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 532 articles · page 18 of 45

What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Autism?
Autism Aug 2025

What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Autism?

Supporting a child with autism requires patience, understanding, and consistency. Here are some important dos and don’ts: Dos: Be patient and give extra time to process information. Use clear, simple communication and visual supports. Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Create structured routin

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What Happens When You Yell at an Autistic Child?
Autism Aug 2025

What Happens When You Yell at an Autistic Child?

Yelling at an autistic child can have negative effects. Many children with autism are highly sensitive to tone, volume, and emotions. When yelled at, they may feel frightened, overwhelmed, or confused. This can increase anxiety, trigger meltdowns, or cause withdrawal. Instead of teaching the desired

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A kid with autism sitting alone outdoors
Autism Aug 2025

What is the Autism Grief Cycle?

The autism grief cycle refers to the emotional process many parents experience after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It is not about grieving the child but rather adjusting expectations and processing the changes in their journey. The cycle often mirrors stages of grief: denial, anger, bar

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Students in a classroom raising their hands
Autism Aug 2025

Can a Child with Autism Attend Regular School?

Yes, many children with autism can attend regular schools. The decision often depends on the child’s unique needs, strengths, and the level of support provided. Some children thrive in inclusive classrooms with accommodations, while others may benefit from specialized programs. Schools can provide I

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Two friends with autism
Autism Aug 2025

Autism and Friendships: Building Social Connections

Key Highlights Children with autism may face challenges in understanding social cues, communication, and shared interests that impact friendships. Friendships are vital for emotional development, self-esteem, and social growth. Structured supports, social skills training, and parent guidance can fos

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A mom and her kid with autism packing for their trip
Autism Aug 2025

How to Travel with a Kid with Autism: Stress-Free Tips for Families

Key Highlights Preparing in advance makes traveling with a child with autism smoother and less stressful. Visual schedules, social stories, and sensory tools can help reduce anxiety during trips. Choosing autism-friendly destinations, flights, and accommodations improves the travel experience. Packi

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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