The Autism Helper Podcast

Data collection should be a team endeavor. Your paraprofessionals should be collecting data alongside the teacher. In this episode, learn how to utilize Behavior Skills Training to teach your staff members how to consistently and accurately collect academic data in your classroom. Data collection program guides and data sheets: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/discrete-trial-goal-sheet...

There are two main ways to organize data in your classroom: by student or by center. The method that works best for you depends on your personal preferences and the overall setup of your classroom. In this episode, I go through the two organization options and specific considerations for each. -------------- Sign up for the Autism Connection Conference now! Early bird pricing ends 11/19/22: https:...

When setting up your data systems in your classroom, the first question to ask yourself is “How will I take data on this skill?” In this episode, 4 main data collection techniques are reviewed. We explore frequency data, fluency data, rubrics, and prompt level tracking. Once you know the best data collection method, then you can set up efficient data sheets for the goal. Resources: https://theauti...

Visuals and schedules are tools. And tools need to be taught. Tools require instruction. We need to teach our students how to utilize these tools. They will not be a magic wand. In this episode, I share how to teach the visuals you are setting up in your classroom so students can use them independently. -------------- The Autism Helper Curriculum is already utilized by thousands of teachers all ov...

Keeping a classroom running smoothly requires setting up systems and processes so you don’t forget anything. There is a lot on the plate for a special education teacher. Make that workload easier by setting up systems for yourself. In this episode, I share some teacher visuals that you need to keep your classroom running smoothly. -------------- The Autism Helper Curriculum is already utilized by...

We all know visuals are important in the classroom. When setting up your classroom, make sure you have the right visuals in the right places. Visuals should be embedded into your classroom so you can readily utilize them. Post visuals by your classroom door that will be needed outside of the classroom. Make a list of visuals you need outside your room: for the bathroom, specials, lunch, etc. Store...

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 more independence. Resources: https://theautismhe...

In life, changes are inevitable. But sometimes handling changes can be difficult. Instead of waiting for extremely challenging changes to common, work on small, manageable changes in your schedule with your students. Start small, provide support, and then fade. -------------- The Autism Helper Curriculum is already utilized by thousands of teachers all over the world. Now, we have created an optio...

Student schedules are necessary in the classroom. Schedules are functional and needed to build independence, autonomy, and problem-solving skills. The goal is not to get rid of the schedule but rather to increase independence with the schedule and continue to move towards less restrictive schedule types. In the episode, I introduce the least restrictive schedule continuum. Different types of sched...

When co-teaching or collaborating with a general education teacher, work together to create a structured environment for the learners who need it. In this episode, I share tips and strategies to apply structure to a general education classroom to help students be successful in this setting. -------------- Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available now in The Autism Helper Store! https://sho...

A structured environment is key because it leads to decreased negative behaviors, less student anxiety and increased independence and efficiency. A structured environment is a setting that is predictable and routine based. The setting is visually divided and defined. There is a clear start and end to each part of the class. In the episode, we explore why this setting is essential to a range of lea...

When teaching a classroom a wide range of needs and skill sets, small group instruction is imperative to teach efficiently and effectively. Students should rotate around your classroom in small groups and target IEP goals and other skills at various centers or stations. This episode shares a list of different options for centers that may work in your classroom. -------------- Our newest line of VB...

When getting started setting up your classroom, you want to be purposeful and think about what you are doing and why. The first step in our 7 Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Classroom is Organization and Planning. Use these mini-episodes to start brainstorming and getting ideas flowing for what your classroom setup will be next year. Answer these 15 questions to guide your classroom setup and struc...

The VB-MAPP is the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program developed by Dr. Mark Sundberg. In this episode, Nick Carrera, BCBA, and Kris Peterson give an overview of what the VB-MAPP is and how best to utilize this tool in a school or clinical setting. Nick Carrera is the Supervisor of Early ABA Programs at Interactive Kids, LLC. Kris Peterson is the Director of School Consulta...

Emily Varon, BCBA, specializes in sleep-related behaviors. In this episode, Emily shares why sleep is so important and what are the essential contributing factors to a healthy night of sleep. Emily shares some practical strategies that can improve sleep routines. We discuss screen time, the impact of COVID on sleep, melatonin supplements, and more! Emily also dives into strategies educators can us...

Dominique Shorter-Taylor, BCBA is the CEO of Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting and Co-Founder of Beyond ABA, LLC. Dominique shares her perspective on being a working behavior analyst, business owner, and autism mom. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of starting a business, how to diversify your experiences and revenue streams,  and why sharing this information is important. Dominque sh...

The Executive Functions Masterclass is an online course that teaches the importance of building Executive Functioning Skills and how to build those skills within a range of learners. In this episode, Sasha dives into an overview of the course, from assessment and goal identification to instructional strategies and data collection. This course is broken down into 6 modules that are made up of train...

Dr. Abbey Love is an educational psychologist, teacher, and consultant. She is also the co-founder of PACT: Police Autism Community Training. In this episode, Abbey shares why she started PACT and what services her organization provides. We discussed the importance of training first responders on how to better support autistic individuals. Abbey also shares PACT's focus on providing training f...

Kerry Magro is an award-winning national speaker and best-selling author. Non-verbal at 2 1/2 and diagnosed with autism at 4, Kerry has overcome countless obstacles to get to where he is today. In this episode, Kerry shares about his journey as an autistic individual. Kerry discusses what helped him to succeed and how teachers can best support their learners. We also chat about his work supporting...

Abigail Rivera recently joined The Autism Helper Blogging Team. She has shared her perspective as an autistic young adult navigating the world, as Abby was diagnosed with autism at 16. In this episode, she shares how that experience has shaped her. Abby discusses her sensory needs and how she accommodates her sensory challenges. We dive into her self-advocacy and she shares tips for helping others...

Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, both Occupational Therapy Assistants, join the podcast to dive into strategies for children seeking oral sensory input. Rachel and Jessica are hosts of the popular podcast All Things Sensory by Harkla. Rachel and Jessica share what it means to seek oral sensory input and how this can commonly be displayed in children. They discuss a range of practical suggestion...

Executive Functions are the processes required for goal-directed behavior. These are the skills needed to perform (or execute) a task. In this episode, learn what executive functions are and why they are important. We dive into the 11 executive functioning skills and how they are utilized on a daily basis. This spring, I will be launching a brand new course all about Executive Functions! The Execu...

The spring is a time to refresh and renew! In this episode, I dive into why now is the time to refresh your independent work tasks. Independent work is the cornerstone of a successful classroom - it teaches the essential life skill of working on your own. Review your tasks and your systems and make changes now to this area of your classroom. ------- Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Exec...

It is essential to gain meaningful input from parents/caregivers, other teachers, clinicians, and the student when writing an annual IEP. In this episode, I am joined by special educator, Dawn Ellis. Dawn is the host of the ' Be The Exception Podcast ' and teacher behind the Cultivating Exceptional Minds TpT Store and Blog. Dawn shares how to easily differentiate the process of gaining inp...

Errorless teaching is an instructional strategy that ensures learners respond correctly by providing immediate prompts. In this episode, I break down what errorless teaching is and why it works. Then we explore errorless learning activities. These tasks embed errorless instruction and there is no opportunity to get things ‘wrong.’ Learn who these tasks are good for, how to utilize them in your cla...