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Our Blog — Page 8

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 8 of 46

A frustrated RBT student in a hoodie holding a pen while studying on a couch at home in New Jersey.
BCBAs & RBTs Dec 2025

Is the RBT Exam Really Hard? Get the Facts

Is the RBT Exam Hard? The RBT exam can feel hard if you only memorized definitions. Most questions test whether you can pick the best next step in real work situations, under time pressure. If you finished your 40 hour training, practiced the task list skills with your supervisor, and can explain wh

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Autism and Motor Skills: Essential Tips for Development
Autism Dec 2025

Autism and Motor Skills: Essential Tips for Development

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences communication, behavior, and social interaction. While these areas are often the primary focus, ASD can also have a significant impact on a person's motor skills. These skills, which involve the coordination of muscles

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ABA Therapy vs CBT: Choosing the Right Treatment Option
ABA Therapy Dec 2025

ABA Therapy vs CBT: Choosing the Right Treatment Option

When you’re looking for the right support, you may come across two leading options: ABA therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both are proven therapeutic approaches, but they work in very different ways. For families and individuals, especially those affected by autism spectrum disorder, u

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ABA vs Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Comparison
ABA Therapy Dec 2025

ABA vs Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Comparison

Navigating support options for a child with autism spectrum disorder can be overwhelming. Two of the most common and effective choices are applied behavior analysis (ABA) and occupational therapy. While both aim to help your child thrive, they have different philosophies and methods. This guide offe

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autism jaw
ABA Therapy Dec 2025

Autism Jaw: Bruxism Causes and Fixes

Autism jaw refers to bruxism—teeth grinding or jaw clenching—common in autistic individuals due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and stress coping.​ Autism Jaw Explained It occurs during sleep or wakefulness, causing jaw pain, headaches, tooth wear, and earaches. Studies link it to autism through

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Why are autistic kids so energetic?
Autism Dec 2025

Why Are Autistic Kids So Energetic?

Why are autistic kids so energetic? Autistic kids appear energetic due to sensory seeking and stimming behaviors that regulate overwhelming input and emotions. Why Are Autistic Kids So Energetic? Movement like jumping or flapping provides self-stimulation for 80% of autistic children, helping proces

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How to Teach Kitchen Safety
ABA Therapy Dec 2025

How to Teach Kitchen Safety?

How to teach kitchen safety? Teach kitchen safety through hands-on demos, visual checklists, and supervised practice to prevent burns and cuts . How to Teach Kitchen Safety Start with rules: never touch hot stoves, use oven mitts, unplug appliances. Break tasks into steps with pictures for easy reca

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Can You Diagnose Autism with an Online Test? What Parents Should Know | True Progress Therapy
Autism Dec 2025

Can You Diagnose Autism with an Online Test? What Parents Should Know | True Progress Therapy

With the rise of digital tools, many parents ask, “Can you diagnose autism with an online test?” The answer is no—online tests cannot officially diagnose autism. Instead, these quizzes serve as screening tools designed to identify traits or behaviors commonly associated with autism. Online tests typ

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What Does a BCBA Do Day to Day? Inside a Behavior Analyst’s Role | True Progress Therapy
BCBAs & RBTs Dec 2025

What Does a BCBA Do Day to Day? Inside a Behavior Analyst’s Role | True Progress Therapy

Many families wonder what a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) actually does day to day. While ABA therapy sessions are often carried out by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), the BCBA is the professional who designs, oversees, and continually improves every part of the treatment plan. A B

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How to Explain Autism to Siblings: A Simple, Supportive Guide | True Progress Therapy
Autism Dec 2025

How to Explain Autism to Siblings: A Simple, Supportive Guide | True Progress Therapy

Explaining autism to siblings can feel challenging, but it is an important step in creating understanding, empathy, and a peaceful home environment. Children often notice differences before adults discuss them, so offering clear and age-appropriate information helps siblings feel informed rather tha

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Top Questions to Ask Your ABA Therapist During Parent Training | True Progress Therapy
ABA Therapy Dec 2025

Top Questions to Ask Your ABA Therapist During Parent Training | True Progress Therapy

Parent training is a crucial part of ABA therapy, giving families the tools they need to support their child’s progress at home. One of the best ways to make the most of these sessions is by asking thoughtful questions that help you understand the goals, strategies, and expectations of your child’s

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How to Track Your Child’s Progress in ABA Therapy | True Progress Therapy
ABA Therapy Dec 2025

How to Track Your Child’s Progress in ABA Therapy | True Progress Therapy

Tracking your child’s progress in ABA therapy is essential for ensuring they are learning, growing, and achieving meaningful goals. Progress isn’t always obvious day-to-day, so having a structured way to monitor changes helps you stay informed and involved in your child’s therapy journey. Start by r

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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