Our Blog — Page 21

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 21 of 45

A girl with autism is laying on the floor with memory game cards
Autism Jul 2025

Do People with Autism Have Good Memory?

Yes, many people with autism have strong memory skills, especially in specific areas. Autistic individuals often excel in rote memory, which involves recalling facts, dates, patterns, or sequences. Some may also have exceptional long-term memory or heightened attention to detail. However, memory str

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Two kids with autism laying on the floor playing with colorful blocks
Autism Jul 2025

How Do Autistic Children Play? Exploring the Characteristics

Autistic children may play differently from their peers, often engaging in solitary, repetitive, or sensory-based play. They might line up toys, spin objects, or focus intensely on a specific part of a toy rather than using it traditionally. Pretend play may be limited or unique, and social play can

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A child with autism is sitting on the floor holding a colorful fidget toy
Autism Jul 2025

Can You Self Identify as Autistic? What You Need to Know

Yes, you can self-identify as autistic, especially if you recognize traits in yourself that align with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many adults, particularly women and marginalized individuals, go undiagnosed in childhood and later find clarity through research and reflection. Self-identification

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A child with autism using an iPad
Autism Jul 2025

Should I Give My Autistic Child an iPad?

Yes, when used thoughtfully, an iPad can be a powerful tool for autistic children. Many apps support communication, learning, and emotional regulation. For nonverbal children, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) apps allow them to express needs and feelings. Educational games also help

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A child is looking at his friend with autism who's avoiding eye contact
Autism Jul 2025

Why Do Children with Autism Avoid Eye Contact? What to Know

Avoiding eye contact is a common behavior in children with autism, often linked to sensory processing differences, social communication challenges, and emotional regulation. For many autistic children, eye contact can feel overwhelming or even physically uncomfortable. The intensity of direct gaze m

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A child is shouting at her mom while she's on the phone
Autism Jul 2025

The Hardest Part of Raising a Child With Autism: Challenges and Insights

Raising a child is a journey filled with joy, growth, and unexpected moments. When a child is diagnosed with autism, that journey becomes more complex—often filled with unique challenges and emotional highs and lows. Parents may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of the future. But they also disc

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A child looking outside the window
Autism Jul 2025

Challenging Behaviors in Autism: Causes and Strategies

Navigating life with autism can come with many strengths and, at times, certain difficulties. One of the most complex aspects for caregivers, educators, and therapists is managing challenging behaviors in autism. These behaviors can include aggression, self-injury, meltdowns, elopement (running away

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A child with autism building a toy out of sensory materials
Autism Jul 2025

Sensory Breaks for Autism: What They Are and Why They Help

Children and adults on the autism spectrum often experience the world in unique and sometimes overwhelming ways. Every day environments may trigger sensory overload due to sights, sounds, textures, or smells that others might not even notice. That’s where sensory breaks come in—a proactive strategy

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An autistic person driving
Autism Jul 2025

Can an Autistic Person Drive?

Yes, many autistic individuals can and do drive. Driving ability depends on the person’s unique strengths, challenges, and comfort level. Some autistic drivers may need more time to learn, especially if they struggle with sensory sensitivity, motor coordination, or multitasking. With the right suppo

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An RBT and a kid with autism playing with an education toy during ABA therapy
ABA Therapy Jul 2025

Can You Pause ABA Therapy?

Yes, you can pause ABA therapy, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully. Families may need a break due to illness, travel, transitions, or burnout. While short pauses are sometimes necessary, extended breaks can disrupt progress and lead to skill regression, especially in early or intensive phases

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Kid playing with toy train
Autism Jul 2025

Why Do Autistic People Like Trains?

Many autistic individuals are drawn to trains due to their predictability, structure, and visual appeal. Trains follow clear, repetitive routes and schedules, which can feel comforting and reassuring to someone who thrives on routine. Trains also offer rich visual and auditory stimulation, from the

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A boy with autism holding his face while upset
Autism Jul 2025

Do Kids with Autism Get Upset Easily?

Yes, many kids with autism get upset easily due to heightened emotional sensitivity and difficulty with communication or sensory processing. Changes in routine, loud noises, or unexpected situations can feel overwhelming, leading to emotional outbursts or meltdowns. Autistic children often struggle

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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