

The Autism Helper Podcast
Sasha Long, M.A., BCBA
Welcome to The Autism Helper Podcast, where we explore different strategies to improve the lives of individuals with autism.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 30, 2025 • 10min
Episode 327: Summer Series: 4 of My Favorite Behavior Visuals
Discover powerful behavior visuals that can transform classroom and home environments. Learn about Waiting Choice Boards that provide structure during wait times. Delve into First, Then visuals to ease transitions and lessen anxiety. Explore De-escalation Visuals designed for adults to keep calm in stressful moments. Finally, uncover Calm Down Strategy Choice Boards that empower students to self-regulate effectively. These simple tools can significantly enhance behavior management and promote positive outcomes!

Jun 23, 2025 • 8min
Episode 326: Summer Series: 5 Ways to Build Student Rapport
Explore five effective strategies for building rapport with students! Discover how observing their interests and connecting with their families can deepen relationships. Learn the value of following students' leads during play and the importance of listening during tough moments. Plus, find out why asking fewer questions fosters a more supportive environment. These insights promise to create trust and enhance the classroom experience for everyone!

Jun 16, 2025 • 10min
Episode 325: Summer Series: 4 Classroom Pet Peeves and How to Avoid Them
Discover effective strategies to enhance classroom dynamics and minimize common pet peeves. Learn why undoing a student’s work can backfire and how age-appropriate materials boost engagement. Explore the essential role of paraprofessionals in fostering collaboration. Plus, find out how over-prompting might be stifling independence and get tips for more effective prompting. Tune in for practical insights to create a positive and productive learning environment!

5 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 7min
Episode 324: Summer Series: 2 Ways to Transition Away from Preferred Items
Discover effective strategies for easing transitions from preferred to less preferred items. Learn how giving clear warnings or countdowns can help prepare children for changes. The discussion delves into transitioning from highly preferred activities to those that are moderately preferred, making adaptations more manageable. Practical tips are shared to support children in adjusting to new routines without feeling overwhelmed, enhancing their understanding and comfort during these shifts.

Jun 2, 2025 • 8min
Episode 323: Summer Series: 4 Things to Do Now to Help You During Back to School Season
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, the first episode of our Summer Series, we share four key tasks to do now to prep for back-to-school success. We’ll cover cleaning out and prepping independent work tasks, creating new morning binders, upgrading your schedule system, and prepping new curriculum or daily work. These simple steps will help set your classroom up for a smooth and successful school year!----------------------------------------------Enrollment for our Professional Development Membership is OPEN through 8/18! Register here: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membershipJoin Sasha live on August 4th and August 11th at her free upcoming webinar, Behavior by Design: The First 30 Days Blueprint: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/zy3klb0pInterested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/SASHAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 26, 2025 • 20min
Episode 322: Encore Episode: 5 Ways the Executive Functions Masterclass will Improve Your Classroom
The Executive Functions Masterclass course has been taken by hundreds of teachers, clinicians, and parents with consistently great reviews. This course will prepare you to support struggling learners by building executive functioning skills. You will learn how to assess skills, create a thorough plan, and develop proactive supports.In this episode, we review how this course will improve your classroom. From decreasing negative behaviors to increasing independence, you will walk away with tools and strategies that will have a lasting impact on your classroom.Enroll today! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/executive-functions-masterclass-course----------------------------------------------Join Sasha live on August 4th and August 11th at her free upcoming webinar, Behavior by Design: The First 30 Days Blueprint: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/zy3klb0pEnrollment for our Professional Development Membership will reopen this summer! Join the waitlist here: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistInterested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/SASHAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 19, 2025 • 42min
Episode 321: Encore Episode: Moving Beyond Requesting using AAC with Janna Bedoyan & Morgan van Diepen
Janna and Morgan share actionable tips and strategies for moving beyond requesting with your learners that use AAC. Janna Bedoyan is an early childhood special education teacher and AAC specialist. Morgan van Diepens is a BCBA.We discuss the biggest challenges of incorporating AAC into the home or classroom, why kids often get “stuck” at requesting, and what are some functional strategies to encourage communication. They also share background on core language and its value as well as how tips for getting your team on board.Follow Janna @aac.and.meFollow Morgan @abavisualized----------------------------------------------Join Sasha live on August 4th and August 11th at her free upcoming webinar, Behavior by Design: The First 30 Days Blueprint: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/zy3klb0pEnrollment for our Professional Development Membership will reopen this summer! Join the waitlist here: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistInterested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/SASHAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 12, 2025 • 11min
Episode 320: Encore Episode: Why You Should Move Away From Moveable Piece Schedules
Schedules with moveable pieces are great to provide substantial support and visual prompting for how to navigate the classroom. Once students are successful with this type of schedule, move towards a paper schedule. These schedules provide more options for generalization. You can more readily incorporate these schedules into new settings leading to more independence.Resources:https://theautismhelper.com/picking-the-right-schedule-type-for-each-student/Schedule resources: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/search?type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=schedule----------------------------------------------Join Sasha live on August 4th and August 11th at her free upcoming webinar, Behavior by Design: The First 30 Days Blueprint: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/zy3klb0pEnrollment for our Professional Development Membership will reopen this summer! Join the waitlist here: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistInterested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Want more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/SASHAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 28, 2025 • 37min
Episode 319: Inclusive School Communities with Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare
In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare discuss strategies for creating truly inclusive school environments for all learners. They cover key topics like the biggest obstacles to successful inclusion, practical ways to make classrooms more welcoming, the importance of collaboration among staff, and the vital role of teacher-student relationships in fostering inclusion. Tiffany and Erika also share tips for managing challenging behaviors within a range of settings, as well as advice for parents on how to advocate for more inclusive practices. Erika Bare has over 20 years of experience in education and currently serves as the Superintendent of the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. Tiffany Burns has spent two decades working in education and is an elementary school principal on sabbatical, focusing on supporting educators through the Connected Communicator Movement. Together, they co-authored Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students. https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/transforming-student-behaviorThe $50 off discount code is: CTCPODCASTEpisode Transcription.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistsWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/SASHAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 21, 2025 • 27min
Episode 318: Running an Effective Lesson with Kelsey Kistner
Join Special Education Teacher, Kelsey Kistner, who offers practical strategies for supporting students during academic instruction. Kelsey discusses her top teaching methods, the importance of student choice, how to boost motivation, and how she manages problem behaviors during group lessons. She also dives into Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT) and how she incorporates it into her classroom. Tune in for valuable insights from an experienced educator.Kelsey has been teaching special education for 12 years and currently works in a district-level K-5 Intensive Intervention Program. More from Kelsey:www.includedinsped.com @includedinspedEpisode Transcription.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistsWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/SASHAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


