In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we tackle one of the most challenging dynamics in classrooms, homes, and relationships—power struggles. From identifying why these conflicts arise to practical, actionable steps for preventing them, Lisa shares six proven strategies to create a more positive and cooperative environment.

Whether you're a teacher managing a tricky classroom situation or a parent navigating a standoff at home, these tips will empower you to break free from the cycle of conflict. Learn how to reframe challenges, offer meaningful choices, use transitions effectively, and more to foster understanding and collaboration in all areas of your life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Visual Timers
• Visual Aids

The holiday season is magical but can also turn your classroom into chaos! In this episode, we tackle how to keep kids on task and behaviors in check while managing the excitement of the season.

You’ll discover strategies to:

• Set Clear Expectations: Use visual schedules and holiday-themed behavior trackers to keep kids focused.
• Incorporate Holiday Cheer: Add festive twists to lessons with themed writing prompts, Boom Cards, and crafts tied to learning goals.
• Maintain Consistency: Stick to your usual routines but add holiday flair with fun transition cues like bells or songs.
• Manage Tasks and Energy: Break activities into smaller chunks and balance movement breaks with calming moments like coloring or music.

We’ll also discuss proactive behavior management tips, such as reinforcing positive behaviors with festive rewards and staying flexible yet firm with expectations. Finally, we’ll share practical self-care tips to help you recharge and enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed. Tune in and take on the holidays with confidence!

Resources Mentioned:

• Classroom Holiday Themed Reinforcement Chart
• Holiday Adapted books
• Holiday Boom Cards
• Holiday worksheets

Connect with Us:

Instagram

• Lisa at @chalkboard_superhero
• Abby at @mrs_moes_modifications 

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• Abby’s at Mrs. Moes Speducators
• Lisa’s at Special Education Superheroes

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In Episode 46 of Autism Academy, Lisa shares creative ways to use adaptive books in the autism classroom.

Adapted books are so much more than just reading tools—they’re game-changers in the autism classroom. Whether you’re using them for homework, 1:1 instruction, speech therapy, or even as a calming activity, adapted books fit seamlessly into so many parts of the day. From morning work to small groups to cross-curricular lessons, they create engaging and meaningful learning experiences tailored to each student’s unique needs. Plus, they’re perfect for building independence, boosting sensory engagement, and teaching real-world skills—all while supporting academic growth!

Resources Mentioned:

• Short Story Adapted Books
• Adapted book bundle

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we sit down with Speech-Language Pathologist Ashley Bird to explore the world of gestalt language processing. Ashley sheds light on what it means to be a gestalt language processor—a unique way some individuals, especially children with autism, learn and use language. Rather than picking up words one by one, gestalt language processors often acquire language in chunks or “gestalts,” which can show up as echolalia or scripting.

Ashley discusses the characteristics that teachers and parents might notice in children who are gestalt language processors, including behaviors that are often misunderstood. We dive into how echolalia can be a powerful communication tool and a crucial stepping stone toward more independent language use, as well as practical strategies teachers and parents can use to support these children in the classroom and at home.

Ashley also tackles common misconceptions about gestalt language processing, providing insights on how we can better understand and support these unique learners. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable tools and perspectives for supporting meaningful communication and growth in children who process language differently.

Connect with Ashley:

Instagram: @ashleybellebird 

Additional Resources:

Meaningful Speech

Child Led SLP

Connect with Us:

Instagram

• Lisa at @chalkboard_superhero
• Abby at @mrs_moes_modifications 

Join my our Facebook groups

• Abby’s at Mrs. Moes Speducators
• Lisa’s at Special Education Superheroes

Join our Email Lists

• Join Lisa’s here
• Join Abby’s here

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• Abby’s store
• Lisa’s store

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady tackles a common challenge in special education classrooms: elopement behaviors. Lisa breaks down elopement as actions students might take to avoid tasks or instructions and highlights the value of collecting ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data to understand what drives these behaviors. She shares five practical strategies to reduce and manage elopement, like teaching students to request breaks, using visual schedules, offering choices, preparing students for transitions with timers, and using differential reinforcement. Each strategy aims to support students in a positive, structured way, making the classroom a safe, productive space for everyone.

