In this episode, we discuss the challenges of protecting vulnerable populations, including aging parents and individuals with autism, from scams. We dive into practical strategies for teaching boundaries, internet safety, and identifying red flags, with examples tailored for different developmental levels.

🎯 Key Takeaways
💡 Scammers thrive on urgency: Their goal is to create fight-or-flight reactions, pushing victims to act quickly and irrationally.
🔑 Examples and non-examples matter: Teaching specific situations helps learners better understand boundaries and safety.
🛑 Teach "Pause and Verify": Whether it’s an unfamiliar phone call, email, or social media link, teach learners to stop, check the source, and verify authenticity.
👥 Trusted adults are key: Reinforce the importance of having someone to consult before making decisions about sensitive information or transactions.
🌐 Privacy settings are crucial: Teach learners and aging parents how to adjust social media and online account settings to limit exposure of personal details.

Resources Mentioned
🌍 Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Learn about current scams and tips for prevention. Visit FTC.gov
📘 Practical Teaching Tips: Use real-life examples and scenarios to teach boundaries and internet safety effectively.

Join the conversation on all things behavior analysis and special education support!
🗨️ Want to learn more and connect with us? Join us in The Misfit Behaviorist Community on Facebook!
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📸 Instagram  @TheMisfitBehaviorists
🎥 YouTube  @themisfitbehaviorists

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

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• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎯 Key Takeaways
✔️ Collaboration is Key: Bringing the family and team together at this stage ensures everyone is on the same page and supports a collaborative approach to behavioral intervention.
✔️ The Importance of the FBA Meeting: The FBA meeting is an essential step to review findings, involve the family, and determine whether a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is needed.
✔️ What We Look For: In this episode, we discuss guiding questions to help decide if a BIP is necessary, such as whether the data accurately reflects the behavior and if more data is needed.
✔️ Clear Communication Matters: The meeting should emphasize clear communication with families, making sure they feel heard and involved without overwhelming them with technical details.
✔️ Setting Short-Term Goals: Even if a BIP is likely, setting immediate, manageable goals keeps progress on track until the formal plan is in place.

For you!
🤔 Do we need a BIP? visual
📄 Free Agenda Template: Download a customizable FBA meeting agenda to help keep your team focused and organized.
📊 FBA Printouts and Data Collection Tips: In the Facebook group, find tips on organizing FBA data for easy team review.

🤝 Join Us…
🗨️ Want to learn more about the FBA process and share your experiences? Join us in The Misfit Behaviorists Community on Facebook!
📅 Don’t miss upcoming episodes where we dive into writing effective behavior plans and strategies to monitor progress effectively. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Join the conversation on all things behavior analysis and special education support!

Instagram 📸 @TheMisfitBehaviorists
YouTube 🎥 

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎯 Key Takeaways
✔️ Prompt Dependence Defined: Understanding prompt dependence and its impact on students’ ability to act independently.
✔️ Choosing the Right Prompting Strategy: Not all learners benefit from the same prompts! Learn how to assess if most-to-least or least-to-most is right for your learner.
✔️ The Power of the Pause: Pausing before prompting gives learners a chance to respond independently, which is key for fostering confidence and autonomy.
✔️ Prompt Fading Tips: Systematic fading strategies, including time delay, encourage independence by gradually removing prompts as learners build confidence.
✔️ Reinforcement Matters: Reinforce independent responses more than prompted ones to build self-reliance. Independence should always yield the biggest reward!

For you!
✔️ Caitlin's Prompt Hierarchy freebie (Beltran's Behavior Basics)
✔️ Audra's Prompt Hierarchy freebie (ABA in School on TPT)

📚 Resources
Books on Prompt Fading
“The Power of Our Words” by Paula Denton
“Behavioral Support Strategies for Education Paraprofessionals” by Will Henson Psy.D.

🤝 Join Us…
🗨️ The Misfit Behaviorist Community on Facebook! https://abainschool.com/misfits
💌 Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode! https://abainschool.com/podcast/
Join the conversation on all things behavior analysis and special education support!
Instagram 📸 @TheMisfitBehaviorists
YouTube 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@themisfitbehaviorists

#promptfading #autismsupport #teachingindependence

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Key Takeaways
📝 Differences Between IEPs & 504 Plans: IEPs offer specialized instruction and services, while 504s provide accommodations to help students access general education.
📊 Eligibility Requirements: IEPs require both a disability diagnosis and educational impact, while 504s only require a documented disability.
👩‍🏫 Parental Advocacy Tips: Advocating for accommodations without overwhelming the 504 can enhance support.
🎓 Transitioning from IEP to 504: Discusses when students might shift to a 504 and how this impacts support.
💬 Communication: Tips on making sure the entire school team is aware of and implementing a student's 504 accommodations.

