Special education teachers are often tasked with the complex and overwhelming responsibility of creating curriculum for their classrooms. There are very few curriculum options that meet the needs of a multi-level classroom. Struggles with other curricula include being difficult to navigate, time-consuming to prep, not fitting a wide enough range of skills, and not including data-based decision-making. The Autism Helper Curriculum is currently used in thousands of classrooms around the world. Cur...
Sep 23, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 296
Communication skill-building should be embedded into all parts of your day. 3 stations that lend itself to building communication skills in a fun and hands-on way are art, cooking, and games. In this episode, I share why these stations are great for increasing communication skills and how to set these up in your classroom. Resources: Visual Recipes: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/search?type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=recipes Bingo Games: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collec...
Sep 16, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 295
Organization is key in a multi-grade classroom with students at various skill levels. When we have students at so many skill levels, there are so many different resources that we need. In order to teach each learner at the level they are at, we need to stay organized. In this episode, I share simple strategies for setting up and maintaining your organization systems. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it her...
Sep 09, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 284
There are two main ways to organize data in your classroom: by student or by center. The method that works best for you depends on your personal preferences and the overall setup of your classroom. In this episode, I go through the two organization options and specific considerations for each. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/ Join the waitlist for...
Sep 02, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 293
Visuals and schedules are tools. And tools need to be taught. Tools require instruction. We need to teach our students how to utilize these tools. They will not be a magic wand. In this episode, I share how to teach the visuals you are setting up in your classroom so students can use them independently. ---------------------------------------------- Get $100 off The Practical Behavior Approach Course & Toolkit Bundle or 25% off just The Practical Behavior Course or Toolkit through November 1...
Aug 26, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 292
Student schedules are necessary in the classroom. Schedules are functional and needed to build independence, autonomy, and problem-solving skills. The goal is not to get rid of the schedule but rather to increase independence with the schedule and continue to move towards less restrictive schedule types. In the episode, I introduce the least restrictive schedule continuum. Different types of schedules provide more/less support. It’s essential to pick a schedule type for each learner that meets t...
Aug 19, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 291
A structured environment is key because it leads to decreased negative behaviors, less student anxiety and increased independence and efficiency. A structured environment is a setting that is predictable and routine based. The setting is visually divided and defined. There is a clear start and end to each part of the class. In the episode, we explore why this setting is essential to a range of learners. Resources: https://theautismhelper.com/53039-2/ ---------------------------------------------...
Aug 12, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 290
When getting started setting up your classroom, you want to be purposeful and think about what you are doing and why. The first step in our 7 Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Classroom is Organization and Planning. Use these mini-episodes to start brainstorming and getting ideas flowing for what your classroom setup will be next year. Answer these 15 questions to guide your classroom setup and structure. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access S...
Aug 05, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 289
In this episode, Stephanie DeLussey breaks down selecting the right data collection method based on IEP goal criteria. This strategy revolves around a comprehensive understanding of each student's unique needs and learning style. Stephanie discusses the importance of aligning the method with the specific goal being addressed, considering factors such as complexity, frequency of data collection, and feasibility within the classroom setting. More from Stephanie: Mrs. D's Corner The Intentional IEP...
Jul 29, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 288
In this episode, BCBA Kathryn Karpinski breaks down a strategy for effective de-escalation. Modeling calm models the desired behavior, gently redirects unsafe behaviors, and gives the child self-regulating tools. Kathryn offers this as an alternative to planned ignoring which can lead to often dangerous extinction bursts. More from Kathryn: www.thejoyadvantage.com Episode Transcription. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Lea...
Jul 22, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 287
In this episode, learn how you can use ABA principals to teach essential school learning behavior within the inclusion setting. Lori Fry joins the podcast to share her experiences teaching behaviors such as independently starting work, attending, asking for help, and modifying one’s work to help students be successful in a range of settings. Lori is a school based BCBA with 34 years of experience in the field. She shares how important increasing these skills are to improve cooperation and learni...
Jul 15, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 286
In this episode learn how to simplify and streamline your data collection process using Google Sheets. Caitlin Beltran joins the podcast to give an overview of why digital data collection is helpful, how to get started with this setup, and tips for staff training and organization. Caitlin is a BCBA and former special education teacher. She currently works as a district behavior specialist. More from Caitlin: @BeltransBehaviorBasics beltransbehaviorbasics.com. Episode Transcription. -------------...
Jul 08, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 285
In this episode learn how to effectively use group contingencies for all grade levels! Katlyn Linsley is a school-based BCBA and former special education teacher. Katlyn breaks down what group contingencies are and how they can increase positive behaviors. She goes through several examples of the implementation of this strategy and ways to make it more effective. More from Katlyn: @RubixBehavior https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rubix-Behavior Episode Transcription. ---------------------...
Jul 01, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 284
Teacher created books are an easy way to ensure all team members are presenting information the same way and can support skill practice at home for families who may not be familiar with instructional standards. Special education administrator and BCBA, Emily Muise, breaks down how to setup instructional books and the range of benefits this tool can provide. More from Emily: https://www.specialedsafari.com/ https://www.instagram.com/spedsafari_tpt/ Episode Transcription. -------------------------...
Jun 24, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 283
Predictable chart writing involves creating a chart with a repetitive language structure that gradually changes over time. The predictability helps students anticipate and participate in the writing process. In this episode, Heather Cacioppo breaks down this process. She shares a range of accommodations and accessibility options for implementing this framework with any type of learner. Heather is a former special education teacher and special education administrator. She is the founder of Full S...
