Abigail Rivera recently joined The Autism Helper Blogging Team. She has shared her perspective as an autistic young adult navigating the world, as Abby was diagnosed with autism at 16. In this episode, she shares how that experience has shaped her. Abby discusses her sensory needs and how she accommodates her sensory challenges. We dive into her self-advocacy and she shares tips for helping others and how to become a better self-advocate. Abby also shares how teachers can better support all stru...
Apr 11, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 176
Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, both Occupational Therapy Assistants, join the podcast to dive into strategies for children seeking oral sensory input. Rachel and Jessica are hosts of the popular podcast All Things Sensory by Harkla. Rachel and Jessica share what it means to seek oral sensory input and how this can commonly be displayed in children. They discuss a range of practical suggestions on how to help individuals meet these needs in alternative ways. We discuss issues with health/hyg...
Apr 04, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 175
Executive Functions are the processes required for goal-directed behavior. These are the skills needed to perform (or execute) a task. In this episode, learn what executive functions are and why they are important. We dive into the 11 executive functioning skills and how they are utilized on a daily basis. This spring, I will be launching a brand new course all about Executive Functions! The Executive Functions Masterclass is an online course that teaches the importance of building Executive Fun...
Mar 28, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 174
The spring is a time to refresh and renew! In this episode, I dive into why now is the time to refresh your independent work tasks. Independent work is the cornerstone of a successful classroom - it teaches the essential life skill of working on your own. Review your tasks and your systems and make changes now to this area of your classroom. ------- Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Executive Functions! Join me May 3rd at 3:00 or 8:00 PM! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/55/n716xf...
Mar 21, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 173
It is essential to gain meaningful input from parents/caregivers, other teachers, clinicians, and the student when writing an annual IEP. In this episode, I am joined by special educator, Dawn Ellis. Dawn is the host of the ' Be The Exception Podcast ' and teacher behind the Cultivating Exceptional Minds TpT Store and Blog. Dawn shares how to easily differentiate the process of gaining input through varied use of forms, email, and interviews. She shares some simple tips on using running records....
Mar 14, 2022•30 min•Season 1Ep. 172
Errorless teaching is an instructional strategy that ensures learners respond correctly by providing immediate prompts. In this episode, I break down what errorless teaching is and why it works. Then we explore errorless learning activities. These tasks embed errorless instruction and there is no opportunity to get things ‘wrong.’ Learn who these tasks are good for, how to utilize them in your classroom, and what the next step is after success. ----- Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on E...
Mar 07, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 174
In this episode Kate Grandbois, SLP, BCBA shares the evidence-based best practices on how to incorporate AAC into the classroom. Kate provides an overview of what AAC is and then dives into how to overcome logistical barriers to use, collaborate with other professionals, and help the student get the best opportunity for communication. Kate is a dually certified SLP / BCBA with 15 years of clinical experience. Kate specializes in augmentative alternative communication, autism and associated disor...
Feb 28, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 170
Mari Cerda is a board-certified, trauma-responsive behavior analyst. Mari consults with teachers and schools to provide professional development coaching on various Neurodivergent affirming topics. Mari’s perspective as an autistic clinician is extremely valuable to our field. In this episode, Mari and I discuss the changes in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, the anti-ABA movement and what we can learn from it, and what she wishes future BCBAs would know. Mari’s honesty and willingness to...
Feb 21, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 169
Teaching reading skills to learners with special needs can be challenging. Sometimes traditional methods don’t work, assessments aren’t the right fit, and figuring out how to teach the wide range of levels can be overwhelming. In this episode, I share the 3 keys for teaching reading skills: keeping the end goal of functional comprehension in mind, organization, and utilizing a comprehensive approach. Join me and a panel of amazing speakers at the Autism Connection Conference on March 12. This vi...
