"You know how your mind is often spinning and spiraling with overwhelm, anxiousness, or insecurity? This is just like me! All through my marriage. All through separation. And all through my journey of recovering from divorce. In this process I’ve discovered and created tools to HELP WOMEN drop out of their minds and into their bodies and access what their body ALREADY KNOWS. I’m here to teach you how to experience RADICAL TRUST of both yourself and others!" Stephanie welcomes listeners into ...
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Welcome to The Autism Helper Podcast, where we explore different strategies to improve the lives of individuals with autism.
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Episode 292: Encore Episode: Step 4: Visuals Aren't a Magic Wand
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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. ---------------------------------------------…
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Episode 291: Encore Episode: Step 3: Least Restrictive Schedule Continuum
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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 restri…
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Episode 290: Encore Episode: Step 2: Why a Structured Environment is Key
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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 explo…
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Episode 289: Encore Episode: Step 1: 15 Questions to Ask When Setting Up Your Room
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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…
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Episode 288: Choosing Data Methods From Your IEP Goals with Stephanie DeLussey
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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 su…
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Episode 287: Modeling Calm for De-Escalation with Kathryn Karpinski, BCBA
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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.the…
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Episode 286: Teaching Learning Behaviors in the Inclusion Setting with Lori Fry, BCBA
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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 i…
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Episode 285: Digital Data Collection with Caitlin Beltran, BCBA
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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 currentl…
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Episode 284: Group Contingencies with Katlyn Linsley, BCBA
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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 …
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Episode 283: Creating Instructional Books with Emily Muise
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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…
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Episode 282: Predictable Chart Writing with Heather Cacioppo
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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 th…
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Episode 281: How to Set Staff Expectations with Jennifer Hofferber
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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 su…
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Episode 280: Research Based Positive Affirmations with Jenny Walmsley
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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 procedur…
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Episode 279: 5 Steps for Effective Staff Training with Dawn Ellis
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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 imple…
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Episode 278: What to Do After a Negative Behavior with Abigail Moehringer, BCBA
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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 …
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Episode 277: The Art and Science of Behavioral Consultation with Jana Sarno, BCBA
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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 co…
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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 Ap…
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Episode 275: Why Resilience is Important and How to Build It
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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 Behavi…
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Episode 274: How to Build Emotional Regulation
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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…
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Episode 273: Importance of Reading Comprehension with Dr. Joe Lockavitch
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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…
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Episode 272: Deescalation Strategies that Work
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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 epi…
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Episode 271: 10 Proactive Strategies for Decreasing Problem Behavior
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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 avo…
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Episode 270: Implementing Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment at a District Wide Level
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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 Servic…
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Episode 269: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions with Dr. Jamie Hughes-Lika, BCBA-D
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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 Certif…
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Episode 268: Improving Staff Training on Behavior Plans with Amanda Borosh, BCBA
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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 educa…
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Encore Episode: Can't Do or Won't Do {excerpt from my Live Workshop}
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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. -…
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Encore Episode: Essentials for Building Reading Skills with Literacy Expert Lois Letchford
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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 the impact this can have on students. She shares some key strategies for building reading skills by building engagement and focusing on comprehension. Lo…
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Episode 265: Sensory Needs and Clothing Challenges with Julia DeNey
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Julia DeNey founded Sense-ational You, an adaptive apparel brand for autistic children who need help regulating so they are empowered to be successful no matter where they are. In this episode, Julia discusses what sensory needs are and how they can impact behavior. She explores the area of tactile sensory needs and how different clothing can be ch…
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Episode 264: 4 Key Variables for Effective Accommodations with Tim Kretchman
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Tim Kretchman is the founder of Action Driven Education and a former teacher and administrator. In this episode, Tim shares how to identify “just right” accommodations for students in a range of settings. Tim shares the four key variables that make accommodations work - strengths, needs, degree of need, and fit to the instructional setting. Tim sha…
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Episode 263: the 4 Attachment Styles from a Behavior Analytic Perspective with Dr. Katie Saint
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Katherine Saint, Ph.D., LPC, BCBA-D, Katherine has her doctorate in Behavior Analysis and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In this episode, we discuss the 4 attachment styles from a behavior analytic perspective. Katie shares what learning histories typically lead to each attachment style and what supports we can give to help those individuals…
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Episode 262: Feeding Therapy and Food Sensitivity with Elizabeth Klein, BCBA
