Our Blog — Page 22

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 22 of 45

An ABA therapist is covering a child's eyes during ABA therapy
Autism Jul 2025

What Age Is Autism Usually Diagnosed?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed between 18 months and 3 years of age. However, signs can appear as early as 12 months, and a reliable diagnosis is often possible by age 2. Early detection is critical, as early intervention, especially through therapies like ABA, can significant

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A child throwing a tantrum being comforted by his mom
Autism Jul 2025

Autism Emotional Sensitivity: Understanding and Support

Key Highlights Emotional sensitivity in autism is often heightened and may cause intense reactions to everyday situations. Common signs include difficulty identifying feelings, emotional outbursts, or shutdowns. Emotional sensitivity can stem from neurological differences, sensory processing issues,

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A girl with autism and her mother are making a garland
Autism Jul 2025

Visual Stimming in Autism: Causes, Examples, and Support

Key Highlights Visual stimming is a type of self-stimulatory behavior common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It often involves repetitive movements or visual input like hand-flapping, staring at lights, or watching spinning objects. Visual stimming helps with self-regulation, sen

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A cut out shape of a human head with colorful gears inside
Autism Jul 2025

Theory of Mind and Autism: Understanding Social Thinking Challenges

Key Highlights Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and beliefs different from one’s own. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience delays or challenges in developing Theory of Mind. Difficulties with Theory of Mind can impact soc

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A child with autism studying at home
Autism Jul 2025

Is There a Cure for Autism?

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you typed "is there a cure for autism" into a search bar late at night, with your child sleeping in the next room. Maybe you just got a diagnosis. Maybe you’ve been navigating autism for years and are exhausted. Maybe you’re a grandparent, an aunt, a tea

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A boy using a smartphone in bed at night
Autism Jul 2025

Can Screen Time Cause Autism?

Updated: July 20, 2026 No, screen time does not cause autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition primarily influenced by genetic and prenatal environmental factors, not by exposure to screens. While excessive screen time may affect a child’s social interaction, attentio

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Parent with a baby looking stressed
Autism Jul 2025

Does Bad Parenting Cause Autism?

No, bad parenting does not cause autism. This harmful myth has been disproven by decades of research. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, not parenting style. The outdated "refrigerator mother"

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A little boy during speech therapy
Autism Jul 2025

The Truth About Nonverbal Autism (It’s Not What Most Parents Assume)

No, not all autistic children are nonverbal. Autism is a spectrum, meaning communication abilities vary greatly from child to child. Some autistic children are completely verbal and speak fluently, while others may have limited speech or use alternative communication methods such as sign language or

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A kid with autism doing potty training
Autism Jul 2025

A Beginner’s Guide to Autism Potty Training

Key Highlights Look for readiness signs like staying dry for longer periods and following simple instructions before starting. Use structure and visual supports such as schedules, social stories, and step-by-step visuals to create a predictable routine. Create a sensory-friendly bathroom setup and a

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A kid sitting on a table holding a biscuit playing with fidget toys
Autism Jul 2025

Understanding Autism Overstimulation: Causes and Solutions

Key Highlights Autism overstimulation occurs when sensory input exceeds what the brain can process, creating emotional and physical discomfort. Sensory overstimulation is often triggered by sounds, lights, textures, and crowded environments. Recognizing signs like repetitive behaviors, tension, or w

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A girl in a white shirt holding her thumbs up
Autism Jul 2025

Autism and Always Being Right: Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Key Highlights Autistic individuals often exhibit a strong inclination toward "always being right" due to unique cognitive processes, such as black-and-white thinking and a focus on logical reasoning. Emotional regulation challenges and sensory sensitivities can amplify argumentative behavior and co

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An autistic teenager using a virtual reality headset and controller in a brick-walled room during ABA therapy in NJ.
Autism Jul 2025

What’s the Difference Between High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s?

High-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger’s Syndrome are both terms used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who have average or above-average intelligence and relatively intact language skills. However, the key difference lies in the diagnostic history and specific traits. Asperger’s Sy

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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