Our Blog

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 537 articles · page 1 of 45

Developmental pediatrician meeting with a young boy and his mother during a consultation.
Autism Oct 2026

How to Find the Right Developmental Pediatrician in New Jersey for Your Child

Looking for a developmental pediatrician in NJ? Learn what to ask, how long the wait can be, what happens at the visit, and what to do while you wait.

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Smiling child showing painted hands during a creative, play-based ABA therapy activity with a therapist.
ABA Therapy Oct 2026

When Your NJ Insurer Denies ABA Therapy, Here Is Where to Start

A denial letter starts the appeal clock. Learn how to challenge ABA insurance denied in NJ, who can file for you, and how True Progress Therapy can help.

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ABA therapist helping a young boy with a hands-on learning activity using colorful clay.
ABA Therapy Oct 2026

How to Switch ABA Providers in NJ Without a Gap in Care

Unhappy with your child's ABA team? Here is how to change providers in New Jersey while keeping sessions, goals, and insurance approvals moving without a gap.

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ABA therapist taking notes while talking with a young girl during a therapy session.
ABA Therapy Oct 2026

Your Child's RBT Is Leaving: Steps for Parents to Take

Your child's RBT is leaving. Learn what a good handoff looks like, which questions to ask the BCBA, and how to help your child adjust to a new ABA therapist.

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Young boy smiling at a woman during a supportive ABA therapy interaction.
ABA Therapy Oct 2026

Choosing a Health Plan for ABA Coverage in NJ

Open enrollment ends January 31. Learn how to check ABA benefits, provider networks, and prior authorization rules so your child's therapy continues in 2027.

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An RBT and a child with autism during ABA therapy
BCBAs & RBTs Oct 2026

RBT Ethics Code (2.0): A Section-by-Section Guide for RBTs

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a critical role in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, working closely with individuals to help them develop essential life skills. Because they work directly with vulnerable populations, ethical behavior is a fundamental part of their responsibilitie

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An autistic child sleeping peacefully in bed with stuffed animals preparing tomorrow's ABA therapy class in NJ.
Autism Oct 2026

Autistic Sleeping Positions: Are They Different From Typical Sleep?

Understanding Sleep Issues In Autism Children and adults on the autism spectrum often have unique sleep patterns and sensitivities. Research shows that autistic individuals are nearly twice as likely to face sleep disturbances compared with their neurotypical peers. This gap can create a ripple effe

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Understanding the Autistic Hug: What It Means
Autism Oct 2026

Understanding the Autistic Hug (and the Third Eye Hug): What It Means

Key Highlights In a world where communication often defaults to words, the significance of physical touch, particularly in the context of autism, is frequently overlooked. Hugs can carry profound meanings and serve as powerful connectors for many individuals on the spectrum. They can act as a bridge

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Young child with autism sitting indoors with arms crossed, looking serious.
Autism Oct 2026

What Is the Hardest Age for Autism, and Does Autism Peak?

There’s no single age that’s the hardest for autism. The challenges tend to shift as a child grows. That said, many families agree that certain stages feel more overwhelming than others—especially when expectations suddenly change. What age feels hardest for autism? Autism doesn’t get “hard” at one

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ABA therapist playing with a young child using bubbles during an in-home therapy session.
ABA Therapy Oct 2026

What Happens During ABA Insurance Authorization in New Jersey?

Not sure what happens after you call? Walk through ABA insurance authorization in NJ, including benefits checks, treatment plans, insurer reviews, & approvals.

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Young child smiling while playing with toy cars during an ABA therapy activity.
ABA Therapy Oct 2026

How Long Does It Take to Start ABA Therapy in New Jersey?

From diagnosis to the first in-home session, here is how long ABA therapy takes to start in NJ, plus the paperwork that keeps your family moving toward care.

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RBT students sitting at desks focused on taking a RBT exam at a testing center in New Jersey.
BCBAs & RBTs Sep 2026

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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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