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 532 articles · page 19 of 45

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

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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

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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-

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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

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

Autism and IQ: How Intelligence Is Distributed Across the Spectrum

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

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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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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