The Autism Helper Podcast

The Autism Helper Podcast episodes:

• 05.13.2024

  Episode 277: The Art and Science of Behavioral Consultation with Jana Sarno, BCBA

  In this episode, Jana Sarno breaks down the art and science of a behavior consultation. Jana points to the evidence-based framework needed for consultation and training but also highlights the importance of “soft skills” needed for this process to be...

  
• 04.29.2024

  Episode 276: Practical Behavior Approach

  The new course the Practical Behavior Approach is officially open for enrollment. This course is designed for general ed teachers, special ed teachers, clinicians, paraprofessionals, and parents supporting children with challenging behaviors. This course will prepare you to prevent, respond,...

  
• 04.22.2024

  Episode 275: Why Resilience is Important and How to Build It

  Resilience is the ability to bounce back after stress, failure, hardship, or adversity. Resilience is closely related to emotional regulation and problem solving. In this episode, learn why resilience is an essential life skill and some practical ways to build...

  
• 04.15.2024

  Episode 274: How to Build Emotional Regulation

  Emotional Regulation is the ability to cope with the range of emotions. In this episode, I break down what emotional regulation is and why it’s important. Then we review what two major things can hinder the development of emotional regulation....

  
• 04.08.2024

  Episode 273: Importance of Reading Comprehension with Dr. Joe Lockavitch

  In this episode, Dr. Joe Lockavitch breaks down why reading comprehension is important and how we can reach out to more struggling readers. Dr. Joe is a former classroom teacher, school psychologist, university professor, special education director, applied reading researcher,...

  
• 04.01.2024

  Episode 272: Deescalation Strategies that Work

  When a child is in crisis mode, they are not ready to learn. In a meltdown situation, our goal as the adult is to keep the child safe and reflect on how to prevent this in the future. In this...

  
• 03.25.2024

  Episode 271: 10 Proactive Strategies for Decreasing Problem Behavior

  Decreasing negative behavior actually happens away from the negative behavior. That means we have the most success in long-term behavior reduction by preventing problem behaviors before they start. It may sound easier said than done but there are some essential...

  
• 03.18.2024

  Episode 270: Implementing Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment at a District Wide Level

  Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment were designed by Dr. Greg Hanley as an effective and ethical alternative to reducing extreme problem behaviors. In this episode, three school administrators share their experiences implementing PFA and SBT on a district...

  
• 03.11.2024

  Episode 269: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions with Dr. Jamie Hughes-Lika, BCBA-D

  In this episode, we review Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) and how they can be used in both a clinical or classroom setting. Dr.Jamie Hughes-Lika shares her expertise on this topic. She defines what NDBIs are, how they are different...

  
• 03.04.2024

  Episode 268: Improving Staff Training on Behavior Plans with Amanda Borosh, BCBA

  Having your team on the same page is essential for the successful implementation of behavior plans. In this episode, Amanda Borosh, BCBA, breaks down why staff training is important and how to overcome some of the challenges. Amanda shares actionable...

  
• 02.26.2024

  Encore Episode: Can't Do or Won't Do {excerpt from my Live Workshop}

  In this special episode, I share an excerpt from a recent live workshop. This session is titled Can’t Do or Won’t Do. Every decision we make is shaped by our skills and abilities to perform the action and our motivation...

  
• 02.19.2024

  Encore Episode: Essentials for Building Reading Skills with Literacy Expert Lois Letchford

  Lois Letchford is a reading specialist who is passionate about teaching struggling students how to read. In this episode, Lois dives into the problems with many traditional literacy approaches and the impact this can have on students. She shares some...

  
• 02.12.2024

  Episode 265: Sensory Needs and Clothing Challenges with Julia DeNey

  Julia DeNey founded Sense-ational You, an adaptive apparel brand for autistic children who need help regulating so they are empowered to be successful no matter where they are. In this episode, Julia discusses what sensory needs are and how they...

  
• 02.05.2024

  Episode 264: 4 Key Variables for Effective Accommodations with Tim Kretchman

  Tim Kretchman is the founder of Action Driven Education and a former teacher and administrator. In this episode, Tim shares how to identify “just right” accommodations for students in a range of settings. Tim shares the four key variables that...

  
• 01.29.2024

  Episode 263: the 4 Attachment Styles from a Behavior Analytic Perspective with Dr. Katie Saint

  Katherine Saint, Ph.D., LPC, BCBA-D, Katherine has her doctorate in Behavior Analysis and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. In this episode, we discuss the 4 attachment styles from a behavior analytic perspective. Katie shares what learning histories typically lead to...

  
• 01.22.2024

  Episode 262: Feeding Therapy and Food Sensitivity with Elizabeth Klein, BCBA

  Elizabeth Klein is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Clinical Director of an ABA program that delivers therapy in home, school, clinic, and community settings. She noticed a common challenge with children with autism across settings - eating problems. In...

