Hey friend! In this episode, I’m talking all about something that has completely transformed my classroom (and my sanity!) over the years - creating a calm and organized learning space . If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of noise, papers, and visual chaos — you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But over time, I’ve found that small, intentional changes can make a huge difference for both our students and us as teachers. So today, I’m walking you through: Why classroom environment matt...
Jul 03, 2025•9 min
Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite classroom hacks that brings joy, engagement, and so much hidden learning into the day - board games ! 🎲 If you’re thinking, “Wait, board games… in my special ed classroom?” - I get it! But trust me, these games can be a total game-changer (pun 100% intended). In this episode, I walk you through how I use board games to build social skills, academic knowledge, language, regulation, and more - and how I adapt them for all learners in my ...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated (but totally magical) ways I use task boxes in my classroom - to support calm-down time and emotional regulation . When most people hear “task boxes,” they think academics - letter matching, counting, sorting colors… and yes, I love them for that too. But today, I’m showing you how these little boxes can become absolute lifesavers during meltdowns, transitions, and emotionally wobbly moments. From sensory supports to quiet fine ...
Jun 19, 2025•11 min
Hey friend! In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my favorite ways to support IEP goals — and the best part? No worksheets required. 🙌 If you’re feeling overwhelmed with paperwork, struggling to keep things engaging, or just want a low-prep, hands-on way to meet student goals - this one’s for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I use task boxes to target fine motor, academic, life skills, and even social-emotional goals - without burning out, and without spending hours laminating. I’ll...
Jun 12, 2025•10 min
Hey friend! In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most requested topics from teachers like you - how I organize my task boxes without turning into a stressed-out mess surrounded by stray Velcro and mystery pieces. 😂 If you’re a special ed teacher, you know how powerful task boxes can be - for IEP goals, independence, calm-down time, assessment… they’re basically magic. But let’s be honest - once you hit 10, 50, or 1,100 of them (hi, me), keeping them organized can start to feel impossible...
Jun 05, 2025•12 min
Hey friend! In this episode, I’m spilling all the details on one of my favourite ways to wrap up the school year: theme days! If you’ve been around here a while, you already know I live for a good theme - especially at the end of the year when routines go a little wonky, energy is through the roof, and we’re all counting down the days to summer. I’ve been doing theme days for years now, and I’ve finally nailed down a system that makes them feel magical, manageable, and totally reusable . In this...
May 29, 2025•13 min
🎧 Episode Description: Hey friend! In today’s episode of the Teaching Autism podcast, I’m spilling all my secrets for how I wrap up the school year without burning out - so I can actually rest, recharge, and not think about laminating until September. This is a no-guilt, no-grind guide to prepping smart so you can fully switch off over summer. I’m sharing how I shift our classroom routine, get my staff involved in a low-stress prep system, and reuse materials year after year to save time and mo...
May 22, 2025•13 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Teaching Autism podcast! In this heart-filled episode, I’m joined by the incredible Yara from Sea of Knowledge to dive deep into one of the most important topics in any classroom: friendship and anti-bullying . We talk all about: What healthy friendships really look like (and how to spot when something’s not quite right) Practical ways teachers can support students through tricky social situations How to make social-emotional learning fun, meaningful, and consis...
May 15, 2025•39 min
In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s been debated for years in the autism and special education world, the language we use when talking about autism. Specifically, we're breaking down the difference between identity-first language ("autistic person") and person-first language ("person with autism") and why so many autistic individuals are asking us to make the shift. Language is powerful. It shapes how we think, how we connect, and how we respect one another. So let’s talk about ...
May 09, 2025•8 min
Welcome back to the podcast! Today we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics — special interests, and why they deserve to be celebrated , not shut down. If you’ve ever worked with Autistic students (or if you’re Autistic yourself), you already know: special interests are so much more than hobbies. They’re a source of comfort, confidence, connection, and even learning, not something to “tone down” or redirect. In this episode, I’ll walk you through: ✨ What special interests really are ...
