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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 of Misfit Behaviorists, we dive deep into the art of conducting thorough and effective Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) observations. 🎯 Learn why it’s crucial to look beyond the student on your radar and understand the behavior of the entire classroom. We'll share tips on how to blend in like a wallflower 🌸 and gather unbiased, comprehensive data across various settings and times.

Key Topics Covered:

• The importance of observing both typical and atypical behaviors in all students 🧐
• Strategies for making objective observations without influencing student behavior
• Using peer comparisons to differentiate between age-appropriate behaviors and behaviors of concern 📊
• How to collect detailed, timestamped notes that capture a rounded picture of the student’s interactions and environment
• Best practices for involving the whole team and considering external factors like medications, family vacations, and environmental changes

Helpful Resources:

• Printable Observation Forms 📝 – Grab your free set of forms to help streamline your data collection process.
• RBT Tracker 📊 – Stay organized and track your Registered Behavior Technician hours and tasks.
• Classroom Checklist 🗂️ – An observation and coaching tool to assess effective classroom routines and procedures.

Tune in to get insights on how to conduct meaningful observations that lead to more accurate behavior plans! 🎧

Last week's episode was on Conducting Initial Interviews. 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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, Audra and Sami dive into the second step of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process—conducting initial interviews. They discuss how to approach interviews with parents, teachers, and even the student, while maintaining a neutral, empathetic, and objective stance. By focusing on building trust, gathering comprehensive insights, and respecting confidentiality, this episode provides valuable tips for BCBAs looking to gather meaningful information and set the stage for effective behavior plans.

Key Points:
- Approaching interviews with empathy and neutrality, without undermining past communications.
- Importance of sitting “on the parent’s side of the table” to build trust.
- Tips for involving students in the process and teaching self-advocacy.
- Navigating sensitive information shared by parents and deciding what to document.
- Gathering insights from multiple sources (parents, teachers, students) to see the full picture.
- Reviewing past files, medical history, and academic records to contextualize behavior.
- Importance of remaining nonjudgmental, flexible, and objective throughout the process.
- The significance of respecting confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines.
  
Helpful Resources:

• FBA Interviews Forms
• FBA Template bundle of resources

Tune in next week as Audra and Sami explore the next step in the FBA process: Conducting Direct Observations!
Or go back to last week where they talked about the Referral Process.

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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 of the Misfit Behaviorist podcast, join hosts Audra Jensen and Sami Brown as they kick off a new mini-series focused on the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Audra and Sami delve into the importance of having a structured referral process, how it helps teachers, and why clear communication with parents is crucial. Discover practical advice and real-life examples on identifying when a behavior truly needs intervention and how teachers can effectively use a referral form to address challenging behaviors. This episode is packed with insights for educators and behavior analysts looking to improve their approach to managing student behavior. Don't miss out!

Key Points:
- Introduction to the FBA mini-series with Audra Jensen and new co-host Sami Brown
- Importance of the referral process in behavior support
- How to determine if a behavior is disruptive or unsafe
- Tips for teachers to identify and document challenging behaviors
- Collaboration with parents and involving them from the beginning
- Real-life stories and experiences from Audra and Sami’s work in schools

Helpful Resources:

• Behavior Team Referral Process
• FBA Template bundle of resources

Next week: Conducting Initial Interviews 

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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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 shed some light on what elements are crucial to develop a positive working relationships with RBTs and ABA paraprofessionals. Learn some tips and tricks to use with scheduling and communication to help keep your supervision meetings running smoothly! 🎉

FREEBIE this week: Check out the FB Group for pre-made printable supervision logs and session notes to use with your RBTs! 🙌🏼

✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like-minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️
  The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook

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 | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• 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!