Skip to main content

Our Blog — Page 18

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 18 of 46

A kid standing straight with his hands on his waist
Autism Aug 2025

Autism Executive Function: Understanding Support Strategies

Key Highlights Executive function is a set of mental skills that help with organization, planning, flexibility, and self-control. Many individuals with autism experience executive function challenges that affect daily routines, school, and social interactions. Skills like working memory, cognitive f

Read article
An autistic woman relaxing in a wicker chair with a cup of coffee after an ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

Can Level 1 Autism Live Alone?

Yes, many individuals with Level 1 autism, sometimes referred to as needing only minimal support, can live alone successfully. Level 1 autism often involves challenges with social communication, flexibility, and managing certain daily tasks, but with the right preparation and supports, independent l

Read article
Two happy autistic kids peeking and laughing from behind a door during in-home ABA therapy in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

Why Is High Functioning Autism No Longer Used?

The term “high functioning autism” is no longer used because it can be misleading and doesn’t accurately reflect the diverse needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Today, professionals use the umbrella diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which better recognizes the wide range of strength

Read article
Two autistic kids playing with giant colorful building blocks indoors during ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

What Do People with Autism Behave Like?

People with autism don’t behave in one single way. Autism is a spectrum, which means behaviors vary widely from person to person. Still, there are some common traits that families, teachers, and caregivers may notice. Many autistic individuals show differences in social interaction. For example, the

Read article
Two autistic girls holding a scooter, one smiling at the camera during center-based ABA therapy in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

How Can You Gain an Autistic Person’s Attention?

Gaining an autistic person’s attention often requires patience, respect, and an understanding of their unique communication style. Because autism affects how individuals process sensory input and social cues, traditional methods like calling their name may not always work effectively. One helpful st

Read article
An autistic girl in pink robe lying and resting on pillows while looking at the camera after ABA therapy in NJ.
Autism Aug 2025

What Are Common Behaviors of Autism?

Autism is a spectrum, which means behaviors can vary widely from child to child. Still, there are some common patterns that families and professionals often notice. One of the most recognized signs is differences in communication and social interaction. A child with autism may avoid eye contact, pre

Read article
An autistic child sleeping peacefully in bed with stuffed animals preparing tomorrow's ABA therapy class in NJ.
Autism Aug 2025

The Best Autistic Sleeping Positions for Peaceful Nights

Understanding Sleep Issues In Autism Children and adults on the autism spectrum often have unique sleep patterns and sensitivities. Research shows that autistic individuals are nearly twice as likely to face sleep disturbances compared with their neurotypical peers. This gap can create a ripple effe

Read article
An RBT and autistic child playing a board game with animal pieces during in-home ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Proven Rigid ABA Therapy Techniques to Enhance Communication

Rigid ABA therapy techniques have played a central role in evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, particularly in fostering communication skills. These methods rely on structured, systematic approaches drawn from applied behavior analysis. Clinicians and educator

Read article
An ABA therapist with two young autistic girls painting at a round table during in-home ABA therapy in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Why Naturalistic Teaching in ABA Therapy Works for Many

Understanding Naturalistic Teaching Naturalistic teaching in ABA therapy applies Applied Behavior Analysis principles within settings and activities that a child naturally encounters. Instead of sitting at a table for structured drills, the child learns language, social, and play skills during every

Read article
An ABA therapist helping child draw with crayons at a table during in-home ABA therapy in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

The Benefits of SPELL Therapy for Autism You Should Know

SPELL therapy for autism has gained attention as a holistic method designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum. Developed by the National Autistic Society in the UK, the SPELL Autism Framework outlines a structured, person-centered approach that promotes inclusion, independence, and well-

Read article
A professional BCBA in glasses reading documents on a sofa, preparing ABA treatment plans for autistic patient in NJ.
BCBAs & RBTs Aug 2025

Top BCBA Certification Programs for Aspiring Therapists

Families and educators who support individuals with autism need skilled practitioners trained in applied behavior analysis. Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentials confirm that a professional meets the rigorous standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. With demand for credentialed

Read article
Autistic kids learning science, music, and math during school-based ABA therapy in New Jersey, showing high IQ.
Autism Aug 2025

The Bright Side of Autism Spectrum High Intelligence

Autism has evolved from a relatively rare diagnosis in 2000, when it affected about one in 150 children, to an estimated one in 54 today, thanks to better awareness and screening. Amid this shift, a fascinating subgroup has gained attention: autistic individuals whose cognitive abilities consistentl

Read article
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