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Our Blog — Page 23

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 23 of 46

Young autistic boy riding a blue toy tractor on a grassy yard during in-home ABA therapy in New Jersey.
Autism Jul 2025

Can a Child Show Signs of Autism and Not Be Autistic?

Yes, it is possible for a child to show behaviors that resemble autism but not be diagnosed with the condition. Many behaviors such as difficulty with social interactions, repetitive actions, or sensory sensitivities can overlap with autism but may also be associated with other developmental or medi

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Two autistic people exchanging wrapped gifts outdoors in NJ, with a natural green background, as a way to express care.
Autism Jul 2025

When Autistic Children Give You Random Objects: Understanding This Sweet Communication

You’re rinsing a coffee mug when you feel a small tug on your sleeve. You look down, and there it is, a smooth gray pebble pressed into your palm. No words. Just a quiet little offering, then your child walks back to their game like nothing happened. Last week it was an acorn. The week […]

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An RBT and autistic child planting a flower in a pot while surrounded by greenery during in-home ABA therapy in NJ.
ABA Therapy Jul 2025

How Natural Environment Teaching in ABA Benefits Children with ASD

Natural environment teaching in ABA, often called NET, brings learning into a child’s daily world. It uses a child’s home, school, or community settings to teach new skills in meaningful contexts. This approach supports children with autism spectrum disorder by embedding instruction in routines they

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Navigating the BCBA Path Without a Master’s Degree
BCBAs & RBTs Jul 2025

Navigating the BCBA Path Without a Master’s Degree

Key Highlights Discover alternative routes to BCBA certification without a master’s degree, innovating new career possibilities. Learn the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) evolving educational requirements tailored for diverse backgrounds. Find state-specific options for individuals in

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a woman with babies and toys
ABA Therapy Jun 2025

What Age Is Too Late for ABA Therapy?

It’s never too late to benefit from ABA therapy. While early intervention, typically between the ages of 2 and 5, is ideal for the best results, ABA therapy can be effective at any age. Whether you’re a parent of a young child or an adult seeking support, ABA therapy offers tailored strategies to im

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An autistic boy in glasses leaning on hand at school desk, looking thoughtful during school-based ABA therapy in NJ.
Autism Jun 2025

Can You Go From Level 3 Autism to Level 1?

Autism is a spectrum, meaning it varies greatly in severity and the types of challenges it presents. The levels of autism, ranging from Level 1 (requiring minimal support) to Level 3 (requiring substantial support), are based on the intensity of an individual’s symptoms and the support they need in

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An autistic girl in orange cardigan smiling while drawing at a classroom table during ABA therapy session in NJ.
ABA Therapy Jun 2025

Does ABA Count as Mental Health Services?

ABA therapy is often considered a form of mental health service, especially when used to treat behaviors associated with autism. While ABA primarily focuses on improving specific behaviors through structured interventions, it addresses emotional, social, and cognitive aspects of development. It help

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An ABA therapist playing on floor with autistic toddler and colorful blocks in a cozy room in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Jun 2025

What Does ABA Therapy Look Like for a 2-Year-Old?

ABA therapy for a 2-year-old focuses on building essential skills in a fun and engaging way. At this age, the therapy is often play-based, using toys, games, and interactive activities to teach skills like communication, social interaction, and following simple instructions. Therapists work on found

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Group of young autistic children sitting in a circle with an RBT and BCBA in a playroom in New Jersey.
ABA Therapy Jun 2025

What Is the Difference Between ABA and BCBA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are closely related but distinct concepts in the field of autism therapy. ABA refers to the therapeutic approach that focuses on teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement and other

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An RBT using discrete trial training to an autistic child as they prepare food in a kitchen in NJ.
ABA Therapy Jun 2025

Why DTT in ABA Therapy Is Essential for Skill Development

Understanding Discrete Trial Training Many families and professionals view DTT in ABA therapy as a highly structured way to teach new skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Discrete Trial Training was developed by Dr. Ivar Lovaas in the 1960s as part of the Lovaas Method within applied

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A BCBA sitting on a bed using a laptop in a softly lit, cozy bedroom, working remotely at home in NJ.
BCBAs & RBTs Jun 2025

Why Remote BCBA Jobs Are the Future of Therapy Careers

Remote BCBA jobs have surged in recent years as telehealth reshapes applied behavior analysis for families and professionals. They allow board certified behavior analysts to deliver therapy from home, extending reach and flexibility. This evolution is transforming therapy careers by expanding access

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A group of children in an outdoor activity.
ABA Therapy Jun 2025

How ABA Therapy Enhances Social Skills for Autistic Children

For children with autism, developing social skills is often one of the most significant challenges they face. Social interaction involves understanding and responding to verbal and non-verbal cues, taking turns in conversation, recognizing emotions, and building relationships. These essential skills

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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