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Our Blog — Page 7

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 7 of 46

Young autistic kid concentrating while building with colorful blocks, demonstrating fine motor skills & focused play at home
ABA Therapy Jan 2026

Is ABA Ethical for Autism?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely used interventions for children with autism. The question of ethics often arises because families want to ensure that therapy respects their child’s individuality and dignity. ABA is considered ethical when it is practiced with compas

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A therapist watching autistic kid play independently with building toys, encouraging focus, creativity, and problem-solving.
Autism Jan 2026

How to Make a Child with Autism Happy?

Every child experiences happiness differently, and for children with autism, joy often comes from feeling understood, supported, and secure. Creating happiness begins with recognizing their unique preferences and sensitivities. Many children thrive on predictable routines, which provide comfort and

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A therapist and an autistic kid sitting together as they explore creative play, supporting bonding and emotional connection
Autism Jan 2026

Does My Autistic Child Understand Me?

Parents often wonder if their autistic child truly understands them. The answer is yes though understanding may look different than expected. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how children process language, social cues, and emotions. Some children may struggle with verbal communication but exce

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A therapist engaging to a autistic kid in play-based interaction using blocks to encourage communication.
Autism Jan 2026

What Are the Signs of Autism in a 4-Year-Old?

Recognizing autism in a 4-year-old can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers, but early identification is key to providing the right support. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents differently in each child, yet there are common signs to watch for. Children on the spectrum may show challenge

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Two autistic kids wearing safety goggles conduct a hands-on science activity, exploring learning through experimentation
Autism Jan 2026

What Does It Mean to Be “On the Spectrum”?

Being “on the spectrum” refers to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. The term “spectrum” highlights the wide range of experiences some individuals may need significant daily support, while others live independently

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Therapist listening attentively to parents during a counseling session focused on child development and family support
ABA Therapy Jan 2026

Key Advantages of Center-Based Therapy for Autism Families

Key Highlights Here are the key takeaways about center-based ABA therapy: Center-based autism therapy provides a structured environment that helps reduce anxiety and promote focus. This type of ABA therapy offers valuable opportunities for your child to develop social skills with peers. Therapy plan

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Smiling school-aged autistic boy holding a chalkboard in a home learning space, representing confidence and academic progress
ABA Therapy Jan 2026

What to Know About Insurance Coverage for ABA Therapy

Updated: August 26, 2026 Key Highlights Understanding your insurance coverage is a critical first step to accessing affordable ABA therapy for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Most health insurance plans are required to cover medically necessary treatments for autism, but the specifics of your

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A therapist guiding two autistic kids during a structured learning activity using colorful blocks in a calm home setting
ABA Therapy Jan 2026

Effective ABA Therapy Techniques for Behavioral Intervention

Key Highlights Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy techniques are evidence-based practices for individuals on the autism spectrum. Positive reinforcement is a core strategy used to encourage and increase desired behaviors. A behavior intervention plan is customized to an individual’s unique need

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Autistic child and ABA therapist shaping dough together at a kitchen counter at home in New Jersey.
Autism Dec 2025

Sensory-Friendly Recipes for Picky Eaters: Autism-Friendly Ideas That Start With Texture

If meals regularly end in stress, you’re not alone. Research and clinicians consistently report higher rates of mealtime challenges in autistic kids, including very narrow food choices and strong reactions to certain textures. Before we jump into recipes, here’s the most useful frame: for many senso

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art activities for adults with autism
Autism Dec 2025

Engaging Art Activities for Adults with Autism

Art activities for adults with autism offers a unique and powerful way to express emotions, build social connections, and enhance cognitive skills. Some people use art to regulate after work. Others use it to focus their attention when their mind feels busy. Some use it as a nonverbal way to show wh

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Best Custody Schedule for an Autistic Child: How to Choose a Plan That Reduces Stress
Autism Dec 2025

Best Custody Schedule for an Autistic Child: How to Choose a Plan That Reduces Stress

Parenting time schedules are hard for any family. For many autistic kids, the hardest part is not the calendar itself. It’s the switching: different beds, different lights, different food routines, different expectations. When transitions stack up, stress shows up fast. Before we get into examples,

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A kid with autism outdoors
Autism Dec 2025

What is Chinning in Autism? Understanding the Behavior

Chinning is when an autistic person repeatedly presses or rubs their chin on an object, surface, or sometimes another person. It’s often a form of stimming, meaning a repetitive action used to regulate sensory input or emotions. In practice, chinning often shows up in very specific patterns. For exa

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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