Resources
🌐 IDEA Website – Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
📄 Key info on 504 plans from the U.S. Department of Education
⚖️WrightsLaw: Known for its resources on special education law and advocacy, especially around IEPs and 504s.
🧑‍🍼Understood.org: A parent-friendly site offering articles, templates, and tools for navigating IEPs and 504s.

For you!
📘 Accommodations Tracker Template – Keep track of student accommodations
📝 504 vs. IEP Visual – A comparison guide for parents and teachers

Join Us
🗨️ Join the Misfit Behaviorist Community on Facebook! Let’s chat IEPs, 504s, and more with fellow educators and parents.
💌 Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this episode, Audra and Sami discuss the ethical implications surrounding the recent P. Diddy scandal, power dynamics in influential figures, and how this ties into our work as behavior analysts and educators. We dive deep into the importance of giving assent to students and clients and why protecting vulnerable individuals—whether in schools or society—must be our priority.

Key Takeaways:
🧠 Power dynamics matter: Figures in positions of authority can misuse influence, making it crucial for us to stay vigilant in recognizing these behaviors.
🎯 Assent is key: We discuss the importance of giving students and clients the ability to say "no" to activities or instructions that make them uncomfortable.
🛑 Safety first: When working with vulnerable individuals, safety should always be the first priority—both in schools and in life.
⚖️ Mandated reporting: It’s better to speak up and be wrong than to stay silent and risk someone getting hurt.
🗣 Boundaries protect everyone: Teaching students and clients to set boundaries can protect them in all areas of life.

Resources:
📚 Hanley's research on assent and control in behavior analysis
🎧 Previous episode: Compassionate Care ABA and Trauma-Informed Care and Challenging Behaviors
📑 Guide to ethical obligations in behavior analysis

Join Us Next Time:
Next week, join us as we chat about the differences between an IEP and a 504 plan. Don’t miss it!

Connect with Us:
Insta: @themisfitbehaviorists
Facebook Group: Join our community for additional resources and discussions!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insights and tips on behavior support and interventions. 🚀

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Welcome back to the Misfit Behaviorist Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we continue our exploration of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) with a focus on the critical data collection process. We dive deep into how to effectively gather, analyze, and interpret data to create meaningful behavior intervention plans (BIPs). Join hosts Audra Jensen and Sami Brown as they share their insights on navigating the complexities of data collection in special education settings.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Understanding Data Collection: Learn how to refine your data gathering techniques to focus on relevant behaviors.
✔️ Hypothesis Development: Discover how to form clear, actionable hypotheses based on collected data.
✔️ Operational Definitions: Importance of defining target behaviors to ensure consistency and clarity in observations.
✔️ Collaborative Decision-Making: Engage with your team to determine whether a BIP is necessary based on the data collected.
✔️ Emotional Impact: Acknowledge the emotional aspects of working with students and the importance of mental health in educational settings.

Resources Mentioned:
✔️ Visual Aids: Check out the graphics shared in our Facebook group for better understanding.
✔️ Summary Statement freebie: Grab this here but also don't forget to join the FB group for more resources and collaboration!

Join Us Next Week!
We'll wrap up this mini-series by discussing how to implement findings and make informed decisions regarding BIPs. Don't miss out!

Connect with Us:
Insta: @themisfitbehaviorists
Facebook Group: Join our community for additional resources and discussions! 

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insights and tips on behavior support and interventions. 🚀

Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next week as we talk about the final decision and meeting for the FBA! Then we move on to BIP discussions! 

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of data collection within the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Join us as we explore how to transition from anecdotal data to targeted interventions that create meaningful change for students. 🔍

Key Topics Discussed:
- Importance of gathering accurate data to inform behavior interventions. 📊
- The process of sifting through anecdotal information and ABC data to identify target behaviors. 🔄
- Strategies for creating operational definitions that clarify what behaviors to track. ✅
- Various data collection methods, including frequency counts, interval recording, and the red-yellow-green system. 🎨
- The significance of baseline data in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. 📈
- The ethical considerations of data collection and the importance of consistency among staff. ⚖️

Takeaways:
- Effective data collection is essential for creating an FBA that leads to meaningful behavioral changes. 💡
- Clearly defining behaviors and collecting data in real-time helps to ensure accuracy and relevance. 🔑
- Team collaboration and communication are crucial for successful data collection and implementation. 🤝

Resources Mentioned:
- Examples of data collection forms and strategies for effective tracking. 📃
- Links to our favorite data collection helps! 🔗
     - The classic! Everyone should know this one well: https://amzn.to/4gMGrHf
     - Finger counters https://amzn.to/4gTk7eU
     - Gym boss interval timer https://amzn.to/4h4JQ4i
     - Mini clipboards https://amzn.to/3TT6Rxa

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission (although not much! lol) if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link. When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor's website using a non-affiliate link. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support me, and I genuinely appreciate your support.

