In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, I’m joined by Kaelynn Partlow - autistic advocate, national speaker, and familiar face from the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. Diagnosed with autism at age 10, Kaelynn has dedicated her career to meaningful inclusion through her work as an RBT with Project Hope and as the author of Life on the Bri…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Sasha chats with Dr. Erin Michaud, a Speech-Language Pathologist and BCBA-D with over 20 years of experience supporting infants at high likelihood for autism. Dr. Michaud shares what she’s learning from the Early Markers of Autism Project, including the earliest behavioral indicators to look for and how…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re turning up the heat! 🔥 I’m diving into four spicy social media comments and unpacking the tough conversations behind them. From the debate over the value of errorless learning, to the real-world challenges of handling aggression in the classroom, and the art of de-escalation strategies- nothing’s …

In this episode, we take a closer look at two widely used assessment tools in both clinical and educational settings: the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) and the ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised). Aimed at clinicians, special educators, and support staff, this discussion break…

In this episode, we're tackling a tough but important topic: the common strategies that just don't work when it comes to reducing problem behavior in the classroom or clinical setting. From relying on punishment alone to enforcing one-size-fits-all policies, we break down five approaches that may seem effective in the moment but often backfire in t…

What do you do when you and your school or district administrators aren't on the same page - especially when it comes to student behavior, curriculum, or the resources you need to do your job well? In this episode, we talk about how to navigate those tricky disconnects with professionalism, empathy, and clarity. Whether you're a teacher, BCBA, or r…

When students are destroying essential classroom materials like schedules and task boxes, it can feel overwhelming and even chaotic. In this episode, we unpack what’s really going on behind destructive behavior and, more importantly, what you can do about it. We’ll cover immediate response strategies, how to keep everyone safe, and long-term soluti…

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, to dive into the topic of reading comprehension—a challenge faced by many students, especially those with autism. Dr. Levy discusses why reading comprehension is such a common struggle, how it impacts overall academic performance, and the role of missing prerequisite skills in thi…

In this episode, we chat with Tara Phillips, founder of Autism Little Learners, about the ins and outs of potty training for children with autism. Tara shares her expertise on recognizing signs that a child may be ready to start potty training and the key prerequisites or readiness skills to look for. She explains why potty training can be more cha…

Work refusal is one of the most common challenges educators face, but not all refusals are the same. In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we explore how to respond effectively by using the “Can’t Do or Won’t Do” framework. Understanding whether a student is avoiding work because they can’t complete the task or because they won’t is the key…

De-escalation is a skill that requires preparedness, and unfortunately, there are some common mistakes that can make situations harder instead of easier. In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re digging into three of the biggest missteps school staff can make during moments of escalation: getting too close to students, not having a clear…

