Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

There have been many occasions over the years when I'm visiting teachers, education professionals and classrooms that I have been asked 'What are life skills?' People often assume that these skills are just tasks like brushing your teeth or hair, or being able to feed yourself. But, there's actually a lot more to these skills that you may not know. And today in this podcast episode, I'm going to b...

I am so excited for today's social and emotional learning podcast episode with Robin Fox from Social Eyes. Robin has 37 years of experience teaching and today is talking all about social eyes, and social and emotional learning. What Are We Talking About? Social Eyes Introduction What is social and emotional learning? Social and emotional learning in the classroom. What is mindfulness? How can we u...

I don’t know about you, but there are so many therapies for autism and special education teachers to use now that it can get overwhelming very quickly. Which ones should we use? When should we do them? How can we fit them into our schedules? This was us a few years ago. Trying to do all the therapies that our students loved and benefited from. But then, we took a step back and really observed and...

I am beyond excited to have Barbara Fernandez from   SmartyEars   and   SmartySymbols   on the podcast today. We are talking about using symbols to communicate and build language, as well as AAC. Barbara is a speech pathologist, and she is a wealth of knowledge for using visuals, symbols, apps and different ways to communicate. This podcast episode is a little longer than norma...

I know most of you will read the title of this podcast ‘Stop School Attendance Rewards’ and panic. Maybe you’re using them and you like them. And if so, you may not know how negative these rewards can be. So today, I’m going to be telling you why I think you should STOP school attendance rewards for the benefit of your students. What Am I Talking About? In this podcast episode I’m going to be talk...

Do you know why sensory play is important for all students and children to access? Don’t worry if not. Me and Becky Lyddon, the founder of Sensory Spectacle, are going to talk to you all about it in this podcast episode. What Are We Talking About? In this podcast episode, we are talking all about; What is sensory play? Who is it for? What are the benefits of it? Examples of sensory play. Why is it...

'What is a sensory lifestyle?' is a question I see get asked a lot. The world of sensory can be very confusing - and sometimes scary! Especially when all sorts of jargon is being thrown around. And that's why I'm so excited to share this podcast episode with you today, all about sensory lifestyles. I am interviewing Becky Lyddon, the founder of   Sensory Spectacle   to talk about sensory...

Do you want to set up a sensory room or area for your autism and special education students? Are you looking for ideas for sensory rooms or areas that you can turn into a sensory experience? If so, this is the perfect podcast episode for you! Today, me and Becky are sharing our best ideas for how you can make a sensory area, or room in your school, classroom, and even at home. Becky Lyddon is the...

Today, me and Becky are sharing our best sensory tips and activities for you to try in the classroom, as well as at home. Becky Lyddon is the founder of   Sensory Spectacle   and she agreed to put together a 6 episode sensory series on my podcast. So make sure you tune in and listen to each of the episodes to learn all things sensory. What Are We Talking About? In this podcast episode, w...

I’m often asked what are sensory profiles? And how do we create them? Or who can have one? And that’s why I wanted to do a whole podcast on this with my guest, Becky Lyddon, the founder of   Sensory Spectacle . What Are We Talking About? In this podcast episode, we are talking all about; What are sensory profiles? Why is it important to have one? Who can have one? How is it decided for someon...

I’m so excited to bring you this podcast episode all about sensory and behavior with our guest, Becky Lyddon. I’m always asked questions like; What’s the difference between sensory and behavior? Are sensory and behaviors connected? What can cause sensory behaviors? Is it a sensory seeking behavior? and so many more.. And that’s why I was so excited to be able to work with Becky to bring you a whol...

One of the most common questions that I get asked about is how to diagnose autism. And this is why I am extra excited to invite the fabulous Andi Putt from Mrs Speechie P onto the podcast today. Andi is a speech pathologist who specializes in autism assessments. And this episode is going to   blow your mind. What Are We Talking About? What is autism? Early signs of autism and when you may sta...