May 02, 2025•7 min
In this heartfelt episode, I’m passing the mic (with full permission and lots of gratitude) to a few amazing Autistic friends who shared what they really want people to know during Autism Acceptance Month . 💛 This month is about more than wearing a color or posting a hashtag — it’s about taking real, thoughtful action that centers and supports the Autistic community. In this 10-minute episode, we explore the shifts that matter most — directly from Autistic voices. ✨ In This Episode, We Talk Abo...
Apr 25, 2025•9 min
Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast, and welcome to a special episode for Autism Acceptance Month 💛 In this one, we’re busting some of the biggest, most outdated myths about Autism that just won’t go away. From vaccine misinformation to the idea that Autism only affects boys... We’re clearing it all up in a kind, honest, neuro-affirming way. Here’s the truth: Autism is not a disease. It’s a natural neurotype. And the more we understand that, the better we can support Autistic individuals w...
Apr 18, 2025•16 min
Welcome to a special episode for Autism Acceptance Month 💛 Awareness is a good start — but this episode is all about what comes next: real acceptance. In this 10-minute chat, I’m sharing five simple but impactful things you can do this month (and beyond!) to support the Autistic and neurodivergent community. From the symbols we use to the stories we amplify, every small shift makes a big difference. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, therapist, or ally-in-training — this one’s for you. ✨ Here's ...
Apr 11, 2025•6 min
In today’s episode, we’re talking all about the shift from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month—and why that change is so important. While awareness is a great starting point, true inclusion happens when we move into acceptance: making space, shifting mindsets, and celebrating neurodiversity in all its forms. I’ll walk you through the difference between awareness and acceptance, why acceptance matters in real life (not just hashtags!), and practical, everyday ways you can be a more ...
Apr 04, 2025•11 min
Episode Overview Today’s episode is all about your biggest questions! Whether you're new to special education or have been in the field for years, you've probably wondered about behavior management, classroom setup, IEPs, and more. In this episode, I’m answering seven frequently asked questions from special educators—covering everything from handling meltdowns to supporting nonverbal students. Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in! FAQ #1: How Do I Manage Challenging Behaviors ...
Mar 28, 2025•14 min
Episode Overview Transitions can be one of the biggest challenges in a special education classroom. Moving from one activity to another—whether it’s playtime to work time, recess to the classroom, or one subject to another—can be overwhelming for autistic students. The good news? With the right strategies, we can make transitions so much smoother! In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ Why transitions can be so difficult for autistic students. ✔️ Strategies to make transitions easier, including visual...
Mar 21, 2025•9 min
Episode Overview Visual supports aren’t just helpful—they’re game changers! If you’ve ever wondered why they’re so widely used in special education classrooms or how to implement them effectively, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ The different types of visual supports. ✔️ How they help with communication, transitions, and behavior. ✔️ Simple ways to create and use them in your classroom. Share This Episode: If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow educat...
Mar 14, 2025•10 min
Episode Overview Meltdowns can be one of the biggest challenges in special education. When a student loses control—screaming, crying, hitting, or throwing things—it can feel overwhelming. While we can’t always prevent meltdowns, how we respond can make all the difference in helping students regulate over time. In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ The difference between meltdowns and tantrums. ✔️ Strategies to de-escalate meltdowns in the moment. ✔️ How to create a meltdown-friendly space in your cla...
Mar 07, 2025•14 min
Episode Overview Head banging and head butting can be some of the most concerning behaviors to witness in the classroom, especially when working with autistic students or those with sensory needs. But just like any other behavior, it has a purpose! In this episode, we’ll explore why students engage in head banging, how to provide safe alternatives, and five effective strategies to help reduce and prevent it in your classroom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The common reasons why students ...
Feb 28, 2025•10 min
Episode Overview Biting can be one of the most challenging behaviors to navigate in the classroom, especially when working with autistic students or those with sensory needs. But as always—behavior is communication! In this episode, we dive into why students bite, how to identify the root cause, and five actionable strategies to help reduce and prevent biting in your classroom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The top reasons why students bite (sensory needs, communication, emotional regula...
