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Our Blog — Page 19

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 19 of 46

An autistic child painting on a wall with a large brush during in-home ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

What Level of Autism Requires ABA?

ABA therapy can benefit children across all levels of autism, though the goals and strategies look different depending on each child’s needs. Autism is often described in three levels: Level 1 (mild support needs): Children may struggle with social skills, flexibility, or managing certain behaviors.

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Group of autistic children doing crafts with ABA therapists at a round table during center-based ABA therapy in NJ.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

What’s the Difference Between Shaping and Chaining in ABA?

In ABA therapy, shaping and chaining are both strategies used to teach new skills, but they work in different ways. Shaping is about gradually building a behavior by reinforcing small steps toward the goal. For example, if a child is learning to say “water,” a therapist might first reinforce any sou

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Autistic children placing a pink paper crown on their mother's head during ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

How to Deal with Autistic Family Members?

Supporting an autistic family member begins with patience, understanding, and acceptance. Autism affects how a person communicates, processes information, and interacts with the world, so adjusting expectations and approaches can make family life smoother and more supportive. First, focus on clear a

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An autistic toddler sitting on a carpet eating strawberries from a basket during ABA therapy in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Can ABA Therapy Reverse Autism?

No, ABA therapy cannot reverse or cure autism. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, and it is not something that can be “undone.” Instead, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) focuses on helping autistic children and their families by teaching practical skills, improving communication, and

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Little autistic girl pretending to drink tea in a play kitchen during in-home ABA therapy in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Can ABA Therapy Make Autism Worse?

No, ABA therapy does not make autism worse. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, and therapy cannot increase or “cause” the severity of autism. Instead, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is designed to help autistic children build communication, social, and daily living skills so they ca

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An autistic adult man focused on working at a computer desk in an office with coworkers in New Jersey.
Autism Aug 2025

Common Signs of Autism in Adults That May Surprise You

Early detection of signs of autism in adults can open doors to better support and improved well being. While autism in childhood is well recognized, many individuals only identify traits later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 36 children in the United

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Autistic children wearing party hats happily hugging during a birthday celebration indoors in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Top Strategies for Tactile Sensitivity That Really Work

Parents and educators often notice a child pulling away from light touches or resisting textures that seem harmless to most people. This behavior may indicate tactile hypersensitivity, a form of sensory processing difference that can affect a child’s comfort and learning. Strategies for tactile sens

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Group of autistic children and two ABA therapists sitting in a circle on rugs at a classroom in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

The Amazing Sensory Room Benefits for Autism You Should Know

Understanding Sensory Rooms Definition and Purpose A sensory room is a dedicated space that offers controlled sensory input. It aims to help individuals with autism process sensations in a safe environment. Sensory rooms can support exploration of light, sound, texture, and movement while promoting

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An autistic child lying on the floor in front of a laptop with a pink background during telehealth ABA session in NJ.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Can ABA Therapy Be Done Online?

Yes, ABA therapy can be done online through a method called telehealth ABA. While in-person sessions are ideal for many children, virtual ABA can be effective especially for those with mild needs, strong caregiver support, or during times when in-home services aren’t possible. Online ABA therapy typ

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Two ABA therapists reviewing insurance documents for ABA therapy with a calculator and coffee mug on the table.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

Who Pays for ABA Therapy?

In most cases, ABA therapy is covered by insurance, especially when a child has a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In New Jersey, both private insurance plans and Medicaid are required to cover ABA services under state and federal laws. Here’s who typically pays: Private Insurance

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An ABA therapist holding toddler near a window, both looking outside during ABA therapy session in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

How Do You Know If Your Child Is Not Autistic?

It’s normal to wonder about your child’s development, especially if they’re hitting milestones a bit differently. But not every delay or behavior means autism. Many children who are shy, late talkers, or prefer solo play may simply have a different learning style, not Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

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Caregiver of an autistic child counting US dollar bills beside a notebook and pen on a desk for ABA therapy expenses.
ABA Therapy Aug 2025

How Much Is ABA Therapy Out of Pocket?

If you’re a parent looking into ABA therapy for the first time, one question probably keeps coming back: "What is this actually going to cost us?" It’s one of the most important — and most stressful — questions families face. The good news is that most New Jersey families pay far less than the stick

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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