The Autism Helper: Recent Episodes
The Autism Helper
PECS is a widely utilized communication system for many students struggling with communication and is a staple in many special education classrooms. In this episode, hear from PECS founders Andy […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
In this episode Dr. Joe Lockavitch breaks down why reading comprehension is important and how we can reach out more struggling readers. Dr. Joe is a former classroom teacher, school […]
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 […]
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 […]
In this episode, we delve into frequently asked questions on behavior. We start off by reviewing the question I get asked the most; How do I handle _____ behavior? There […]
Answering frequently asked questions about schedules! In this episode we dive into why schedules are essential, the schedule continuum, and how different schedules can be set up. I walk through […]
Sometimes I get asked, “When should I switch from academic skills to functional skills?” This is implying that at some point in junior high or high school, we should move […]
Paraprofessionals in a special education classroom should be working as educators – providing instruction and taking academic data. Teachers should lead their team and provide training so all staff members […]
In a highly differentiated special education classroom, it should be mostly focused on small group instruction over whole group instruction. When you do whole group instruction for students with a […]
When you get into a power struggle with a student, there is no winner. You will never walk away from a power struggle having deepened rapport or trust with a […]
Running a self-contained classroom requires a high degree of organization. When things are a mess and disorganized, there is less instructional time and likely to be more problem behaviors. A […]
Reverse inclusion is when students from the general education come into the special education classroom for opportunities for peer modeling and creating friendships. For some students, their level of needs […]
Venting in the teachers’ lounge can have a negative impact on the culture and community in your school. When we only spread negative stories about our students we perpetuate often […]
The start of the year is all about two things: routines and reinforcement. You need to establish your schedule, centers, and systems in the classroom and teach that to your […]
The start of the year is all about two things: routines and reinforcement. You need to establish your schedule, centers, and systems in the classroom and teach that to your […]
It’s common practice to have IEP goals with an 80% mastery criteria. In this episode, I challenge whether that level of mastery is sufficient for building new skills. 80% means […]
One of the most controversial opinions I have is about how to laminate and cut out pieces. There are heated opinions on whether or not to pre-cut before laminating. When […]
When destructive behaviors happen in a classroom, the results can be disastrous. In Facebook groups, I occasionally see posted photos of trashed classrooms. In this episode, we explore what the […]
When destructive behaviors happen in a classroom, the results can be disastrous. In Facebook groups, I occasionally see posted photos of trashed classrooms. In this episode, we explore what the […]
There is a popular phrase in the special ed world: Data or It Didn’t Happen. As a BCBA who loves data, I hate this phrase. This phrase put unreasonable expectations […]
Lois Letchford is a reading specialist who is passionate about teaching struggling students how to read. In this episode, Lois dives into the problems with many traditional literacy approaches and […]
Lois Letchford is a reading specialist who is passionate about teaching struggling students how to read. In this episode, Lois dives into the problems with many traditional literacy approaches and […]
In this episode, learn why both administrators and teachers love The Autism Helper’s Curriculum Access. Leah Green, Special Education Coordinator from West Fargo Public Schools, shares why her district decided […]
In this episode, learn why both administrators and teachers love The Autism Helper’s Curriculum Access. Leah Green, Special Education Coordinator from West Fargo Public Schools, shares why her district decided […]
Michelle B. Rogers is an Autism Mom & Life Coach for Parents of Children with Autism. In this episode, we discuss essential life skills that Michelle works with parents on […]
In this episode, parent, podcast host, and advocate Lia McCabe shares her story of her children’s and her own diagnosis with autism. She shares how her diagnosis with autism impacts […]
Gabriella Nelson is the founder and CEO of Lively Behavioral Solutions LLC, a provider of Applied Behavior Analysis services, and can be found on Instagram as @thebehaviorchick. Gabriella shares why […]
Gabriella Nelson is the founder and CEO of Lively Behavioral Solutions LLC, a provider of Applied Behavior Analysis services, and can be found on Instagram as @thebehaviorchick. Gabriella shares why […]
Andrea Pollack is a mother and parent coach helping families with autistic children and teens. In this episode, Andrea shares why conventional parenting wisdom and old-fashioned discipline techniques often backfire. […]
Andrea Pollack is a mother and parent coach helping families with autistic children and teens. In this episode, Andrea shares why conventional parenting wisdom and old-fashioned discipline techniques often backfire. […]
The Data Driven Classroom is an engaging and in-depth course that breaks down the data collection process for special education classrooms. This course will teach you how to streamline your […]
Kim Bender is a former special education teacher and current school based BCBA. In this episode, Kim shares what her role looks like as a BCBA working in the schools […]
April is Autism Acceptance Month. This month is a great prompt to level up our initiatives to promote autism awareness and acceptance. In this episode, I share 3 strategies for […]
In this episode, hear from current educators that are using The Autism Helper Curriculum Access in their schools! Curriculum Access is a school-based subscription service for The Autism Helper Curriculum. […]
When teaching students with a wide range of skill sets all within the same classroom, assessments are definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. In this episode, we break down the overwhelm […]
Curriculum Access is a school-based subscription service for The Autism Helper Curriculum. This highly rated curriculum is rooted in evidence-based strategies and best practices. Curriculum Access allows teachers to get […]
Assessments can easily seem overwhelming and daunting. Many formal assessments may not provide sufficient information for planning goals and instruction. In this episode, BCBAs Shira Karpel and Shayna Gaunt from […]