Jun 17, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 282
In this episode, Jennifer Hofferber breaks down how to create a personalized expectation list for paraprofessionals. This strategy is crucial for maintaining structure and efficiency in a special education setting, where adaptability and clear communication are paramount. Jennifer walks us through exactly how to create and utilize this list as a successful component to a staff training program Jennifer is an award-winning special education teacher and instructional coach. More from Jennifer: htt...
Jun 10, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 281
In this episode, special educator, Jenny Walmsley, explores the topic of using Positive Affirmations. One minute of positive affirmations per day can result in significant improvement of inner behaviors like thoughts and feelings. Jenny shares the research behind this strategy as well as the practical application of this precision teaching procedure. It has been shown to improve relationships, self-confidence, and decrease aggressive and depressive thoughts. More from Jenny: Braving BSEL: https:...
Jun 03, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 280
Special Education Teacher, Dawn Ellis, shares 5 tips for effectively training your team. Dawn breaks down some common challenges for successful collaboration and gives an overview of how to overcome these obstacles. 5 Steps: 1. Clarify roles and expectations. 2. Establish open communication. 3. Provide relevant training. 4. Collaborate on IEP implementation. 5. Monitor and adjust strategies. More from Dawn: Cultivating Exceptional Minds: https://www.cultivatingexceptionalminds.com/ Be the Except...
May 27, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 279
In this episode, Abby Moehringer shares one of the most important steps to do after a behavior happens. Abby is a special education teacher and BCBA. She breaks down the essential step of repairing after a behavior happens. Abby discusses why this step is important, when repair should happen, and the actionable steps to take when initiating how to repair. More from Abby: Mrs Moes Modifications: https://mrsmoesmodifications.com/ Episode Transcription . --------------------------------------------...
May 20, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 278
In this episode, Jana Sarno breaks down the art and science of a behavior consultation. Jana points to the evidence-based framework needed for consultation and training but also highlights the importance of “soft skills” needed for this process to be successful. Jana explains essential strategies such as reflective listening to truly improve the consultative relationship. These strategies could be used in a variety of team roles! Episode Transcription. References: Mann et al., The Need for Great...
May 13, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 277
The new course the Practical Behavior Approach is officially open for enrollment. This course is designed for general ed teachers, special ed teachers, clinicians, paraprofessionals, and parents supporting children with challenging behaviors. This course will prepare you to prevent, respond, and build. The strategies are rooted in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and a trauma-informed approach. Enrollment is only open until April 30. Learn more and join the waitlist here: https://shop.th...
Apr 29, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 276
Resilience is the ability to bounce back after stress, failure, hardship, or adversity. Resilience is closely related to emotional regulation and problem solving. In this episode, learn why resilience is an essential life skill and some practical ways to build resilience throughout the day in both home and school settings. Join The Practical Behavior Approach Course Waitlist: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/practical-behavior-approach-course ---------------------------------------------- ...
Apr 22, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 275
Emotional Regulation is the ability to cope with the range of emotions. In this episode, I break down what emotional regulation is and why it’s important. Then we review what two major things can hinder the development of emotional regulation. Emotional Regulation skill building can be broken into 3 areas: pre-regulation, naming/validating emotions, and coping strategies. Waitlist for the Practical Behavior Approach: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/practical-behavior-approach-waitlist ---...
Apr 15, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 274
In this episode, Dr. Joe Lockavitch breaks down why reading comprehension is important and how we can reach out to more struggling readers. Dr. Joe is a former classroom teacher, school psychologist, university professor, special education director, applied reading researcher, and is the author and developer of The Failure Free . Reading Program. Dr. Joe shares some of the key strategies to use when approaching reading instruction and how many current programs miss the mark. https://failurefreer...
Apr 08, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 273
When a child is in crisis mode, they are not ready to learn. In a meltdown situation, our goal as the adult is to keep the child safe and reflect on how to prevent this in the future. In this episode, we explore what to do in an episode of explosive behavior. We go through the 6 steps of de-escalation on how to safely move the child through the episode. Our role is maintaining safety and providing support without damaging rapport. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our ...
Apr 01, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 272
Decreasing negative behavior actually happens away from the negative behavior. That means we have the most success in long-term behavior reduction by preventing problem behaviors before they start. It may sound easier said than done but there are some essential strategies that you can add to your classroom, home, or clinical practice to readily avoid situations that trigger problem behaviors while building missing skills. This episode is a great overview of essential strategies. ----------------...
Mar 25, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 271
Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment were designed by Dr. Greg Hanley as an effective and ethical alternative to reducing extreme problem behaviors. In this episode, three school administrators share their experiences implementing PFA and SBT on a district wide level. Lisa Xagas, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services for Naperville CUSD 203, shares her experience learning about PFA/SBT and how their district approached a broader implementation of these procedure...
Mar 18, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 270
In this episode, we review Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) and how they can be used in both a clinical or classroom setting. Dr.Jamie Hughes-Lika shares her expertise on this topic. She defines what NDBIs are, how they are different than traditional ABA, and how child-led teaching works. Dr. Hughes-Lika is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D), a licensed behavior analyst (LBA) in the states of Nevada and Iowa, an International Behavior Ana...
Mar 11, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 269
Having your team on the same page is essential for the successful implementation of behavior plans. In this episode, Amanda Borosh, BCBA, breaks down why staff training is important and how to overcome some of the challenges. Amanda shares actionable strategies for getting team buy-in and improving follow-through. Amanda is a licensed special education teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and PhD candidate in Special Education at Purdue University. Amanda’s research uses principles of impl...
Mar 04, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 268
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. ---------------------------------------------- Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismh...
Feb 26, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 267
