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Our Blog — Page 14

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 14 of 46

Child and BCBA drawing a family picture on chalkboard during ABA therapy.
Autism Oct 2025

5 Ways Visual Supports Help Kids with Autism Communicate and Connect

Visual supports can be life-changing for children on the autism spectrum. They turn spoken words into something concrete — helping kids understand, express themselves, and feel more confident in everyday routines. Here are five simple yet powerful ways visual supports can make communication easier.

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BCBA and autistic girl reading a book together in ABA therapy.
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

Social Stories for Autism: How ABA Therapy Turns Words into Progress

In ABA therapy, we’re always looking for tools that help children with autism make sense of everyday life. Social stories do exactly that. They use short, meaningful narratives to teach understanding, not correction. When used thoughtfully, social stories can reduce anxiety, improve communication, a

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Autistic boy blowing soap bubbles outside after ABA therapy session.
Autism Oct 2025

Water Play Activities for Autistic Children: Fun Ways to Learn and Regulate

When I work with children on the autism spectrum, I often look for ways to make learning feel natural. One of the best methods I’ve found is through water play activities. They’re not only fun but also incredibly beneficial for children with autism who experience sensory differences, communication c

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Autistic boy smiling with a blue toy airplane in ABA therapy.
Autism Oct 2025

What are the Three Main Causes of Autism? Here’s What Research Says

When a child is diagnosed with autism, one of the first questions most parents ask is “why?” Understanding the possible causes of autism can help ease confusion and bring clarity. While there’s no single cause, research shows that autism develops from a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental

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Autistic boy playing with dinosaur toys in ABA therapy.
Autism Oct 2025

Autism Special Interests List: Why They Matter and How to Support Them

Every child with autism is wonderfully unique — and so are their interests. Some special interests are typical childhood fascinations taken to a deeper level, while others are incredibly specific or unusual. Here’s a more detailed list of common “autism obsessions” or special interests that many par

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Female BCBA and autistic girl reading in a blanket fort in ABA therapy.
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

How Effective Is In-Home ABA Therapy for Children with Autism?

If you’re exploring ABA therapy for your child, one of the first questions you might have is whether in-home ABA therapy really works. The short answer? Yes — in-home ABA can be incredibly effective, especially for children who learn best in familiar, comfortable environments. Why In-Home ABA Works

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Autistic boy with glasses holding molecular model in ABA therapy.
Autism Oct 2025

Can a Sensory Diet Help Children with Autism Thrive?

If you’ve heard the term “sensory diet” and wondered what it means for your child with autism, you’re not alone. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with food. A sensory diet is a personalized plan of physical and sensory activities designed to help children regulate their senses, focus, and feel

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BCBA and autistic boy playing with stacking toy in ABA therapy.
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

What Parents Can Expect in Their Child’s First Month of ABA Therapy

Starting ABA therapy is a big milestone — and if you’re a parent, it’s completely normal to feel both hopeful and a little unsure. The first month is all about connection, learning routines, and setting the stage for your child’s growth. Here’s what those first few weeks usually look like. Building

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An ABA therapist and an autistic child are playing a board game together on the living room floor in NJ.
Autism Oct 2025

Rewarding Indoor Activities for Autistic Adults to Experience

Indoor activities for autistic adults can provide rewarding opportunities for skill development, sensory regulation, and creative exploration. They range from cooking and gardening to mindful breathing and game play. This guide highlights engaging options that can be tailored to individual strengths

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An autistic child holding up a card with a colorful chameleon during an ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Oct 2025

How Fading ABA Therapy Techniques Support Independence

Fading ABA therapy techniques support independence by gradually reducing prompts until individuals with autism can perform skills on their own. These strategies guide learners from full assistance toward self-initiated actions, building confidence and functional abilities in daily routines. In this

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A BCBA in glasses holding a laptop while standing near window blinds as she prepares for a job interview in New Jersey.
BCBAs & RBTs Oct 2025

Discover the Best BCBA Job Openings in New Jersey

New Jersey is experiencing a surge in BCBA job openings as demand grows for qualified specialists who support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) bridge scientific methods and compassionate care to design and implement behavior-

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A BCBA writing notes for a person suspected with autism during autism diagnosis at an ABA therapy clinic in New Jersey.
Autism Sep 2025

Why Is Getting an Autism Diagnosis So Expensive?

For many families, the cost of an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming. While the evaluation is essential for accessing services like ABA therapy, speech therapy, and school accommodations, several factors contribute to the high price. Specialized Professionals Autism evaluations are usually condu

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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