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we dive into the key differences between breaks and rewards and how they can both play a critical role in managing classroom behaviors. For many students, especially those with autism, understanding when to use breaks and when to offer rewards can be a game-changer in maintaining a calm, productive learning environment.

We'll explore how breaks serve as an essential tool for preventing meltdowns by allowing students to regulate their emotions, and how rewards help reinforce positive behaviors, motivating students to keep moving forward. You’ll learn why both strategies are important and how they can be used in tandem to support students' individual needs.

Plus, we’ll give practical tips for balancing these approaches in real-life classroom scenarios, helping teachers create a structured, supportive environment that encourages positive behavior and self-regulation. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this episode will provide insights and actionable strategies to help you manage behaviors more effectively.

Resources Mentioned

Token boards

Behavior contracts

Connect with Us:

Instagram

• Lisa at @chalkboard_superhero
• Abby at @mrs_moes_modifications 

Join my our Facebook groups

• Abby’s at Mrs. Moes Speducators
• Lisa’s at Special Education Superheroes

Join our Email Lists

• Join Lisa’s here
• Join Abby’s here

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• Abby’s store
• Lisa’s store

In episode 42 of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady shares 12 practical tips for teaching students with autism in a general education setting. The episode emphasizes the importance of reducing sensory overload, establishing structured routines, and offering visual supports.

Teachers are encouraged to use clear language, give limited choices, and explicitly teach rules and social skills. Incorporating students' special interests and providing breaks helps to enhance engagement. Overall, the episode provides strategies that promote inclusion, patience, and flexibility in the classroom to help students with autism thrive.

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we dive into preventative strategies to help teachers and parents manage behavior on the bus for kids with autism. We know how challenging transitions can be, especially during bus rides, so this episode is packed with practical tips to create a calmer, safer environment. From using visual schedules and teaching clear expectations to implementing positive reinforcement like Bus Bucks, we cover how to set students up for success.

You’ll also learn ways to keep kids engaged during the ride with sensory-friendly activities and how to respond calmly when behavior challenges arise. These strategies are designed to prevent problems before they start, making bus rides a smoother experience for everyone. Tune in for actionable insights that can make a real difference on the bus!

Resources Mentioned:

• Bus Visuals

Connect with Us:

Instagram

• Lisa at @chalkboard_superhero
• Abby at @mrs_moes_modifications 

Join my our Facebook groups

• Abby’s at Mrs. Moes Speducators
• Lisa’s at Special Education Superheroes

Join our Email Lists

• Join Lisa’s here
• Join Abby’s here

Shop on TPT

• Abby’s store
• Lisa’s store

 In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Holladay shares valuable insights on setting up a structured work area in inclusion classrooms. Drawing from her extensive experience in special education, Lisa explains the importance of creating an organized and accessible environment that meets the needs of both general education and special education students.

Lisa outlines key strategies for establishing a structured worktable, minimizing disruptive transitions, using multipurpose visual supports, implementing efficient storage solutions, and incorporating all-inclusive core boards. With practical examples from her own classroom, Lisa emphasizes the significance of collaboration, flexibility, and thoughtful organization in fostering a productive learning environment.

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady dives into the importance of creating a calm-down corner in classrooms for students who struggle with emotional regulation. Lisa shares 10 practical and easy-to-implement ideas to help students calm down, reset, and return to learning. From comfortable seating to mindfulness tools and personalized calm-down kits, these strategies create a peaceful and supportive environment for all learners. Tune in to discover how to make your classroom safe for emotional growth and regulation.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Mindfulness Apps for Kids:

• Headspace for Kids: Headspace
• Calm: Calm
• Both apps offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises tailored for children.

1. Fidget Tools and Sensory Items:

• Fidget Tools for Kids: A variety of fidget tools and sensory items can be found at SensoryToolbox.
• Weighted Blankets: Information on the benefits and types of weighted blankets can be found at Weighted Blankets.

1. Reflective Journaling Resources:

• Emotion-Themed Worksheets: Free downloadable worksheets can be found at Teachers Pay Teachers.
• Mindfulness Journals: Printable mindfulness journals can be found at Mindful Schools.

1. Calming Sounds:

• Nature Sounds Playlist: Check out calming nature sounds on YouTube, such as Relaxing Nature Sounds.
• White Noise Machines: Recommendations for white noise machines can be found at Sleep Foundation.