Comfort

How noise-cancelling headphones can help with sensory sensitivities in autism: types, key features, safe use, and a model comparison for children, teens, and adults.

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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