Autism Elements

Autistic students don’t need perfect adults—they need consistent ones. In this final episode of the launch series, we talk about why consistency builds trust, why repair matters more than getting it right, and how showing up day after day makes a lasting impact. This episode is a reminder for educators to give themselves grace while continuing to support students with intention and care. ✨ A mean...

Transitions are often one of the hardest parts of the school day for autistic students—and for educators. In this episode, we talk about why transitions are challenging, common mistakes adults make, and simple strategies that reduce anxiety and resistance. From countdowns to consistent routines, we focus on tools that actually help. This episode is for anyone who wants smoother transitions without...

If a student is dysregulated, learning can’t happen. In this episode of Autism Elements, we explore what regulation really means, why behavior support must start with the nervous system, and how supporting regulation does not mean lowering expectations. This episode helps educators reframe behavior, respond with intention, and create calmer, more supportive learning environments.

Visual supports are powerful—but they don’t need to be fancy or time-consuming. In this episode, we break down how to use visuals intentionally and simply so they support students and educators. We talk about the most effective visuals, common mistakes, and how to avoid visual overload. This episode is for teachers who want visuals that actually work—without adding more to their plate.

Supporting autistic students doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this first episode of Autism Elements, we focus on how small, intentional shifts—not perfection—can make a meaningful difference in real classrooms. We talk about predictability, behavior as communication, and why regulation comes before expectation. This episode sets the tone for the podcast and is perfect for educators who want p...

In this video, I talk about tips and strategies that will help students with disabilities as they participate in award ceremonies. The key in success begins with preparation. Learn about how to utilize visual supports to prep for award ceremonies, and I share some things I learned as a teacher for success! Resource Link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/.../Award-Ceremony... YouTube Video Link:...

As the year begins to wrap up in May or early June (depending on when you school year ends), as teacher we often start the cleaning up process. We start taking down bulletin boards, throwing out broken items, missing pieces, overly used materials…. You get the picture. Now this is a great way to start getting ready for summer exit! However, as a self-contained special education teacher, I had othe...

Do you ever come in the morning into your classroom and rush to try to get everything ready for your students before they arrive in your classroom? Yup, this was me too!!! Until I learned the best hacks to prepare for a successful school day. Listen to the podcast to learn about the hacks that helped me daily! Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT S...

In this episode, I talk about how to implement a few strategies to help students or individuals who struggle to relinquish preferred items or leave preferred areas. Listen up to get some tips on the foundational steps to during these scenarios.  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel Thank you for your support!

In this podcast, we have Alicia from Special Needs Special Ways join us as a guest sharing her knowledge and expertise. The holidays can be the most joyous or the most stressful time of the year.  In this episode, Alicia gives some insight and helpful ideas to help our children cope with all of the changes during the holiday season in our homes and in our classrooms.  Using these strategies will b...

Learn how to begin teaching a skill when you are time restricted and lack adults! Learn how not to give up and remember that when you work with special education students,  you must teach the expectations! Listen to learn more! Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!

Learn about how to help students prepare for events, holidays, and social scenarios with 3 strategies! Listen to learn more!  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!

Sometimes, there are small things that make the world of a difference. Listen up to this podcast for some behavioral visual support strategies that have really helped me in my self-contained classroom.  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!

Have you ever wanted to create an activity or show with your special needs students but you don't know where to start? Listen to this podcast for steps on how to tackle this amazing experience. It is rewarding and precious! Get motivated with my experiences, tips and guidance.  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Th...

Do your students struggle with handwriting skills or fine motor tasks? Then these are MUST HAVE centers in your classroom! Despite your grade levels, these centers can be tailored to meet the varying skills of students from PreK-12th grade. Learn about ways to incorporate these skills or centers into your classroom.  You can also check out the blogpost: Fine Motor 101   Learn about Autism Elements...

Hey guys! I was reminiscing about my first teaching interview. I wanted to share my experience and what I learned about that process. Share about your interview experience or what led you to work in the special education world in the comments below! We love to hear from our audience. Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠...

Do you need some motivation for your classroom as you start the new year? Listen to this podcast to get some tips and ideas to get your started to EXPECT MORE!  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!

Join us in this podcast to learn about UDL. Naomi Church from Growing Minds Consulting joins Natalia from Autism Elements to provide listeners more information about the importance of applying UDL in the classroom. It is an amazing resource to help meet the needs of diverse learners.  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠...

Why is incorporating social skills into your class so important? Are you struggles with ideas on how to get started? Check out this podcast to understand how teaching social interactions and social skills can impact our students with autism spectrum and development delays.  Get inspired!  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Chann...

It hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows. There has been some difficult moments but I always remember my why and leans towards great mentors. Learn about my career story and journey of how I grew professionally and get to where I am today. You get to hear about the amazing people who played a role in my life! Natalia Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ Ti...

Do you want some ideas on how to work with non-verbal students? Do you need some starting points of using AAC devices and teaching non-verbal students how to use them? Would you like to get some ideas on how to teach and asses skills? Check out this podcast!  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your suppor...

Are you student's with Autism struggling with socializing and playing with toys appropriately? Check out this podcast to get some ideas of things you can do with your students to address these areas.  Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!

Today's episode covered what my arrival and morning group would look like with my students. Listen to learn ways to be successful and engaging as your start your day!  CHECK OUT SOME USEFUL TOOLS! Check out the eBook for this series: PrePlan For Your Self Contained Classroom E-Book Monthly Themes/Holidays Visuals Boards Differentiated Interactive Morning Work Calendar Binder Basic Skills Inven...

Listen to this podcast to get some tips on surviving your first week of school!  Check out the eBook for this series: PrePlan For Your Self Contained Classroom E-Book Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!

Learn about setting up for Open House. Listen to find out about some tips and trips to make your open house be successful. Check out the eBook for this series: PrePlan For Your Self Contained Classroom E-Book Learn about Autism Elements: ⁠ Main Site ⁠ ⁠ Facebook ⁠ ⁠ Instagram ⁠ ⁠ TikTok ⁠ ⁠ TPT Store ⁠ ⁠ YouTube Channel ⁠ Thank you for your support!