The beginning of the school year sets the tone for everything that follows. In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re diving into the key priorities every educator should focus on at the start of the year. Rather than rushing into academics, it’s essential to first build strong rapport with students, staff, and parents; establish consiste…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re discussing three signs that your schedule might not be working and how to make adjustments. First, we’ll talk about how group size feeling unmanageable can signal that your schedule needs tweaking for better flow. Then, we’ll explore how not having enough time in each center can prev…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re sharing four essential steps for teaching class centers that will set your students up for success. First, we’ll discuss the importance of transitioning early to give students time to adjust. Then, we’ll talk about transitioning one group at a time to avoid overwhelm and ensure smoot…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re focusing on two key things to prioritize during the first month of school. First, we’ll dive into the importance of focusing on rapport, building strong, trusting relationships with your students from day one. Then, we’ll talk about how to build in reinforcement—using positive reinfo…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re diving into three key questions to ask when creating a class mission statement. First, we’ll explore What do we want for our students?, a crucial question to ensure the focus is always on their growth and success. Next, we’ll talk about What do we want for our team?, because a strong…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re exploring two creative ways to sneak in staff training time, even when schedules are tight. First, we’ll talk about using opportunities during the school day, by strategic grouping or end-of-the-week afternoons. Then, we’ll discuss how to leverage outside of the school day moments, s…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re diving into three underutilized types of schedules that can make a big difference in your classroom. First, we’ll talk about Class Party Schedules, which help set clear expectations and reduce anxiety during special events. Next, we’ll discuss Field Trip Schedules, a great tool to pr…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we’re focusing on two important things to email and ask your principal during the summer to set yourself up for success in the coming school year. First, we’ll discuss the importance of asking when you can have common time with your team during professional development days, which helps en…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, I’m sharing three of my favorite data collection tools that make tracking behavior easier and more effective. First, we’ll talk about Click Counter and Finger Counters, a simple tool to track frequency data in real time. Then, I’ll explain why I love clipboards for keeping everything organ…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, I’m sharing four of my favorite behavior visuals that can make a big impact in the classroom or at home. First, we’ll dive into Waiting Choice Boards, which help give clear structure to wait times. Then, I’ll explain how First, Then visuals can create smoother transitions and reduce anxiet…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we explore five effective ways to build strong rapport with your students. First, we discuss the importance of observing what they engage with in the classroom to better understand their interests. We also talk about getting to know their family members and home life, which helps create de…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we dive into four common classroom pet peeves and how to avoid them for a smoother, more effective learning environment. We’ll talk about the issue of undoing work in front of the student and why it can be counterproductive. We also explore how using age-appropriate work, toys, and materia…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast Summer Series, we tackle two effective strategies for transitioning away from preferred items. First, we discuss the importance of giving a clear warning or countdown to help your child prepare for the change. Then, we dive into the approach of transitioning from highly preferred items to those that are …

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, the first episode of our Summer Series, we share four key tasks to do now to prep for back-to-school success. We’ll cover cleaning out and prepping independent work tasks, creating new morning binders, upgrading your schedule system, and prepping new curriculum or daily work. These simple steps will hel…

The Executive Functions Masterclass course has been taken by hundreds of teachers, clinicians, and parents with consistently great reviews. This course will prepare you to support struggling learners by building executive functioning skills. You will learn how to assess skills, create a thorough plan, and develop proactive supports. In this episode…

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. Morgan van Diepens is a BCBA. We discuss the biggest challenges of incorporating AAC into the home or classroom, why kids often get “stuck” at requestin…

Schedules with moveable pieces are great to provide substantial support and visual prompting for how to navigate the classroom. Once students are successful with this type of schedule, move towards a paper schedule. These schedules provide more options for generalization. You can more readily incorporate these schedules into new settings leading to…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare discuss strategies for creating truly inclusive school environments for all learners. They cover key topics like the biggest obstacles to successful inclusion, practical ways to make classrooms more welcoming, the importance of collaboration among staff, and the vital role o…

Join Special Education Teacher, Kelsey Kistner, who offers practical strategies for supporting students during academic instruction. Kelsey discusses her top teaching methods, the importance of student choice, how to boost motivation, and how she manages problem behaviors during group lessons. She also dives into Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Leanne Greenberg joins us to discuss creating inclusive environments for students with autism. She shares her insights on overcoming barriers to inclusion, dispelling common misconceptions about autism, and highlighting successful strategies used in schools. Leanne also discusses the importance of socia…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Jenn Adams joins us to discuss strategies for building effective communication within the IEP Team. Jenn Adams is a seasoned special education and general education teacher and the creative force behind Teach Love Autism. With 17 years of teaching experience, Jenn has dedicated most of her career to sup…

In this episode, we explore effective strategies for teaching students with autism how to handle change. Whether it's transitions between activities, changes in routine, or unexpected events, managing change can be challenging for many students on the spectrum. Tune in for practical tips and techniques to help build flexibility, reduce anxiety, and…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Leanne Page, BCBA, from Parenting with ABA, who shares her insights on how utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can benefit both parents and educators. Leanne explains the core principles of ACT and how it has helped her become a more comp…

