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 532 articles · page 16 of 45

Person handing Tylenol pill to pregnant patient holding water glass even with autism risks it poses.
Autism Sep 2025

Tylenol, Autism, and Leucovorin: What the Science Really Says

The Trump administration is preparing to announce a new policy statement linking prenatal use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) with autism risk and highlighting leucovorin, a folinic acid supplement, as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The move has sparked debate among families, c

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A kid and an RBT during ABA therapy
ABA Therapy Sep 2025

What Happens if ABA Therapy Is Stopped Too Early?

ABA therapy is most effective when it’s consistent and long-term. If stopped too early, children may face challenges such as: Regression of skills: Learned behaviors, communication, or coping strategies may fade without reinforcement. Interrupted progress: Stopping abruptly can leave goals unfinishe

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An kid with autism and his RBT are playing with wooden blocks
Autism Sep 2025

How to Deal with Repetitive Behaviors in Autism

Repetitive behaviors in autism—such as hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating words—are often called stimming. These actions help children self-regulate emotions, reduce stress, or find comfort in overwhelming environments. The key is understanding when intervention is needed. If the behavior is harml

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A kid with his train toys smiling
Autism Sep 2025

What Is Allistic? Understanding the Term

The term allistic refers to anyone who is not autistic. While “neurotypical” usually describes people without neurological differences, “allistic” is more specific—it simply means non-autistic, regardless of whether someone has another condition such as ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety. This distinction m

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A kid with autism lining up his toy cars
Autism Sep 2025

Why Do Kids with Autism Line Up Toys?

Many parents notice their child with autism lining up toys instead of playing with them in traditional ways. This behavior is linked to repetitive and restrictive behaviors, which are common characteristics of autism. Children may line up toys because it provides predictability and order, helping th

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A kid taking an online autism test
Autism Sep 2025

Are Online Autism Tests Accurate?

Parents and adults often turn to online autism tests as a quick way to explore concerns. But are these tests accurate? The short answer is no, not entirely. Online autism tests can be useful screening tools. They may highlight potential traits such as difficulties with communication, social interact

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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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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