  
• 01.15.2024

  Episode 261: Successful Inclusion with Rebekah Poe

  When creating successful inclusion, there can be many obstacles along the way. Rebekah Poe, M. Ed. is an award-winning former special education teacher and a national teaching conference presenter. Rebekah shares what inclusion is and some tips and strategies for...

  
• 01.08.2024

  Episode 260: Function Based Alternatives to Extinction with Dr. Billie Retzlaff, BCBA

  Extinction is the process of removing or discontinuing reinforcement for a behavior. This would then reduce or eliminate the behavior. However, this strategy can have some challenges during implementation. In this episode, Dr. Billie Retzlaff breaks down what extinction is...

  
• 12.11.2023

  Episode 259: Task Box Dos and Don'ts

  Independent work is essential to running a successful classroom. This allows small group instruction to happen and builds critical life skills of work endurance and sustained attention. Many independent work systems include task boxes. Task boxes include one activity and...

  
• 12.04.2023

  Episode 258: Sexuality Education in Special Ed with Dr. Rachel Schwartz

  Dr. Rachel Schwartz, PhD, BCBA-D breaks down sexuality education in special education. She reviews how teachers and related services fit in to providing this conversation. Dr. Schwartz shares what topics are appropriate for what ages and why these are essential...

  
• 11.27.2023

  Episode 257: The Whole Family Approach with Dr. Taylor Day

  Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed child psychologist and parental coach who specializes in autism and neurodivergent affirming care. In this episode, Dr. Tay shares her Whole Family Approach™ which focuses on the needs of parents and siblings of autistic...

  
• 11.20.2023

  Episode 256: Effective Leadership and the Role of RBTs with Janelle Upthegrove, BCBA

  Effective leadership is imperative for both BCBAs and classroom teachers. Within a clinic or in-home setting, BCBAs manage and lead Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Janelle Upthegrove is the owner of Grover Behavioral Services and shares her insight and strategies for...

  
• 11.13.2023

  Episode 255: Getting Buy In on Behavior Plans with BCBA Meghan Edwards

  Training teams on behavior plans and strategies is essential to successful implementation. In today’s episode, school-based BCBA and former special ed teacher, Meghan Edwards is breaking down how to approach team training from start to finish. She covers how to...

  
• 11.06.2023

  Episode 254: Teaching Problem Solving Skills with Dr. Norrine Russell

  Dr. Norrine Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, which uses an innovative method of coaching for complex students. In this episode, Dr. Russell dives into the complicated skill of problem-solving. She shares why problem-solving is such an...

  
• 10.30.2023

  Episode 253: Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment with Erica Vogt

  Practical Functional Assessment and the Skills Based Treatment Approach is a proven effective and applicable approach to severe problem behavior. In this episode, special educator and behavior consultant, Erica Vogt, shares her experience with PFA-SBT in a school setting. Erica...

  
• 10.23.2023

  Episode 252: 5 Key Strategies for Behavior Change

  Whether your students are engaging in off-task behaviors or more extreme and dangerous problem behaviors, there are some universal key strategies you need for positive behavior change. These mindsets and frameworks are imperative for decreasing problem behavior and teaching positive,...

  
• 10.16.2023

  Episode 251: 5 Ways to Foster Early Language Development with Gina Russell

  Gina Russell is a former preschool special education teacher and currently works in early intervention. Gina is a blogger on The Autism Helper team sharing best practices for early childhood. In this episode, Gina shares 5 ways to foster early...

  
• 10.09.2023

  Episode 250: Effective Consultation and Compassionate Treatment with Lupe Castaneda, BCBA

  Lupe Castaneda is a BCBA with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private setting. In this episode, Lupe shares some key strategies for successful consultations and relationships with teachers and staff. Lupe discusses how to overcome...

  
• 10.02.2023

  Episode 249: Supporting Bilingual Learners with Language Delays with SLP Liliana Diaz

  Liliana Diaz-Vazquez is a certified licensed bilingual speech-language pathologist. In this episode, she shares best practices for supporting bilingual students in the classroom. Liliana explores common misconceptions regarding multilingual students with language delays such as speaking multiple languages will cause...

  
• 09.25.2023

  Episode 248: FAQ: Running Small Group Centers

  Running small groups allows you to provide differentiated and individualized instruction to your students. But the process of setting up centers can be overwhelming. In this episode, we go through the steps for getting started with centers. We review situations...

  
• 09.18.2023

  Episode 247: FAQ: Paraprofessionals

  Managing and leading your team is an essential role in being a special education teacher however it’s something we are not prepared for. In this episode, I review the most frequently asked questions I get about staff training and collaborating...

  
• 09.11.2023

  Episode 246: FAQ: Behaviors

  In this episode, we delve into frequently asked questions on behavior. We start off by reviewing the question I get asked the most; How do I handle _____ behavior? There is one answer I give to every question that references...

  
• 09.04.2023

  Episode 245: FAQ: Schedules

  Answering frequently asked questions about schedules! In this episode we dive into why schedules are essential, the schedule continuum, and how different schedules can be set up. I walk through how to select a schedule type for each student and...

