Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

👋 Episode Summary Hey friends! Today we’re getting into the real stuff, behavior plans that actually work. Not just the ones that check a box or look good at a meeting, but plans that truly support our students (and us!) in the day-to-day chaos of special education life. I’m sharing exactly how to build behavior plans that are neuro-affirming, doable, and focused on connection over compliance. If...

👋 Episode Summary Hey hey! In this episode of Teaching Autism and Special Education , we’re keeping it simple, practical, and real, because let’s face it, none of us have time for behavior plans that require six hours, three meetings, and a laminator. I’m sharing 5 quick-win strategies you can literally start using tomorrow. No Velcro, no prep, no late-night crafting. Just real solutions that sup...

👋 Episode Summary Hey friends! In today’s episode, we’re diving into something we all deal with in the classroom: challenging behavior. But here’s the thing, what we often call “acting out” is actually communication. So instead of asking, “What’s wrong with them?” let’s start asking, “What are they trying to tell me?” From sensory overload to task refusal, I’m breaking down the common messages be...

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m talking all about something that has completely transformed my classroom (and my sanity!) over the years - creating a calm and organized learning space . If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of noise, papers, and visual chaos — you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But over time, I’ve found that small, intentional changes can make a huge difference for bot...

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite classroom hacks that brings joy, engagement, and so much hidden learning into the day -  board games ! 🎲 If you’re thinking, “Wait, board games… in my special ed classroom?”  - I get it! But trust me, these games can be a total game-changer (pun 100% intended). In this episode, I walk you through how I use board games to build...

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated (but totally magical) ways I use task boxes in my classroom - to support calm-down time and emotional regulation . When most people hear “task boxes,” they think academics - letter matching, counting, sorting colors… and yes, I love them for that too. But today, I’m showing you how these little boxes can become absolute lifesavers...

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m breaking down one of my favorite ways to support IEP goals — and the best part? No worksheets required. 🙌 If you’re feeling overwhelmed with paperwork, struggling to keep things engaging, or just want a low-prep, hands-on way to meet student goals - this one’s for you. I’m walking you through exactly how I use task boxes to target fine motor, academic, life skills...

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most requested topics from teachers like you - how I organize my task boxes without turning into a stressed-out mess surrounded by stray Velcro and mystery pieces. 😂 If you’re a special ed teacher, you know how powerful task boxes can be - for IEP goals, independence, calm-down time, assessment… they’re basically magic. But let’s be honest -...

Hey friend! In this episode, I’m spilling all the details on one of my favourite ways to wrap up the school year: theme days! If you’ve been around here a while, you already know I live for a good theme - especially at the end of the year when routines go a little wonky, energy is through the roof, and we’re all counting down the days to summer. I’ve been doing theme days for years now, and I’ve f...

🎧 Episode Description: Hey friend! In today’s episode of the Teaching Autism podcast, I’m spilling all my secrets for how I wrap up the school year without burning out - so I can actually rest, recharge, and not think about laminating until September. This is a no-guilt, no-grind guide to prepping smart so you can fully switch off over summer. I’m sharing how I shift our classroom routine, get my...

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Teaching Autism podcast! In this heart-filled episode, I’m joined by the incredible Yara from Sea of Knowledge to dive deep into one of the most important topics in any classroom: friendship and anti-bullying . We talk all about: What healthy friendships really look like (and how to spot when something’s not quite right) Practical ways teachers can support student...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s been debated for years in the autism and special education world, the language we use when talking about autism. Specifically, we're breaking down the difference between identity-first language ("autistic person") and person-first language ("person with autism") and why so many autistic individuals are asking us to make the shift. Language is po...

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics — special interests,  and why they deserve to be celebrated , not shut down. If you’ve ever worked with Autistic students (or if you’re Autistic yourself), you already know: special interests are so much more than hobbies. They’re a source of comfort, confidence, connection, and even learning, not somethin...

In this heartfelt episode, I’m passing the mic (with full permission and lots of gratitude) to a few amazing Autistic friends who shared what they   really   want people to know during   Autism Acceptance Month . 💛 This month is about more than wearing a color or posting a hashtag — it’s about taking real, thoughtful action that centers and supports the Autistic community. In this...

Hey friends, welcome back to the podcast, and welcome to a special episode for Autism Acceptance Month 💛 In this one, we’re busting some of the biggest, most outdated myths about Autism that just won’t go away. From vaccine misinformation to the idea that Autism only affects boys... We’re clearing it all up in a kind, honest, neuro-affirming way. Here’s the truth: Autism is not a disease. It’s a...

Welcome to a special episode for Autism Acceptance Month 💛 Awareness is a good start — but this episode is all about what comes next: real acceptance. In this 10-minute chat, I’m sharing five simple but impactful things you can do this month (and beyond!) to support the Autistic and neurodivergent community. From the symbols we use to the stories we amplify, every small shift makes a big differen...

In today’s episode, we’re talking all about the shift from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month—and why that change is so important. While awareness is a great starting point, true inclusion happens when we move into acceptance: making space, shifting mindsets, and celebrating neurodiversity in all its forms. I’ll walk you through the difference between awareness and acceptance, why a...

Episode Overview Today’s episode is all about your biggest questions! Whether you're new to special education or have been in the field for years, you've probably wondered about behavior management, classroom setup, IEPs, and more. In this episode, I’m answering seven frequently asked questions from special educators—covering everything from handling meltdowns to supporting nonverbal students. Gra...

Episode Overview Transitions can be one of the biggest challenges in a special education classroom. Moving from one activity to another—whether it’s playtime to work time, recess to the classroom, or one subject to another—can be overwhelming for autistic students. The good news? With the right strategies, we can make transitions so much smoother! In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ Why transitions c...

Episode Overview Visual supports aren’t just helpful—they’re game changers! If you’ve ever wondered why they’re so widely used in special education classrooms or how to implement them effectively, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ The different types of visual supports. ✔️ How they help with communication, transitions, and behavior. ✔️ Simple ways to create and use them in...

Episode Overview Meltdowns can be one of the biggest challenges in special education. When a student loses control—screaming, crying, hitting, or throwing things—it can feel overwhelming. While we can’t always prevent meltdowns, how we respond can make all the difference in helping students regulate over time. In this episode, we’ll cover: ✔️ The difference between meltdowns and tantrums. ✔️ Strat...

Episode Overview Head banging and head butting can be some of the most concerning behaviors to witness in the classroom, especially when working with autistic students or those with sensory needs. But just like any other behavior, it has a purpose! In this episode, we’ll explore why students engage in head banging, how to provide safe alternatives, and five effective strategies to help reduce and...

Episode Overview Biting can be one of the most challenging behaviors to navigate in the classroom, especially when working with autistic students or those with sensory needs. But as always—behavior is communication! In this episode, we dive into why students bite, how to identify the root cause, and five actionable strategies to help reduce and prevent biting in your classroom. What You’ll Learn i...

In this episode, I share five actionable tips for creating consistency between school and home to help students feel secure, understand expectations, and generalize skills. From visual supports to celebrating progress, these strategies will strengthen the partnership between educators and families, ensuring students thrive in both environments. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Use Visual Support...

In this episode, I’m sharing five practical and efficient ways to collect data while using task boxes in the classroom. Task boxes are fantastic tools for promoting independence and skill-building, and they’re also perfect for gathering meaningful data to track student progress. Learn how to streamline your data collection process while supporting your students’ growth. What You’ll Learn in This E...