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Our Blog — Page 16

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 16 of 46

A mom and her daughter with autism talking to a doctor
Autism Sep 2025

Doctor Visits and Autism: Tips for Stress-Free Appointments

Key Highlights Doctor visits can be stressful for autistic children due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and unfamiliar routines. Preparing ahead with visual schedules, social stories, and role-playing helps reduce stress. Parents can work with providers to create sensory-friendly, supportive envi

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A kid with autism toe walking
Autism Sep 2025

Autism Toe Walking: Causes, Treatment, and Support

Key Highlights Toe walking is more common in children with autism compared to their peers. Causes may include sensory sensitivities, motor development challenges, or habit formation. Persistent toe walking can affect balance, posture, and long-term joint health. Treatment options include physical th

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Two kids taking turns while playing
Autism Sep 2025

Turn-Taking in Autism: Building Social Skills with ABA

Key Highlights Turn-taking is a foundational social skill that helps children engage in play, communication, and daily routines. Many autistic children struggle with turn-taking due to communication, sensory, or social challenges. Structured activities, visual supports, and ABA strategies can make t

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Two siblings sitting on the floor. One kid is crying.
Autism Sep 2025

Do Autistic Kids Understand Punishment?

Autistic kids may not always understand punishment in the way adults expect. Traditional punishments, like timeouts or loss of privileges, can be confusing if the child does not connect the consequence to the behavior. Why Punishment Often Fails Difficulty with cause and effect: Some children strugg

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A kid with autism holding a colorful fidget toy
Autism Sep 2025

What Are Calming Items for Autism? Best Tools to Use

Calming items for autism are tools designed to help children regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and manage sensory overload. These items provide comfort, focus, and a sense of control in overwhelming environments. Common Calming Items Weighted blankets or lap pads: Provide deep pressure for relaxati

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A kkid with autism leaning on a table
Autism Sep 2025

What is Rett’s Autism? Key Facts Explained

Rett’s autism, more accurately known as Rett syndrome, is a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects girls. It was once thought to be part of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because of overlapping symptoms, but today it is recognized as a separate condition. Key Features of Rett Syndrome Dev

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A kid with autism playing with colored wooden blocks
Autism Sep 2025

Autism Hyperfixation: Understanding and Supporting Special Interests

Key Highlights Hyperfixation in autism often centers around deep interests or activities. Special interests can promote learning, skill-building, and emotional regulation. Challenges may arise if hyperfixation interferes with daily life or flexibility. Families and therapists can harness hyperfixati

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A kid with autism and his parents during ABA therapy
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

Stereotypes in Autism and ABA: Breaking Myths with Facts

Key Highlights Autism stereotypes often misrepresent the diverse spectrum of abilities. Common misconceptions can limit opportunities for autistic individuals. ABA therapy emphasizes personalized approaches, breaking harmful stereotypes. Families play a key role in shifting perspectives and fosterin

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A family during ABA therapy
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

ABA Therapy and Improved Family Dynamics

Key Highlights ABA therapy provides structured strategies to improve communication and behavior at home. Families experience reduced stress and stronger bonds through consistent support. Parent involvement in ABA therapy enhances long-term progress for children. Techniques can be applied across dail

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A kid with autism doing school works
Autism Sep 2025

Can Autism Make It Hard to Focus?

Yes, autism can make focusing challenging for many children. Difficulties with attention are often linked to sensory sensitivities, routine changes, or differences in processing information. Here’s what can help: Structured Environment: Predictable routines and clear expectations reduce distractions

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A kid with autism thinking deeply
Autism Sep 2025

Are Autistic People Deep Thinkers?

Many autistic individuals are considered deep thinkers, often processing information in unique and detailed ways. Here’s why: Intense Focus: Autistic people often concentrate deeply on topics of interest, noticing details others might miss. Analytical Thinking: They may approach problems logically a

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A kid with autism laying on the grass
Autism Sep 2025

What Relaxes Autism? | Tips to Calm Autistic Kids

Finding ways to help autistic children relax is key to reducing stress and promoting well-being. While every child is unique, these strategies often work: Sensory Tools: Weighted blankets, fidget toys, or soft textures can provide comfort and calm. Predictable Routine: A structured schedule helps re

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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