  
• 08.28.2023

  Episode 244: Never Ditch Academics

  Sometimes I get asked, “When should I switch from academic skills to functional skills?” This is implying that at some point in junior high or high school, we should move away from academic instruction. My answer to this question is...

  
• 08.21.2023

  Episode 243: Paraprofessionals Are Teachers

  Paraprofessionals in a special education classroom should be working as educators - providing instruction and taking academic data. Teachers should lead their team and provide training so all staff members can work collaboratively and effectively. The goal for staff training...

  
• 08.14.2023

  Episode 242: Small Group Over Whole Group

  In a highly differentiated special education classroom, it should be mostly focused on small group instruction over whole group instruction. When you do whole group instruction for students with a very wide range of skills, it will be too hard...

  
• 08.07.2023

  Episode 241: Nobody Wins the Power Struggle

  When you get into a power struggle with a student, there is no winner. You will never walk away from a power struggle having deepened rapport or trust with a student. It typically does the opposite and breaks down your...

  
• 07.31.2023

  Episode 240: Hot Mess Leads To Hot Mess

  Running a self-contained classroom requires a high degree of organization. When things are a mess and disorganized, there is less instructional time and likely to be more problem behaviors. A hot mess of a classroom will lead to a hot...

  
• 07.24.2023

  Episode 239: Reverse Inclusion

  Reverse inclusion is when students from the general education come into the special education classroom for opportunities for peer modeling and creating friendships. For some students, their level of needs may not allow for inclusion in the general ed setting....

  
• 07.17.2023

  Episode 238: Why You Shouldn't Complain in the Teachers Lounge

  Venting in the teachers’ lounge can have a negative impact on the culture and community in your school. When we only spread negative stories about our students we perpetuate often untrue stereotypes. As special education teachers, we need to be...

  
• 07.10.2023

  Episode 237: Don't Take Data at the Start of the Year

  The start of the year is all about two things: routines and reinforcement. You need to establish your schedule, centers, and systems in the classroom and teach that to your students. That also needs to be paired with lots of...

  
• 07.03.2023

  Episode 236: Why You Sometimes Need a 100% Mastery Criteria

  It’s common practice to have IEP goals with an 80% mastery criteria. In this episode, I challenge whether that level of mastery is sufficient for building new skills. 80% means one out of every 5 is wrong. In some skills...

  
• 06.26.2023

  Episode 235: My Most Controversial Opinion: How I Laminate

  One of the most controversial opinions I have is about how to laminate and cut out pieces. There are heated opinions on whether or not to pre-cut before laminating. When special ed teachers need to prep hundreds of materials each...

  
• 06.19.2023

  Episode 234: Don't Post Photos of Your Trashed Classroom

  When destructive behaviors happen in a classroom, the results can be disastrous. In Facebook groups, I occasionally see posted photos of trashed classrooms. In this episode, we explore what the negative consequences of this could be and why it likely...

  
• 06.12.2023

  Episode 233: Why I Hate the Phrase Data or It Didn't Happen

  There is a popular phrase in the special ed world: Data or It Didn’t Happen. As a BCBA who loves data, I hate this phrase. This phrase put unreasonable expectations on teachers and doesn’t take into account the competing contingencies...

  
• 06.05.2023

  Episode 232: Essentials for Building Reading Skills with Literacy Expert Lois Letchford

  Lois Letchford is a reading specialist who is passionate about teaching struggling students how to read. In this episode, Lois dives into the problems with many traditional literacy approaches and the impact this can have on students. She shares some...

  
• 05.29.2023

  Episode 231: Why Administrators and Teachers Love Curriculum Access

  In this episode, learn why both administrators and teachers love The Autism Helper’s Curriculum Access. Leah Green, Special Education Coordinator from West Fargo Public Schools, shares why her district decided to implement Curriculum Access within their special education classroom. She...

  
• 05.22.2023

  Episode 230: Discussing Parent Collaboration and Toileting with Parent Coach and Autism Mom Michelle B. Rogers

  Michelle B. Rogers is an Autism Mom & Life Coach for Parents of Children with Autism. In this episode, we discuss essential life skills that Michelle works with parents on teaching their children. Michelle shares the 3 critical skills that...

  
• 05.15.2023

  Episode 229: Becoming an Autism Advocate with Lia McCabe

  In this episode, parent, podcast host, and advocate Lia McCabe shares her story of her children’s and her own diagnosis with autism. She shares how her diagnosis with autism impacts her parent and also what lead her to share her...

  
• 05.08.2023

  Episode 228: Best Practices for Effective Parent Collaboration with BCBA Gabriella Nelson

  Gabriella Nelson is the founder and CEO of Lively Behavioral Solutions LLC, a provider of Applied Behavior Analysis services, and can be found on Instagram as @thebehaviorchick. Gabriella shares why parent collaboration is so essential to making progress with a...