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 532 articles · page 12 of 45

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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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

Read article
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,

Read article
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

Read article
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