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Our Blog — Page 12

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 12 of 46

The ABA therapist and the autistic child's hands meeting in a tender gesture after ABA therapy in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

What is Autism Neurodivergent Affirming and Its Benefits?

Key Highlights Neurodivergent affirming care celebrates the unique strengths of autistic individuals rather than focusing on deficits. This approach is a core part of the neurodiversity movement, which views neurological differences as natural human variations. It is critical for improving the menta

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The ABA therapist writing notes while a mother and her autistic child wait in a doctor's office in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

Is ABA Therapy Repetitive?

Yes, ABA therapy involves repetition, but it’s an essential part of the process. Repetition in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) helps reinforce positive behaviors, teaching children the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives. By practicing a behavior over and over, children with autism can m

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The two ABA therapist sitting on a couch with a tense conversation and a child distracted after ABA therapy in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

Is ABA Helpful or Not?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective and evidence-based therapies for children with autism. ABA is widely recognized for its ability to improve communication, social skills, and daily living behaviors by using positive reinforcement and structured learning techniques. The the

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The autistic young boy smiling while holding a book at a children's event after ABA therapy in New Jersey.
Autism Nov 2025

Is a High IQ Linked to Autism?

A high IQ can be present in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it is not a defining characteristic of the condition. Autism affects how a person communicates, interacts, and processes sensory information, but it does not necessarily correlate with intelligence. While some individua

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Brain exercises for autism
Autism Nov 2025

Brain Exercises for Autism: Quick Start Guide

Brain exercises for autism can support focus, coordination, and learning. This short guide shares evidence-based ideas families can use at home or with care teams. What are Brain Exercises for Autism? Structured activities that engage motor, visual, and cognitive pathways to boost attention, memory,

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5 Everyday Household Items You Can Use as Reinforcers in ABA Therapy
ABA Therapy Nov 2025

5 Everyday Household Items You Can Use as Reinforcers in ABA Therapy

Yes, you can use common things at home. 5 Everyday Household Items You Can Use as Reinforcers in ABA Therapy include bubbles, stickers or tape, a flashlight, a phone timer for brief videos, and measuring cups for water play. In our New Jersey sessions, these worked when delivered right after the beh

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How do you deal with an autistic person who starts acting out during an argument?
Autism Nov 2025

How Do You Deal With an Autistic Person Who Starts Acting Out During an Argument?

How do you deal with an autistic person who starts acting out during an argument? Prioritize safety, reduce sensory input, use brief concrete language, pause the argument, and resume only after calm returns. Meltdowns are loss-of-control responses to overwhelm, not willful behavior; lowering noise,

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autism and school refusal
Autism Nov 2025

Why Autism and School Refusal Happen (And What to Do)?

Autism and school refusal often go hand in hand. Many children with autism avoid school due to anxiety, sensory overload, or social challenges. Research shows up to 57% of autistic students miss school because of refusal, compared to just 1–1.4 days per month for peers without autism.​ Why Autism an

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Feeding Strategies for Kids with Autism
Autism Nov 2025

Feeding Strategies for Kids with Autism: Quick Wins

Feeding Strategies for Kids with Autism helps families reduce mealtime stress and expand food variety with small, consistent steps. This guide highlights practical, evidence-based actions you can start now. Key strategies (scannable) Start small: one new food at a time, in a calm setting, with brief

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aba therapy at daycare
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

The Benefits of ABA Therapy at Daycare for Autism

Watching your child navigate the world is a unique journey, especially for parents of children with autism. The preschool years are a critical time for development, and finding the right support is essential. Integrating Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy into a daycare setting is a powerful wa

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What to expect on the first day of ABA therapy?
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

What to Expect on the First Day of ABA Therapy: Parent’s Guide

What to expect on the first day of ABA Therapy? Starting an ABA therapy journey for your child is a significant and hopeful step toward unlocking their full potential. The first day can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty, which is completely normal. Understanding what to expect can ease any c

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do babies with autism smile
Autism Oct 2025

Do Babies With Autism Smile? Insights for Parents

Do babies with autism smile? A baby’s first smile is a milestone that parents eagerly await. It’s a powerful sign of connection and an early form of communication. But what if your baby’s smiling behaviors seem different? For parents wondering about infant development and potential signs of autism s

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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