The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

Every teacher knows those days when everything seems to erupt at once. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share five quick, practical de-escalation strategies that help you shift from chaos to calm —without losing your sanity or your sense of humor. From using proactive visuals to setting the emotional “temperature” of the room, these are tools you can use right away in any classroom or therapy se...

Being a BCBA in a public school means more than behavior plans—it’s about collaboration, data, and supporting teachers on RTI and MTSS teams. In this episode, we share tips for building relationships, starting with Tier 1 strategies, and making sure your role feels valuable (not overwhelming!) to your general education colleagues. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Start simple: Review Tier 1 supports before jump...

Sometimes the issue isn’t that your behavior plan is “bad”—it’s that it’s not being followed with fidelity. Before you rewrite the whole thing, pause and check: are all staff on the same page, teaching replacement skills, and delivering reinforcement consistently? In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares some tough love and practical reminders about when you actually need a new plan versus when you j...

Offering students simple choices can reduce pushback and boost cooperation. In this Misfit Minute , we break down how to turn everyday directives into opportunities for autonomy and engagement. 🔑 Key Takeaways Choice = Power : Even small choices give students autonomy and reduce resistance Circle Time Example : Let students choose where or how they sit instead of forcing one option Directive Refr...

Teaching little ones with big feelings can be equal parts joyful and challenging. In this episode, we share five simple, effective strategies for supporting early learners in preschool and special education settings. From using visuals to keeping it playful, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can try tomorrow. 🔑 Key Takeaways •  Keep it visual : Use simple schedules, choice boards, and soc...

This week’s Misfit Minute is all about catching behaviors before they escalate . Caitlin breaks down how to spot the earliest warning signs —like a shift in posture or a sigh—and why waiting until the meltdown starts is already too late. Learn how small, proactive strategies can prevent big challenges in the classroom. 🔑 Key Takeaways Escalation is the “tip of the iceberg” — behaviors begin long...

If it’s not generalizing, it’s not functional . In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and materials. 🔑 Key Takeaways Redefine Mastery : Ditch “80% for 3 days” as the finish line—probe across time (weeks), people, places, and materials. Plan for M+G Early...

This week’s Misfit Minute is all about a tiny tool with a big payoff—sticky notes! 📝 Audra shares a quick and easy praise strategy you can implement immediately to boost positive behavior, make students feel seen, and encourage classroom-wide reinforcement . Perfect for preschool, special education, and any classroom that thrives on connection and encouragement. 💛 🔑 Key Takeaways 📝 Use sticky...

Preschool circle time doesn’t have to be chaos! 🎶 In this episode, we share simple strategies to keep little learners engaged, structured, and having fun —while meeting every student where they are. 🌟 🎧 Key Takeaways • Purpose of Circle Time : Sets the tone for the day, offering structure and fun through songs, weather checks, and IEP skill practice. Adaptations are key to meeting the students...

Reinforcement isn’t a trick, a loophole, or a bribe—it’s an evidence-based strategy that builds real behavior change. In this quick Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares a practical way to explain the difference between reinforcement and bribery—perfect for staff training or team refreshers. 🧠 Key Takeaways: 🔄 Reinforcement is proactive, planned, and delivered after the desired behavior 🚫 Bribery is re...

Are you drowning in data but still missing progress? In this episode, we’re talking about the five most common data collection mistakes we’ve seen (and made!)—and how to fix them. Whether you're a BCBA, teacher, or therapist, these tips will help you streamline your systems, support your staff, and actually use the data you're collecting. 🧠 Key Takeaways : 📊 Too much data = too little...

This week, we’re keeping it super simple—and super effective. Audra shares two of her favorite low-prep activities that boost engagement, joint attention, and early conversation skills using nothing more than a decorated box or bag and a few trinkets from around the room. Perfect for preschool, early intervention, and special education classrooms! 🔑 Key Takeaways 🧠 Use a Surprise Box to build ea...

Running social skills groups can be tricky—especially when you’re balancing different student needs, group sizes, and settings. In this episode, we unpack how to structure and differentiate social skills groups for learners at every level—whether you’re in a school, clinic, or classroom. From dyads to full-blown community outings, we’re breaking down what works (and what really doesn’t). 👥 Whethe...

