Our Blog — Page 15

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 15 of 45

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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An autistic boy solving colorful cube puzzle at desk during in-home ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
Autism Sep 2025

What Is the IQ of a Nonverbal Autistic Person?

The IQ of a nonverbal autistic person can vary widely, just as it does for neurotypical individuals. Being nonverbal does not automatically mean low intelligence. Some nonverbal individuals may have intellectual disabilities, while others may have average or even above-average intelligence. Why IQ C

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An autistic woman writing in notebook while sitting on sofa, applying ABA techniques on herself in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

Can You Use ABA on Yourself?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is most often used by therapists to support individuals with autism, but its principles can be applied to anyone, including yourself. At its core, ABA is about understanding how behaviors are influenced by the environment and using reinforcement to create positive cha

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Autistic children learning with an ABA therapist using picture cards during ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

Is ABA the Best Treatment for Autism?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as one of the most effective therapies for children with autism. While “best” can vary depending on a child’s unique needs, ABA stands out because it is research-backed, individualized, and highly adaptable. Why ABA Is Considered Effective: Eviden

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An autistic baby sitting on floor surrounded by toys and books during ABA therapy session in New Jersey
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

Transforming Lives with Pivotal Response Training in ABA Therapy

Understanding Pivotal Response Training in ABA Families across New Jersey and beyond often search for interventions that not only address specific skills but also spark broader developmental gains. Among Applied Behavior Analysis options, pivotal response training in ABA stands out with its naturali

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An autistic child with crossed arms looking away as an adult points a finger, punishing them in NJ.
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

What Are the Red Flags in ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy can be life-changing for children with autism, but not all programs are created equal. Parents should know the warning signs that an ABA program may not be providing ethical, effective, or compassionate care. Key Red Flags to Watch For: One-Size-Fits-All Approach – Every child is unique.

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Autism spelled with colorful wooden blocks against a white background, symbolizing autism statistics in New Jersey.
Autism Sep 2025

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Statistics Today

Recent figures show that 1 in 31 eight-year-old children in the United States meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder, highlighting its growing recognition in schools, clinics, and communities. These autism spectrum disorder statistics shed light on current prevalence patterns, diagnostic ag

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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