In this episode, I dive into 8 insightful questions submitted by teachers, clinicians, and parents through The Autism Helper app. Whether you're a professional or a parent looking for guidance, this episode covers a range of topics, from behavior, resource prep, to staff training. The Autism Helper App serves as a comprehensive hub, housing our onl…

You are never truly an expert on something until you know how to teach it to others. Reinforcement is something that affects all areas of your classroom and your students' success. It affects your students' academic skills, level of independence, social skills, problem behaviors, and more. It's a fundamental component to your classroom. You absolut…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we welcome expert Jessie Ginsburg to discuss dysregulation in individuals with autism. Jessie defines dysregulation and shares key signs to look for, as well as effective strategies for educators and caregivers to intervene and prevent these moments. We also delve into issues of safety, the confusion be…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Taylor Rae Homesley explores Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its connection to autism. Learn about the symptoms, treatment overlaps, and the varying intensity of ARFID. Taylor emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, guiding parents and educators on when to seek help a…

In this episode, we chat with Chris Wenger, The Speech Dude, about neurodiversity-affirming goals and IEPs. Learn how to craft IEPs that truly reflect the strengths and needs of neurodiverse students, and discover how these goals can boost engagement and learning. Chris also shares practical advice for parents on advocating for positive outcomes in…

Join us on The Autism Helper Podcast as we explore inclusive education with Jen, a BCBA, and Meghan, a special education teacher. In this episode, we dive into reverse inclusion and its benefits, discussing strategies for creating inclusive environments, supporting social skill development, and the vital roles of educators and support staff. Discov…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, I interview Dr. Steven Hodges, a pediatric urology expert from Wake Forest University. We discuss the unique challenges of potty training for children with autism and developmental delays. Dr. Hodges shares insights on recognizing readiness signs, identifying constipation symptoms, and its impact on toi…

Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. El Brown, an expert in education and advocacy. In this episode, we tackle the crucial topic of collaboration between schools and families. We explore the reasons behind the disconnect that often arises, and Dr. Brown shares invaluable insights on how teachers can bridge that gap effectively. Discove…

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, to dive into the topic of reading comprehension—a challenge faced by many students, especially those with autism. Dr. Levy discusses why reading comprehension is such a common struggle, how it impacts overall academic performance, and the role of missing prerequisite skills in thi…

In this episode, we sit down with Kaylan Long, a behavior analyst and founder of Caffeinated Behavior Change, to explore the importance of building communication skills for students with autism. Kaylan shares her insights on how to be intentional about embedding communication opportunities throughout the school day, even during unconventional or ov…

In this episode, we chat with Tara Phillips, founder of Autism Little Learners, about the ins and outs of potty training for children with autism. Tara shares her expertise on recognizing signs that a child may be ready to start potty training and the key prerequisites or readiness skills to look for. She explains why potty training can be more cha…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re diving into the critical strategies for de-escalating a challenging situation with children on the autism spectrum. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, knowing how to manage moments of crisis is key to creating a safe and supportive environment. We’ll walk through the 6 essential dos a…

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we dive into the world of gestalt language processing with Alex Zachos from Meaningful Speech. Alex shares valuable insights into understanding and supporting autistic children who communicate through gestalt language, a unique approach where language develops in larger "chunks" rather than individual w…

Happy 300th Episode of The Autism Helper Podcast! I am so grateful for this community that supported us for 300 episodes. Today I reflect back on the process of starting a podcast, some of the biggest obstacles, and share my process for recording. I also share some of my most memorable guests and where I hope this podcast goes in the future. If you…

Liat Sacks is a BCBA, voice behind the popular Behavior Bitches Podcast, and co-founder of CEUS by Study Notes ABA and the Study Notes ABA App. In this episode, we chat about the major differences between being a clinician versus being a parent on implementing behavioral strategies. We discuss how clinicians can make behavior plans more real-world …

Incorporating movement into reading instruction can be an essential missing piece for struggling learners. In this episode, Stefanie Hohl shares how kinesthetic learning strategies can help students master literacy skills more effectively. Stefanie is the founder of ABC See, Hear, Do Learn-to-Read method to make early reading fun and easy for kids …