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

Have you heard the term “pick your battles?” It’s not just a quip! Used thoughtfully and systematically, it can be an amazing tool in your behavioral toolbelt! It helps reduce power struggles, preserves energy (yours and theirs), prioritizes safety and core values, and creates opportunities for positive choices. Join us as we discuss this and other ways to alleviate the power struggles with my fri...

Have you heard the term “pick your battles?” It’s not just a quip! Used thoughtfully and systematically, it can be an amazing tool in your behavioral toolbelt! It helps reduce power struggles, preserves energy (yours and theirs), prioritizes safety and core values, and creates opportunities for positive choices. Join us as we discuss this and other ways to alleviate the power struggles with my fri...

📝 Takeaways : Students often have high emotional and behavioral needs but are academically appropriate for general education classroom settings. These learners may not have inclusion teachers or paraprofessionals to help implement behavior data or strategies. This requires us to use our ‘outside the box’ thinking in terms of data collection and interventions. Bonus: Check out the download file fo...

What is DTT? DTT (Discrete Trial Training): Structured learning with repetitive trials, clear prompts, and lots of data tracking. Think table time, 1:1, repetitive practice, materials, clipboard, data. 📋 What is NET? NET (Natural Environment Teaching): Skill-building within everyday routines, focused on child-led interests and real-world practice. Think free time, on the floor or wherever you are...

📝 Takeaways:  Google Sheets™ allows you to:  Easily share your data in real time with team members. Create a custom template and duplicate it for any new skill or learner going forward. Have peace in knowing your data is not going to be accidentally thrown out or deleted! 💎 Today’s GEM: Right click any tab of a Sheet to create a duplicate- make one master copy of the tracker you like and never h...

📣 Takeaways: Build a relationship of trust. Bond, be present, show interest, make YOURSELF a reinforcer, create a safe place for your student. Provide predictability and consistency. Not only help you and your staff but gives your students a sense of safety and security if they know what to expect and when. Give choices. Such an easy but powerful strategy! Remember the “frame.” The non-negotiable...

📣 Takeaways: For IEP goals, try designating “data days” (e.g. 2 days a week). For consistently frequent behaviors, consider using “sample” interval data. 🥇 GOLD NUGGET! – Focus on QUALITY data collection, rather than quantity! ⏰ We have something to save you TIME this week! ⏰ ‌Links: Try these FREE skill and behavior data tracking forms! For interval data, check out this digital tracker!  Join...

📣Takeaways: Always find SOMETHING positive to point out and help them build on that. Provide ONE small, manageable thing to try to implement before your next check in. Provide ways for them to see objectively how the progress is going and make decisions on those data. Provide THEM (teachers) positive reinforcement for their efforts! What can YOU do to take the load off of THEM? Bonus: Ask for the...

Are you a teacher looking for support with students with diverse needs or behavior management in the classroom? Tune into The Misfit Behaviorists podcast, hosted by Audra Jensen and Caitlin Beltran, BCBAs and special education teachers, as they bring you actionable tips to behavior reduction and skill acquisition.  Listen to evidence-based strategies with a student-centered focus as they share pra...