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Our Blog — Page 29

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 29 of 46

A therapist giving a high five to a girl during their autism family therapy.
Autism May 2025

Autism Family Therapy: A Journey Towards Understanding and Support

Understanding Autism Family Therapy Family Therapy Goals Autism family therapy serves a critical role in integrating family members into the intervention plan. Essential goals in autism family therapy include: Strengthening family dynamics and improving relationships Enhancing coping mechanisms and

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Best Toys for Children with Autism: Helpful Choices
Autism May 2025

Best Toys for Children with Autism: Helpful Choices

Toys That Are Good for Children with Autism When raising a child with autism, parents often look for ways to support their child’s development in fun, engaging, and effective ways. One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to encourage growth is through play. Toys specifically designed for childr

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A father playing with his child with autism
Autism May 2025

What is the Best Parenting Style for Autism? Guidance and Tips

Parenting a child with autism can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging. As parents, you want the best for your child, and this often includes finding the right approach to parenting that supports your child’s unique needs. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents various challenges in communi

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A child with autism covering her face with her arms.
Autism Apr 2025

Shy or Autistic: How to Differentiate the Two

Shy or Autistic: Differentiating the Two Understanding whether a child is simply shy or exhibiting signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a challenging process for many parents, caregivers, and even professionals. While both shyness and autism can manifest as quiet or withdrawn behavior, the

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Pikachu plush toys on store shelf, one of the Pokemon characters created by Satoshi Tajiri, who's suspected of autism.
Autism Apr 2025

Satoshi Tajiri and Autism: Unveiling the Connection

When we think of the iconic Pokémon franchise, we often think of the colorful creatures, the trainers, and the immense cultural impact it has had over the years. However, few know the unique story behind its creation and the man who brought it to life, Satoshi Tajiri. What is even more fascinating i

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Children wearing masks standing in line in a classroom with an ABA therapist by a chalkboard in NJ.
ABA Therapy Apr 2025

Shocking ABA Therapy Horror Stories You Need to Know

Key Highlights Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a common treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering many benefits. Despite successes, "horror stories" surrounding ABA therapy raise ethical concerns and reveal instances of possible harm. Forced suppression of stimming and an int

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RBT students sitting at desks focused on taking a RBT exam at a testing center in New Jersey.
BCBAs & RBTs Apr 2025

How Many People Pass the RBT Exam the First Time? Key Facts

Key Highlights The national average for first-time RBT exam pass rates has dropped in recent years. Success relies on thorough preparation. This includes studying the RBT Task List and taking mock exams. Things like the quality of training, study habits, and past experience greatly influence scores

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BCBA interacting with four autistic children playing with toy food at a table in a classroom in NJ.
BCBAs & RBTs Apr 2025

Is There a Shortage of BCBAs in New Jersey? Job Insights

Key Highlights The demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in New Jersey is witnessing substantial growth, driven by increasing awareness of behavioral analysis interventions. Educational settings and healthcare sectors are experiencing a pressing need for qualified BCBAs to address div

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Autistic child sprinkling seasoning into a bowl of shredded vegetables in a kitchen at home in NJ.
Autism Apr 2025

Easy Gluten-Free Recipes Your Autistic Child Will Love

Understanding Gluten-Free Diets Understanding the intricacies of gluten-free diets is crucial for parents and caregivers of autistic children, especially when searching for gluten-free recipes for autistic picky eaters. This section highlights the importance of gluten-free labeling and identifies co

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Slices of bread, strawberries, blueberries, and oranges arranged on a blue surface in New Jersey.
Autism Apr 2025

Healthy and Easy Recipes for Autistic Picky Eaters to Try

Understanding Autism and Picky Eating Understanding the relationship between autism and picky eating is essential in addressing the dietary needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This section explores food aversions and the impact of sensory sensitivities on eating habits. Food Avers

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Family helping a young autistic child mix ingredients in a copper bowl at the kitchen in New Jersey.
Autism Apr 2025

Tasty Texture-Modified Recipes for Picky Eaters to Enjoy

Understanding Texture-Modified Diets Benefits of Texture Modification Texture-modified diets cater to sensory sensitivities, which are common among children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These diets can consist of smooth pureed, minced, or soft foods, depending on individual needs

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Mother and her autistic daughter wearing aprons and preparing food together at a cozy kitchen in NJ.
Autism Apr 2025

The Ultimate Hidden Vegetable Recipes for Picky Eaters

Getting picky eaters to enjoy vegetables can feel like an impossible task, especially when strong preferences for certain textures, colors, or flavors come into play. For many families, mealtimes turn into daily negotiations rather than moments of connection. That’s where hidden vegetable recipes co

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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