Autism Academy 360

 In this final episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa reflects on the heart of special education—the why behind what we do. Teaching students with Autism isn’t just about academics or behavior plans; it’s about changing lives, creating opportunities, and fostering independence. Lisa and Abby share personal stories, encourage educators to hold onto their "why," and remind us that every small vict...

Ever felt like no matter what reward you offer, it just doesn’t seem to motivate your students? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle what to do when reinforcers don’t seem to work and how to troubleshoot effectively. We’ll cover: Reinforcement Schedules : Why you might need to deliver reinforcement faster or adjust how often and when it’s given. Magnitude of Reinforcement : Ensuring the re...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we tackle one of the most challenging dynamics in classrooms, homes, and relationships—power struggles. From identifying why these conflicts arise to practical, actionable steps for preventing them, Lisa shares six proven strategies to create a more positive and cooperative environment. Whether you're a teacher managing a tricky classroom situation or a paren...

The holiday season is magical but can also turn your classroom into chaos! In this episode, we tackle how to keep kids on task and behaviors in check while managing the excitement of the season. You’ll discover strategies to: Set Clear Expectations : Use visual schedules and holiday-themed behavior trackers to keep kids focused. Incorporate Holiday Cheer : Add festive twists to lessons with themed...

In Episode 46 of Autism Academy, Lisa shares creative ways to use adaptive books in the autism classroom. Adapted books are so much more than just reading tools—they’re game-changers in the autism classroom. Whether you’re using them for homework, 1:1 instruction, speech therapy, or even as a calming activity, adapted books fit seamlessly into so many parts of the day. From morning work to small g...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360 , we sit down with Speech-Language Pathologist Ashley Bird to explore the world of gestalt language processing. Ashley sheds light on what it means to be a gestalt language processor—a unique way some individuals, especially children with autism, learn and use language. Rather than picking up words one by one, gestalt language processors often acquire language...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady tackles a common challenge in special education classrooms: elopement behaviors. Lisa breaks down elopement as actions students might take to avoid tasks or instructions and highlights the value of collecting ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data to understand what drives these behaviors. She shares five practical strategies to reduce a...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360 , we dive into the key differences between breaks and rewards and how they can both play a critical role in managing classroom behaviors. For many students, especially those with autism, understanding when to use breaks and when to offer rewards can be a game-changer in maintaining a calm, productive learning environment. We'll explore how breaks serve as an e...

In episode 42 of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady shares 12 practical tips for teaching students with autism in a general education setting. The episode emphasizes the importance of reducing sensory overload, establishing structured routines, and offering visual supports. Teachers are encouraged to use clear language, give limited choices, and explicitly teach rules and social skills. Incorpo...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we dive into preventative strategies to help teachers and parents manage behavior on the bus for kids with autism. We know how challenging transitions can be, especially during bus rides, so this episode is packed with practical tips to create a calmer, safer environment. From using visual schedules and teaching clear expectations to implementing positive rei...

  In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Holladay shares valuable insights on setting up a structured work area in inclusion classrooms. Drawing from her extensive experience in special education, Lisa explains the importance of creating an organized and accessible environment that meets the needs of both general education and special education students. Lisa outlines key strategies...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady dives into the importance of creating a calm-down corner in classrooms for students who struggle with emotional regulation. Lisa shares 10 practical and easy-to-implement ideas to help students calm down, reset, and return to learning. From comfortable seating to mindfulness tools and personalized calm-down kits, these strategies create a pe...

In this episode, Abby dives into responsive behavior strategies and how to repair relationships with students after behavioral incidents. She shares her top tip—always focus on mending the relationship after a behavior, no matter the severity. Abby outlines key steps for post-behavior conversations, including letting students share their side, naming emotions, and discussing alternative actions. S...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360 , we dive into the essentials of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). We explain what FBAs and BIPs are, why they are crucial for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors in children with autism, and how these tools work together to create effective, individualized behavior support strategies.  Whether y...

Episode summary: In this episode, we dive into managing disrespectful behaviors in the classroom and how educators can shift their mindset to better support students. Instead of viewing rude or challenging actions as personal attacks, we explore strategies to understand these behaviors as a form of communication. From fostering empathy and maintaining consistent expectations to using de-escalation...

In this episode, we’re breaking down preference assessments—those handy tools that help figure out what really motivates students, especially those with special needs. We chat about different ways to discover what kids love, from simple interviews to observing their choices in real-time. By collecting this info, teachers can create a preference hierarchy, which is just a fancy way of ranking what...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa Hollady discusses the powerful role visuals play in both our everyday lives and the classroom. From driving directions to restaurant menus, visuals help guide us through various tasks without overwhelming us. Lisa emphasizes how visuals can support students with Autism and benefit all learners by creating independence and reducing frustration from verbal...

In this episode, we chat about Behavior Skills Training (BST) and its critical role in equipping educational teams to effectively support students with autism. BST is broken down into four key components: Instruction, Modeling, Rehearsal, and Feedback. We start by explaining the significance of BST in developing and maintaining effective teaching strategies. The Instruction phase is highlighted fo...

Episode summary: In this episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa Hollady delves into the importance and implementation of visual supports in special education classrooms. Visual supports play a crucial role in enhancing communication, easing transitions, and creating a smoother daily routine for students. Lisa outlines the benefits of visual supports, particularly for students with Autism, and offers...

In this episode, we share five essential behavior tips to help teachers support students with autism at the start of the school year. The first tip is to pair yourself with positive reinforcement, a strategy discussed in depth in episode 9. Getting to know the child is the second tip, emphasizing the importance of conducting preference assessments, spending time with the student, and communicating...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady explores the importance of establishing effective classroom routines to support students with autism in the general education setting. Lisa discusses how routines can enhance independence, and time management skills, and provide a sense of structure. She offers practical tips for creating and maintaining successful routines, emphasizes the n...

 In this episode, we speak with Jenna, a mother whose son Connor has autism. Jenna shares her family's journey, the challenges they faced after Connor's diagnosis, and their experiences with the education system. Jenna discusses Connor's diagnosis, the initial challenges, and how they found support. She shares her interactions with the education system, highlighting effective strategies and a...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Holladay delves into the importance and implementation of independent work systems (IWS) in special education classrooms. These structured systems, such as the three-drawer bin system and task boxes, are designed to help students with special needs become more self-reliant by providing visual cues and prompts. Lisa shares practical steps for selecti...

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, Abby takes on the topic of token boards, an effective tool for motivating and managing behavior in autistic students but also a controversial one.  First, we define token boards and explain their basic concept. This is where confusion comes in, so we are going to talk about what they actually are. Then we address common concerns and provide counterargume...

In this episode of the Autism Academy 360 Podcast, host Lisa Hollady delves into strategies for landing a job in special education, particularly in autism settings. The episode covers essential tips for acing interviews, such as preparing answers to common questions, highlighting your experience, and effectively communicating with families. Lisa emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive lear...