Feb 14, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 168
The IEP process can be overwhelming for both new and veteran teachers. In this episode, Stephanie DeLussey breaks down the process and shares actionable tips for reducing overwhelm. Stephanie is a dual certified special education teacher, founder of The Intentional IEP, Master IEP Coach®, children's book author, and teacher mentor. Stephanie shares how to create an IEP Timeline and how that can lead to effective parent involvement, collaboration between clinicians, and robust IEP goals. Stephani...
Feb 07, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 167
In this episode, Speech Language Pathologist and BCBA, Rosemarie Griffin, shares 5 ways to engage preschoolers who are not yet talking. Rose is the owner of ABA Speech and has over 20 years of experience in the field. Rose shares how to meet your young learners where they are at through utilizing robust assessments and engaging in student-focused play. Her tips are actionable and classroom-ready! Join me and Rose at the Autism Connection Conference on March 12. This virtual conference shares bes...
Jan 31, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 166
The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership is OPEN for enrollment from 1/25 - 2/1. We only open enrollment twice a year so now is the time to join. In this episode, I share 5 ways current members are utilizing the membership content: 1. Members learn new strategies and refresh/reinvigorate their teaching. Gain access to training videos in 4 categories: Staff Training, Academics, Classroom Structure, and Behavior. This summer members will get access to the new Executive Functions Maste...
Jan 24, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 165
Positive Behavior Change is the process of identifying the missing skill needed to meet communicative needs. This process views negative behavior as a signal that a skill is needed. As the educator, we need to teach positive, prosocial skills to that learner. In this episode, I breakdown what Positive Behavior Change is, what you will learn in the Bootcamp, and who the Bootcamp is for. Join us in the FREE Positive Behavior Change Bootcamp. This training series shares the essential keys to teachi...
Jan 17, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 164
In this special episode, I share an excerpt from a recent live workshop. This session is titled Can’t Do or Won’t Do. Every decision we make is shaped by our skills and abilities to perform the action and our motivation to do so. In this clip from the workshop, I share how to approach challenging behaviors from a can’t do or won’t do perspective. I'm super excited to announce my newest FREE video series: The Positive Behavior Change Bootcamp ! This training series shares the essential keys to te...
Jan 10, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 163
Within The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership Group, we just launched a new mini-course for Year 2+ Members! In this episode, we are sharing a sneak peek into the first module which is all about Movement and Learning and is developed by Katie McKenna, OT. In this excerpt, learn what movement is and why it is so important for our students. This is our last episode for 2021 and the weekly podcast will resume in January 2022! I'm super excited to announce my newest FREE video series:...
Dec 13, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 162
Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L talks interoception in this episode. She defines what interoception is and why it’s so important to be aware of. Kelly shares how this affects self-regulation and how educators and caregivers can help individuals co-regulate. Kelly’s website: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/ Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https:...
Dec 06, 2021•30 min•Season 1Ep. 161
Heather Hoeft, TAH Blogger and Preschool teacher, shares why play is important, what skills you can work on during play, and how to incorporate play into your classroom. Let’s dive into why play is so essential to build rapport and teach new skills. Heather walks through types of skills you can work on with play in the areas of language development, social skills, emotional learning, and gross/fine motor skills. She shares how to train your team to play effectively and work this into all areas o...
Nov 29, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 153
Adapted books are any books that have been modified in some way to make it more accessible to the reader. Adapted books can add structure and a hands-on component that many of our students benefit from. In this episode, I review the different types of adapted books, where to utilize them in your classroom, and how to run a lesson or activity using adapted books. Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/ W...
Nov 22, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 159
Easel by TpT™ is a free suite of digital tools to help educators teach, engage, and assess learners. These digital tools can be so helpful to utilize your TpT Purchases digitally. Digital resources are a great, low-prep (i.e. no need to laminate!) way to give your students access to a bigger variety of materials. In this episode, I interview Will Cullen who is part of the Education Content and Insights Team at TpT. He shares some tips and strategies for using Easel by TpT™. The Autism Helper is ...
Nov 09, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 158
One question I get asked all the time is how can I find the time to make so many materials? It takes time to develop a big library of resources. In this episode, I share some tips for how to prioritize your material prep. You don’t need to make everything at once. Set up a classroom resources prep station to build efficiency into this process and ensure everything is organized so you can find things when you need them. Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Develop...