Call to Action: If you’re in the midst of an FBA or looking to improve your data collection strategies, be sure to connect with us on social media and share your experiences!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insights and tips on behavior support and interventions. 🚀

Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next week as we discuss creating effective hypotheses and operational definitions in the FBA process. You won't want to miss it! 📅

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this episode, we engage in a heartfelt and important discussion about mental health, suicide, and the impact of grief. Sami shares her personal story of losing her brother to suicide at a young age and reflects on how that experience has shaped her perspective as both an individual and a parent.

Trigger Warning: In this episode, we engage in a candid conversation about suicide and mental health. We acknowledge that these topics can be triggering for some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a mental health professional or reach out to a crisis hotline.

Key Topics Discussed:
✔️ The importance of addressing mental health and suicide openly.
✔️ Understanding the emotional struggles and complexities faced by individuals dealing with loss.
✔️ The role of family and community support during times of crisis.
✔️ Strategies for fostering open communication about feelings and struggles among youth.
✔️ Insights into how labels and diagnoses affect perceptions and treatment.

Takeaways:
✔️ Mental health is a critical topic that deserves attention and discussion.
✔️ Everyone has their own story and unique challenges; empathy and understanding are key.
✔️ Encouraging individuals to seek help and communicate their feelings is essential.
✔️ The impact of grief and mental health extends beyond individuals to families and communities.

Resources:
✔️ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
✔️ Mental Health America
✔️ NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Join the Conversation: We invite our listeners to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights on this important topic. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insightful discussions on behavior support and mental health.

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this episode, Audra and Sami delve into the essentials of collecting ABC data as part of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. They discuss the significance of understanding antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in identifying patterns that lead to effective behavior interventions.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to ABC Data:
  • Definition of Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.
  • Importance of accurate data collection.
• Benefits of ABC Data:
  • Simplified approach for staff training.
  • Helps identify common antecedents that lead to behaviors.
• Common Antecedents in School Settings:
  • Discusses environmental triggers like noise levels and transitions.
• Practical Tips for Data Collection:
  • Suggestions on making ABC data concise and focused.
  • Emphasis on observing without emotional bias.
• The Role of Closure:
  • Discussion on the term "consequence" and its implications.
  • Introducing the idea of "closure" instead of "consequence."
• Future Steps:
  • Preparing for more detailed behavior collection systems in subsequent episodes.

Resources:

• Grab the FREE ABC data collection sheets 
• Join the Facebook group for MORE resources and collaboration!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insightful episodes on behavior support and interventions!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎙 In this special episode, Audra interviews her daughter about growing up with an autistic brother. From navigating childhood to building a unique bond, they dive deep into the joys, challenges, and how autism shaped their family dynamics. Honest, funny, and heartfelt, this episode offers a sibling’s candid (very!) perspective on life with an autistic brother.

Key Points:
🏡 Early Realizations: What it was like to grow up with an autistic sibling from an early age.
💡 Shifting Attention: Navigating the feelings of being the younger sibling when much attention was focused on her brother.
🎮 Finding Connection: How video games and other activities helped build their sibling bond.
🤝 The Emotional Impact: Reflections on how she coped with the challenges and changes in their relationship.
🧠 Growing Together: How the sibling relationship evolved into adulthood and how it shaped their family.
❤️ Advice for Other Siblings: Patience, kindness, and the hope that relationships can change over time.
📣 Words for Parents: Insights into what helped and what parents can do to support siblings of autistic children.

Tune in for an episode full of raw, real sibling experiences, and see how the lessons learned in childhood continue to impact their family today. 🌟

💥Helpful Resources:
My Student - Learn about YOUR students' families! 📝 – Grab your free set of forms to help gain some valuable info from the home front. You might learn something new!
Daily Reports 🗂️ – Or check out these home communication sheets to keep those lines of communication open!


Last week's episode was on Conducting Direction Observations. Go catch it now! 
Next week will be Gathering A-B-C and Initial Data. Keep your eye out!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!