Feb 21, 2025•11 min
In this episode, I share five actionable tips for creating consistency between school and home to help students feel secure, understand expectations, and generalize skills. From visual supports to celebrating progress, these strategies will strengthen the partnership between educators and families, ensuring students thrive in both environments. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Use Visual Supports: Duplicate visuals like schedules or token boards for home use. Tailor supports with parents using...
Feb 14, 2025•7 min
In this episode, I’m sharing five practical and efficient ways to collect data while using task boxes in the classroom. Task boxes are fantastic tools for promoting independence and skill-building, and they’re also perfect for gathering meaningful data to track student progress. Learn how to streamline your data collection process while supporting your students’ growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Data Collection Sheets: Create simple, customizable sheets for tracking correct/incorrect re...
Feb 07, 2025•6 min
In this episode, I dive into the idea of "age-appropriate" in special education and why it’s okay (and often beneficial) when students gravitate toward interests that don’t align with their chronological age. I share a personal story about using a student’s love for trains to drive engagement and growth, explore the balance between respecting interests and teaching social awareness, and give practical tips for leveraging student interests to build skills and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This...
Jan 31, 2025•10 min
In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: building independence in the special ed classroom. We’ll explore why independence is such a crucial skill for our students and how it benefits not just them but us as teachers, too. I’ll share a personal story about how teaching one small skill made a big difference and give you practical tips to help your students develop life and self-help skills, no matter where they are on their journey. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why Indepen...
Jan 24, 2025•9 min
Episode Summary: In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that I know we’ve all struggled with at some point: work-life balance. If you’ve ever been the first car in the parking lot or the last to leave, this one’s for you. I’ll be sharing my personal journey, what I’ve learned about setting boundaries, and why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: My Journey with Work-Life Balance: Why I used to think my value as a teacher was measured by how mu...
Jan 17, 2025•8 min
Welcome back! It’s been a long time since my last episode, but I’m so excited to be here with fresh energy, exciting updates, and a renewed passion for this podcast. A lot has changed since June 2021, and in this episode, I’m catching you up on everything—from personal life shifts to how I’ve been balancing motherhood, working, running a business, and taking care of myself. Whether you’re a returning listener or brand new, I’m thrilled to share relatable stories, practical tips, and a sneak peek...
Jan 10, 2025•6 min
Today on the podcast is an episode that is really important to me.. Teachers, Enjoy Your Summer Break! And it’s something that I feel really passionately about. It is so easy these days to think that we need to sacrifice our summer break and keep working. Many teachers even admit to going into school to work over the summer holidays.. And this is something that I really want to focus on with you today and help you be able to enjoy your summer break again.. Not spend it working! What Am I Talking...
Jun 01, 2021•15 min
Today on the podcast I’m discussing ending the school year positively. Let’s face it, the end of the school year can be tough, stressful and very overwhelming. And it’s very easy to start feeling really negative and just wishing those last few days away. But the end of the year is the perfect opportunity for us to reflect and look back on the school year. And there’s no better feeling than walking out of that door on the last school day of the year and feeling positive and happy. What Am I Talki...
May 25, 2021•8 min
I am so excited today to be sharing my 5 must-do’s for the new school year. I always get asked about what my to-do list looks like for the new school year. And while I do have a list longer than 5 items – because let’s face it, who doesn’t? I do have a priority list of 5 must-do’s that I get done every school year. And I focus heavily on getting these 5 things done before I move onto anything else. And because so many of you always ask this question, I decided to make it into a podcast episode f...
May 18, 2021•7 min
I am so excited to be sharing my 5 end of year tips for special education teachers in this podcast episode. It’s really important to have a good plan in place for the end of the school year. One reason being is that it will help you to have a more relaxed summer – and actually take time off from work. So, if you’re ready to take control and have a smooth end of year, this is the episode for you. What Am I Talking About? End of Year Tips Classroom Displays Connecting with New Students Delegating ...
May 11, 2021•9 min