I think it’s safe to say that most of us, at one point in our teacher lives, dread writing IEP goals – or knowing how to modify them. That’s why I invited Brandie Rosen from   Brandie Rosen Consulting   back on the podcast to help us out! You may remember Brandie from episode 11 of my podcast where she shared her best tips for teachers and parents with IEPs.   Click here   to g...

Are you sat wondering ‘What is feeding therapy?’ Maybe you’ve heard of it.. but you don’t know what it actually is. Or what the benefits are. And.. what does a feeding therapist do?! Who are they? Today, I’m so excited to welcome McKenzie Hoffman onto our ‘Teaching Autism and Special Education Community’ podcast. She is answering all of the questions that we have. And I promise you, this is an epi...

If you’re an education professional or therapist who works with students with special needs, you’ll know about prompting. But, you may also be feeling overwhelmed with it. Or unsure if you’re doing it correctly. But, worry no more! On the podcast today I’m talking all about effective prompting in special education. And I’m also discussing the prompting hierarchy. What’s Included? In this episode,...

Are you looking information and tips about cooking for special education? Maybe you want to start cooking with your students – but you don’t know how to. Or.. maybe you just don’t know why you should be cooking. Don’t worry. In this podcast episode, I’m talking all about the different types of cookery lessons you can have in your autism or special education classroom. What Am I Talking About? Type...

Are you stuck what to wear to work? Maybe you’re having a few outfit fails? Worry no more. Today on the podcast, I’m sharing my best special education teacher outfit tips. What am I talking about? What clothes to wear in the classroom. How to be practical. Why you should invest in a scarf. Sentimental items. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings and all things jewelry. Staff lanyards. Unfortunate underwe...

If you work in special education, you’ll know all about data collection. How overwhelming and stressful it can be. You might not know what data to take, when to take it – or how much to take. Or, who should be taking it? Don’t worry, take a deep breath, sit back, and listen to this podcast. I’m sharing all of my special education data collection tips to help make it less stressful for you. In this...

You are always asking me about guided reading. And how to make guided reading for special education students be successful and positive. And today, in this podcast, I’m interviewing Kelsey who is sharing all her best tips, advice and experience for guided reading in special education. Who is Kelsey? Kelsey is a 4th year teacher. Her first year was in Kindergarten, and now she works in special educ...

Chewing items is actually a really common behavior for many individuals who are diagnosed with autism. And it’s one of the most common questions that I probably receive from families and teachers asking for support and help. Which is why today I’m going to be talking all about autism and chewing. If you’re tuning in today, it’s probably because you’re looking for help and support with an indi...

We hear a lot about growth mindset and positive mindsets. But do you know how to create a positive teacher mindset? Do you know how to help your students and staff in your classroom have a positive teacher mindset? If you want to know more, you’re in the right place. On the podcast today; 5 tips for developing a positive mindset for you, your students and your staff. How to find and focus on the p...

If you’re here today, it’s probably because you’re wondering about boundaries and how to set them with your students and children. Worry no more, because this episode is all about autism and boundaries. Boundaries are one of the biggest issues within the classroom. Should we set them? If so, why should we set them? Are they important? Do they make a difference? Well today, we’ll find out just why...

The episode today is one that is probably close to all of our hearts, and it’s all about autism and bullying. I think every person in the world has had some sort of experience from bullying. Maybe it was you being bullied. Or do you know a friend or family member who has gone through bullying? And honestly, it’s one of the worst things to go through at any age – not just as a child in school! I wa...

I love being able to take my students out into the community, it’s such an important skill for us to work on. And today, I’m sharing my best special education field trips tips. I’m sharing with you all my best tips, after years of experience, to help your trips be successful and less stressful. What Am I Talking About? In this episode today, I’m going to be talking about; What to take with you. Be...

This episode on the podcast today is all about Fragile X. Before we start, I just want to mention that there are a few other names out there for this and some of those are FRAXA syndrome, fraX syndrome, FXS, marker x syndrome, and martin bell syndrome. Throughout this episode, I will be referring to it as Fragile X.  I’m answering one of the most common questions that I get today, and that is...