Nov 01, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 157
Temple Grandin is one of the world’s most well-known and respected experts in the field on autism and animal behavior and livestock. She is an internationally best-selling author and Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Temple’s new book is called Navigating Autism - The 9 Mindsets for Helping Kids on the Spectrum. In this interview Temple shares some valuable advice and expertise for parenting, educating, and supporting autistic learners. Temple shares how important it is t...
Oct 25, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 156
When I was a new teacher, I did not realize that training my staff was part of my job. Now I not only know it is part of the job, but have seen how critically important this job responsibility is. Your students need a team that works collaboratively and cohesively. Staff training is a year long endeavor and is always something you can level up on. In this episode, I share 4 tips for successfully leading your team: build rapport, take the time, show the why, and give appreciation. No matter what ...
Oct 18, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 155
Dr. Camille Kolu, BCBA-D focuses on bringing together creative service, best practices, behavior analysis, and behavioral neuroscience in what is described as Trauma-Informed Applied Behavior Analysis. In this episode, Dr. Kolu shares what Trauma Informed practice is and how this can impact how we support our learners. She dives into the ethical boundaries, how to work collaboratively on a team, and shares examples of what trauma behaviors may look like. For more from Dr. Kolu, visit her website...
Oct 11, 2021•49 min
Small group instruction is essential to work on focused and differentiated goals within a classroom with a broad range of skill sets. Small groups allow you to get more done in less time and individualize instruction appropriately. In this episode, I am sharing my dos and don’ts of small group instruction. Even if you are already using small groups, this episode will share some ways to fine tune how you run your groups and give some strategies to share with your team. • Do group students will si...
Oct 04, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 153
In this episode, I am joined by BCBA Chrissy Barosky who is the Chief Clinical Officer of Bierman ABA. Chrissy and I discuss the extremely important topic of assent withdrawal. Assent withdrawal is when a learner is trying to tell that they are not happy with something. This may look like escape or avoidance behavior. As educators and clinicians, it is essential to identify when assent withdrawal is occurring and honor this request. Chrissy shares how to identify these responses and what to lear...
Sep 27, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 152
Token economies are a great way to build positive behaviors and differentiate the skills you are building and the reinforcers. Token economies can be effective and easy to utilize if set up correctly. In this episode, I share the 10 dos and don’ts of token economies. As great as token economies can be, they can also have negative impacts on student relationships and rapport if done incorrectly. Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://...
Sep 20, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 151
Communication is the cornerstone of literacy, developing friendships, being independent, and so much more. Strive to make your classroom as communication friendly as possible. Work towards giving your students as many opportunities to practice building communication skills as possible. 4 Ways to Create a Communication Friendly Classroom: 1. Give everyone a voice. 2. Embed and support communication opportunities throughout the day. 3. Setup engaging and high interest activities. 4. Make it a team...
Sep 13, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 150
The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership is open for enrollment from 9/8 - 9/14. Join the community of hundreds of educators, clinician, and parents all dedicated to creating the best learning environment for their students. In this episode, I share some behind the scenes on why I created the membership and how the membership has evolved in the last two years. I also share how current members are utilizing the membership for staff training, collaboration, and more! Click here to fin...
Sep 08, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 149
Independent work is an essential component to any classroom. It teaches students the important life skill of working on their own while allowing maintenance on previously mastered skills. It also allows the teacher to work one on one with other students, train staff, or run small groups. Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/ Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theauti...
Aug 30, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 148
The start of the year is overwhelming and it may feel tempting to try to create a detailed and thorough data system right away. Instead focus on establishing rapport and relationships with your students. Data will come! In this episode, I share the 4 pillars for setting up your data systems in the start of the year. These are simple decisions and action steps to take that will allow you to focus on the start of the year rapport while getting your data systems pointed in the right direction. Clic...
Aug 23, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 147