Episode 219: Tips for Utilizing the VB-MAPP with Nicole Morris The VB-MAPP is the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program. BCBA, Nicole Morris, breaks down why this tool is […]
Episode 219: Tips for Utilizing the VB-MAPP with Nicole Morris The VB-MAPP is the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program. BCBA, Nicole Morris, breaks down why this tool is […]
5 Ways the Executive Functions Masterclass will Improve Your Classroom ———————————————- Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/ Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in […]
Executive functions expert and coach, Seth Perler, shares what executive functions are and why these skills are critically important for success. Seth and I cover a lot of topics from […]
Executive functions expert and coach, Seth Perler, shares what executive functions are and why these skills are critically important for success. Seth and I cover a lot of topics from […]
Marydee Sklar is a learning coach and executive functioning skills expert. Marydee is the founder of the Seeing My Time® Program, a scaffolded curriculum that builds metacognitive awareness. In this […]
Life skills to me are more than vocational skills and what we teach in high school and transition. Life Skills are things that we want to really start early on […]
Life skills to me are more than vocational skills and what we teach in high school and transition. Life Skills are things that we want to really start early on […]
Heather Cacioppo is a former special education teacher and currently a Special Education Curriculum and Assessment Facilitator. In this episode, Heather breaks down how to overcome the common obstacles that […]
Heather Cacioppo is a former special education teacher and currently a Special Education Curriculum and Assessment Facilitator. In this episode, Heather breaks down how to overcome the common obstacles that […]
The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership provides ongoing training, resources, and consultation. In this episode, learn the 5 positive impacts that joining this membership can have on your classroom. Enrollment […]
School-based BCBA, Christina Herrera discusses what it means to be a “basic BCBA.” In this episode, we explore why outdated practices persist and how clinicians and educators can better meet […]
School-based BCBA, Christina Herrera discusses what it means to be a “basic BCBA.” In this episode, we explore why outdated practices persist and how clinicians and educators can better meet […]
There are no magic wands when it comes to behavior change but there are quick wins. Quick wins are actionable strategies that can help move your behavior strategies in the […]
Problem-solving is an essential skill that may sometimes require more focused direct instruction. Dr. Victoria Castillo shares her recent study on using problem-solving strategies for social problems. She explains why […]
Jenny Friedman MS, RD is a dietitian who helps families overcome picky eating and extreme pediatric feeding challenges. In this episode, Jenny shares tips and strategies for how to handle […]
Mallory Anderson-Macy, BCBA, is passionate about sharing the positive impacts of Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). She currently works on helping parents and clients by focusing on Clinician Training around ACT […]
Saundra Bishop, MS, BCBA is the founder, CEO, and Clinical Director of the DC based BASICS ABA Therapy. She has over 18 years of experience working in Applied Behavior Analysis […]
Janna and Morgan share actionable tips and strategies for moving beyond requesting with your learners that use AAC. Janna Bedoyan is an early childhood special education teacher and AAC specialist. […]
On this podcast episode, Sasha gives the rundown on the 2nd annual Autism Connection Conference that’s coming up on December 3rd, 2022! The Autism Connection is a live, full-day virtual […]
Hellen Adedipe is a BCBA specializing in early intervention. In this episode, Hellen discusses the new CDC Milestones that were released earlier this year and the implication these changes have. […]
Creating an optimal environment for learning is essential in both the school and home setting. In this episode, parent coach Bea Moise shares tips and best practices for setting up […]
Curriculum Access is a subscription platform created for school districts that provides a comprehensive and differentiated curriculum for special education teachers. In this episode, I share the background of how […]
In this episode, BCBA Dr. Ariana Boutain shares what Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions are and why these are extremely beneficial for learners. Ariana is the Vice President of Clinical Services […]
To celebrate our 200th episode, The Autism Helper’s Director of Digital Marketing, Fran Homan, is interviewing Sasha! Sasha shares behind the scenes of starting the podcast, what some unanticipated challenges were, and some of her most memorable interviews. Sasha also goes in-depth into how The Autism Helper started and what are our plans for the […]
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. […]
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 […]
The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership provides ongoing training, resources, and support to help create the best educational outcomes for learners with autism. The membership gives you a plan. The membership gives you a community. Enrollment is OPEN for The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership now through September 20th! Sign up here. ——————– Our newest […]
The 3 Bin work task system is commonly used in special education classrooms. This structured teaching approach comes from the TEAACH method. This work task system provides significant structure for independent work tasks. For some students, this structure is necessary to build those independent skills. However, there are some big challenges for teachers to maintain […]
In life, changes are inevitable. But sometimes handling changes can be difficult. Instead of waiting for extremely challenging changes to common, work on small, manageable changes in your schedule with your students. Start small, provide support, and then fade. ————– The Executive Functions Masterclass & Toolkit will be open for enrollment from July 11 – […]
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 […]
When co-teaching or collaborating with a general education teacher, work together to create a structured environment for the learners who need it. In this episode, I share tips and strategies to apply structure to a general education classroom to help students be successful in this setting. ————– Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available […]
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, […]
When teaching a classroom a wide range of needs and skill sets, small group instruction is imperative to teach efficiently and effectively. Students should rotate around your classroom in small groups and target IEP goals and other skills at various centers or stations. This episode shares a list of different options for centers that may […]