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Our Blog — Page 33

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 33 of 46

An autistic child with crossed arms looking away as an adult points a finger, punishing them in NJ.
ABA Therapy Mar 2025

Warning Signs in ABA Therapy to Watch Out For

Key Highlights Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can be incredibly effective, but it’s crucial to ensure your child receives high-quality care. This guide outlines ten red flags to watch out for in ABA therapy, empowering parents to make informed decisions. From a lack of data tracking and ind

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An ABA therapist playing a ukulele while autistic kid dances on a bed at a sunlit room in NJ.
ABA Therapy Mar 2025

Is 40 Hours of ABA Therapy Overwhelming?

Key Highlights The ideal amount of ABA therapy varies for each child. 40 hours per week is a common suggestion, but individual needs should be prioritized. Factors like age, developmental progress, and symptom severity play a role in determining therapy hours. Regular communication between parents,

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A stressed BCBA student in a red jacket taking his first BCBA exam at a lecture hall in New Jersey
BCBAs & RBTs Mar 2025

BCBA Exam First Try Pass Rate Insights

Key Highlights The BCBA exam is a comprehensive assessment for aspiring behavior analysts. This blog provides insights into the exam structure, national pass rates, and preparation strategies. We’ll cover subject areas, study techniques, and common challenges faced by test-takers. Real-life success

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Educational Toys for Autism to Enhance Development
Autism Mar 2025

Educational Toys for Autism to Enhance Development

Understanding Sensory Toys Benefits of Sensory Toys Sensory toys are like magic wands for kids, especially those on the autism spectrum. They’re crafted to tickle the senses, helping kids chill out and get the sensory input they crave. Here’s why they’re awesome: Senses in Action: These toys get kid

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A red sensory toy with a smiling face sits beside a blue & yellow puzzle piece, representing autism.
Autism Mar 2025

Innovative Sensory Toys for Autism

Understanding Sensory Toys Benefits of Sensory Toys Sensory toys are like little magic tools that tickle the senses, especially helpful for kids on the autism spectrum. They’re not just playthings; they’re like tiny therapists that help kids focus, chill out, and feel more at ease. Here’s what these

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An autistic boy sits on a rug playing with a toy truck and colorful LEGO house near a couch in NJ.
Autism Mar 2025

Best Toys for Autistic Child’s Development

Understanding Sensory Toys Importance of Sensory Stimulation Sensory toys are crafted to tickle the senses, helping kids on the autism spectrum chill out and get the sensory input they crave. These toys are like a magic wand for folks with autism, engaging their senses—sight, touch, sound, movement,

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A close-up of a autistic child’s hand pressing bubbles on a therapeutic fidget pop-it toy in NJ.
Autism Mar 2025

Therapeutic Toys for Autism Success

Understanding Autism and Play Importance of Play for Children with Autism Play is a big deal for kids, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s not just about fun; it’s a way for them to learn about the world, try new things, and get the hang of sharing, taking turns, and chatting

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Brown monkey and white calming stuff toy sit on a shelf with wooden toys around them at home in NJ.
Autism Mar 2025

Recommended Calming Toys for Autism

Understanding Sensory Toys Benefits of Sensory Toys Sensory toys for autism are like magic wands for kids on the spectrum. They help with focus, attention, and stress relief, making life a bit more chill and manageable. These toys are all about engaging the senses, giving kids a chance to explore an

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A boy with autism is playing Minecraft on a computer
Autism Mar 2025

Using Minecraft in Autism Therapy: A Parent’s Guide to Beneficial Screen Time

Minecraft and Autism: How the Game Supports Learning and Social Skills Few video games have captured the attention of autistic children and teens quite like Minecraft. What looks like a simple block-building game on the surface has become a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and skill-buildin

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An autistic child eloping
Autism Mar 2025

Elopement in Autism: Causes, Prevention, and Safety Tips

Elopement, or wandering, is a common but concerning behavior in autistic individuals. It occurs when a person leaves a safe environment without permission or awareness of the potential dangers. For many families, elopement can be stressful and even life-threatening, as it increases the risk of accid

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A mother is kissing her baby on a couch
Autism Mar 2025

Are You Born with Autism or Does It Develop? Understanding ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and sensory processing. One of the most common questions people ask about autism is whether individuals are born with it or if it develops over time. The answer is complex, involving genetics, pren

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An RBT helping a boy with autism with his art activity during ABA therapy
Autism Mar 2025

Does Stimming Mean You Are Neurodivergent? Understanding the Signs

Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, is a common action that involves repetitive movements, sounds, or other activities. Many people associate stimming with autism, but it is not exclusive to autistic individuals. It can also be present in those with ADHD, anxiety, and other conditions—or even in

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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