In this quick episode, Caitlin shares how to redirect student behavior without power struggles, using subtle, positive phrasing that preserves dignity and prevents escalation. Learn how to guide students clearly—without ever saying “No!” 💡 Key Takeaways 🔄 Redirection doesn’t need to be confrontational 💬 Use clear, positive language to say what to do instead 🧠 Build habits with consistent, gent...

🎙 Join Caitlin and guest Michelle Morris, an experienced self-contained classroom teacher, as they unpack real talk for new special ed teachers. From unexpected chaos to building strong staff dynamics, Michelle shares the five things she wishes she knew starting out—plus how to lean into your team and your strengths without losing your mind. 💡 Whether you're brand-new or deep in the trenches...

In this short and practical episode, we explore the power of pre-correcting behavior—a quick strategy to set students up for success before a problem even starts. You’ll learn how to spot patterns, cue expectations in the moment, and reinforce positive behavior with intention. 💡 Key Takeaways 🔍 Know the behavior patterns —when and where issues usually occur 🗣️ Use quick verbal cues right before...

This episode started as a quick Misfit Minute—but it turned into a deep dive, so we made it a full one. Inspired by that iconic Big Bang Theory clip with Sheldon and the chocolates, we break down a question behavior folks love to debate: 👉 Is it positive reinforcement... or positive punishment? We walk through a simple way to understand the four terms: Positive/Negative Reinforcement and Positive...

In this bite-sized episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift: don’t just teach the rule—teach the replacement behavior . Saying “don’t do that” isn’t enough. Real behavior change happens when we teach students exactly what to do instead. 💡 Key Takeaways : 🚫 Saying “don’t do that” doesn’t teach a skill —replacement behaviors do 🔁 Replacement behaviors aren’t add-ons —they are the behavior p...

Part 13 ( the last step ) of the FBA Mini-Series! You’ve got the plan… now let’s make sure it actually works. In this final episode of our FBA Mini-Series , Audra and Sami walk you through how to track behavior data, define roles, build fidelity, and make sure your BIP stays meaningful. This is the wrap-up you didn’t know you needed, filled with practical ways to follow through on everything you’v...

💡 Key Takeaways: 🖊️ Use a dual-sided clipboard with a whiteboard front and chalkboard back for both data and student visuals 🎯 Turn the chalkboard side into a Velcro token board or quick-reinforcer tracker 🧵 Small quarter-sheet clipboards are perfect for mini data sheets and can be worn on lanyards or fit in your pocket 💼 Clipboards aren't just for paper—they’re flexible tools that can he...

🤝 Join Caitlin and Audra as they dive into the crucial topic of fostering strong working relationships between school-based BCBAs and teachers ! Learn from their real-world experiences – both successes and challenges – in building mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of students. 💡 It's all about teamwork ! Discover how to move beyond potential roadblocks and create effective pa...

🎙️ Misfit Minute #4: POWER Up Your Praise – Praising What You Want Repeated Tired of generic praise that doesn't seem to stick? Caitlin highlights the power of behavior-specific praise – telling students exactly what they did well. Learn why focusing your positive attention can cultivate the behaviors you want to see and shift the tone of your classroom. 💡 Behavior grows where attention flow...

Planning a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for high-intensity behaviors? This episode walks you through the 7 stages of the Crisis Cycle —and how to use it as a practical tool in your FBAs and behavior plans. We’re talking real-world escalation, de-escalation, and everything in between : what the student actually does, how staff should respond, and how to keep your team aligned in high-stress sit...

Sick of saying “no” and getting big reactions? Audra shares an easy-to-remember acronym— R.E.D.O. —to help reframe your redirections and get more buy-in from students without the meltdown. 💡 Teach them it’s not “No forever,” it’s “Yes, just not yet.” 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ R – Reframe the No: Say what they can do instead ✅ E – Engage with Warmth: Invite, don’t command ✅ D – Define the Next Step: B...

Planning an IEP can feel like a whirlwind—deadlines, data, collaboration, and student needs all rolled into one big meeting. In this episode, Caitlin and Audra walk through a practical timeline for IEP prep, from parent check-ins to drafting goals and reviewing behavior plans. Whether you’re a teacher, BCBA, or case manager, this one’s packed with real-talk and ready-to-use tips to make your IEPs...