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Elizabeth Klein is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Clinical Director of an ABA program that delivers therapy in home, school, clinic, and community settings. She noticed a common challenge with children with autism across settings - eating problems. In this episode, Elizabeth discusses with eating challenges are common for children with auti…
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Episode 261: Successful Inclusion with Rebekah Poe
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When creating successful inclusion, there can be many obstacles along the way. Rebekah Poe, M. Ed. is an award-winning former special education teacher and a national teaching conference presenter. Rebekah shares what inclusion is and some tips and strategies for making inclusion effective and possible. She shares how to work with reluctant teacher…
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Episode 260: Function Based Alternatives to Extinction with Dr. Billie Retzlaff, BCBA
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Extinction is the process of removing or discontinuing reinforcement for a behavior. This would then reduce or eliminate the behavior. However, this strategy can have some challenges during implementation. In this episode, Dr. Billie Retzlaff breaks down what extinction is and what are some alternatives to reduce problem behaviors. She dives into n…
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Independent work is essential to running a successful classroom. This allows small group instruction to happen and builds critical life skills of work endurance and sustained attention. Many independent work systems include task boxes. Task boxes include one activity and often students rotate between assigned task boxes. In this episode, I share 3 …
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Episode 258: Sexuality Education in Special Ed with Dr. Rachel Schwartz
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Dr. Rachel Schwartz, PhD, BCBA-D breaks down sexuality education in special education. She reviews how teachers and related services fit in to providing this conversation. Dr. Schwartz shares what topics are appropriate for what ages and why these are essential life skills for all learners. She tackles tricky topics such as how to work with staff m…
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Episode 257: The Whole Family Approach with Dr. Taylor Day
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Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed child psychologist and parental coach who specializes in autism and neurodivergent affirming care. In this episode, Dr. Tay shares her Whole Family Approach™ which focuses on the needs of parents and siblings of autistic children, as well as the children themselves. We discuss how to provide education and support that v…
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Episode 256: Effective Leadership and the Role of RBTs with Janelle Upthegrove, BCBA
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Effective leadership is imperative for both BCBAs and classroom teachers. Within a clinic or in-home setting, BCBAs manage and lead Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Janelle Upthegrove is the owner of Grover Behavioral Services and shares her insight and strategies for creating a positive and effective work environment. Janelle discusses usin…
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Episode 255: Getting Buy In on Behavior Plans with BCBA Meghan Edwards
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Training teams on behavior plans and strategies is essential to successful implementation. In today’s episode, school-based BCBA and former special ed teacher, Meghan Edwards is breaking down how to approach team training from start to finish. She covers how to get started with a new plan or team, how to find training time, ways to build buy in, an…
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Episode 254: Teaching Problem Solving Skills with Dr. Norrine Russell
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Dr. Norrine Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, which uses an innovative method of coaching for complex students. In this episode, Dr. Russell dives into the complicated skill of problem-solving. She shares why problem-solving is such an important yet difficult skill for students to learn. She gives specific examples and strate…
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Episode 253: Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment with Erica Vogt
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Practical Functional Assessment and the Skills Based Treatment Approach is a proven effective and applicable approach to severe problem behavior. In this episode, special educator and behavior consultant, Erica Vogt, shares her experience with PFA-SBT in a school setting. Erica breaks down the PFA-SBT process, gives some real-world examples, and di…
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Episode 252: 5 Key Strategies for Behavior Change
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Whether your students are engaging in off-task behaviors or more extreme and dangerous problem behaviors, there are some universal key strategies you need for positive behavior change. These mindsets and frameworks are imperative for decreasing problem behavior and teaching positive, prosocial responses. In this episode, I share the 5 key strategie…
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Episode 251: 5 Ways to Foster Early Language Development with Gina Russell
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Gina Russell is a former preschool special education teacher and currently works in early intervention. Gina is a blogger on The Autism Helper team sharing best practices for early childhood. In this episode, Gina shares 5 ways to foster early language development. These strategies are all actionable ways to build awareness, interest, and curiosity…
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Episode 250: Effective Consultation and Compassionate Treatment with Lupe Castaneda, BCBA
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Lupe Castaneda is a BCBA with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private setting. In this episode, Lupe shares some key strategies for successful consultations and relationships with teachers and staff. Lupe discusses how to overcome the challenges of finding time and getting buy-in when training teams on behavior plans. We also dis…
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Episode 249: Supporting Bilingual Learners with Language Delays with SLP Liliana Diaz
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Liliana Diaz-Vazquez is a certified licensed bilingual speech-language pathologist. In this episode, she shares best practices for supporting bilingual students in the classroom. Liliana explores common misconceptions regarding multilingual students with language delays such as speaking multiple languages will cause regression or confusion. She giv…
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Episode 248: FAQ: Running Small Group Centers
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Running small groups allows you to provide differentiated and individualized instruction to your students. But the process of setting up centers can be overwhelming. In this episode, we go through the steps for getting started with centers. We review situations such as having low or no staff and students that aren’t able to work independently yet. …
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Managing and leading your team is an essential role in being a special education teacher however it’s something we are not prepared for. In this episode, I review the most frequently asked questions I get about staff training and collaborating with paraprofessionals. I discuss how to find the time for staff training, how to get buy in, and how to e…
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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 is one answer I give to every question that references a specific behavior - whether kicking, hitting, scratching, running! Then we cover how to handle taking away preferred items,…
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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 how to select a schedule type for each student and how to get your team on board! ---------------------------------------------- Enter our "Seasons of Givin…
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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 away from academic instruction. My answer to this question is - never. We should never move away from teaching academics because academic skills are functional skills. As our stud…
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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 can work collaboratively and effectively. The goal for staff training should be for the teacher to replicate herself so the paraprofessionals ar…
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