Our Blog — Page 13

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 13 of 45

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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A multigenerational family of six smiling indoors. Grandparents are seated with two children beside them, while parents stand behind, exuding warmth and happiness.
Autism Oct 2025

Does Autism Skip a Generation? Examining Genetic Links

Have you ever wondered does autism skip a generation? Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, and understanding its roots is a journey into the intricate world of genetics and environment. The causes of autism are not simple, stemming from a mix of inherited predisposition

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A woman and a girl with braided hair share a joyful moment, laughing together outside a modern building.
Autism Oct 2025

Strategies on How to Improve Communication Skills in Autism Adults

How to improve communication skills in autism adults? Navigating the world of social communication can present unique experiences for autistic adults. For many on the autism spectrum, expressing thoughts and understanding others requires a different approach. This guide is here to help. We will expl

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What does severe autism look like?
Autism Oct 2025

What Does Severe Autism Look Like? A Clear Picture

What does severe autism look like? Severe autism, also known as level 3 autism, involves significant challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Individuals may have very limited or no spoken language and rely on alternative communication methods like picture boards or devices. So

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How do families ensure ABA is a positive experience?
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

How Do Families Ensure ABA Is a Positive Experience?

How do families ensure ABA is a positive experience? The key is active involvement, open communication, and consistency. Families who engage with therapists, participate in sessions, and practice strategies at home create a supportive environment that helps children thrive in ABA therapy. Choosing t

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Do autistic kids love their mom?
Autism Oct 2025

Do Autistic Kids Love Their Mom? What Science Says

Do autistic kids love their mom? The answer is a heartfelt yes. Research shows autistic children form deep attachments to their mothers, even if they express their love differently. Because of autism’s effects on communication and interaction, autistic kids might not show affection in typical ways,

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what are the three types of chaining in aba
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

What Are the Three Types of Chaining in ABA? A Simple Breakdown

Chaining in ABA therapy helps teach complex tasks by breaking them into smaller, connected steps. The three types of chaining in ABA are forward chaining, backward chaining, and total task chaining. Each type guides learning in a unique way to build skills effectively. Forward chaining starts with t

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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