

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

Mar 15, 2021 • 54min
Episode 118: Dr. Mary Barbera on the Verbal Behavior Approach & Turn Autism Around [recording of a membership webinar]
Dr. Mary Barbera, BCBA, is an author, parent, nurse, and BCBA. In this recording, Dr. Barbera did a special webinar for The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership. Dr. Barbera shared what the verbal behavior approach is, gave the details of her new book - Turn Autism Around, and reviewed why early intervention is so essential.
LINKS
Turn Autism Around: An Action Guide for Parents of Young Children with Early Signs of Autism: https://turnautismaround.com/
www.marybarbera.com
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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/
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Mar 8, 2021 • 22min
Episode 117: Can't Do or Won't Do
Every decision is shaped by your skills and abilities to perform the task and your motivation to act or not act based on options available. One of the most powerful behavior tools in my toolbox is approaching challenging behaviors with a Can’t Do or Won’t Do approach. Assess the root of the issue by looking at if the work or demand is too hard and you need to adjust the task or there is not enough motivation or reinforcement and you need to adjust the reinforcement. I talk through some examples of Can’t Do or Won’t Do situations, how false assumptions can lead to major missteps, the Can’t Do or Won’t Do test, and strategies to utilize for each type of challenge.
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest @theautismhelper.
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Mar 1, 2021 • 48min
Episode 116: Sensory: The Foundation, Not the Function with Meghan Roberson, SLP BCBA
In this episode, Meghan Roberson, a dual-certified SLP and BCBA and the Owner/Director of Anchor ABA shares the Sensory Pyramid or "Pyramid of Learning." Meghan explains how there is often a lack of training and general awareness that the impact of dysregulation can have on all types of behavior. Increased understanding on this topic can cause an important shift in mindset on how to approach behavior challenges in a proactive and effective.
Although teachers and behavior analysts are not licensed to diagnose deficits in sensory areas, it is so important for a BCBA or educator to be able to recognize sensory processing challenges, make appropriate referrals to OT if needed, and work with an OT to maximize the benefits of ABA based strategies. If a child is dyregulated, it'll be much harder for them to learn the important skills and regulate behavior.
Meghan walks us through sensory processing, the sensory pyramid, and the 8 senses in detail!
Download: https://theautismhelper.com/8-senses-by-meghan-roberson/ https://theautismhelper.com/sensory-pyramid/
Resources:
Books:
Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTR
Sensory Integration by Jean Ayres
Out of Sync Child, by Carol Kranowitz
Toolchest: For Teachers, Parents, & Students, by Diana Henry
Website:
STAR Institute, https://www.spdstar.org/
Podcast:
The Sensory Project Show Podcast, https://thesensoryproject.com/pages/podcast
Instagram:
@movementmatters by Kelly Smith, RN
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or 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

Feb 22, 2021 • 18min
Episode 115: Tips for Using Activity Schedules with Christina Abadir
Activity schedules are a great way to teach leisure skills and promote independence. Special education teacher and BCBA, Christina Abadir, shares options for ways to set up activity schedules in the classroom or home setting. She gives a wide range of examples and setup options and explores ways to differentiate for virtual instruction and a socially distant classroom.
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or 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

Feb 15, 2021 • 42min
Episode 114: Building Executive Functions with Lisa Berluti
Executive functions are mental skills that we use everyday to get things done. They can be thought as the management system of the brain. These skills are essential for academic, social, and functional success. Former special education teacher, BCBA, and behavior coach, Lisa Berluti, explores executive functions and how both teachers and parents can help cultivate these skills.
Lisa shares examples on common expectations and ways to support skill development for response inhibition, organization, and task initiation. We examine what these skills can look like in the home or school setting the simple strategies you can utilize at a variety of grade levels to improve these abilities.
Download the Grade Level Progression of Executive Functions: https://theautismhelper.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Podcast/Executive+Functioning_++School+and+Home.pdf
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or 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

Feb 8, 2021 • 20min
Episode 113: Encore Episode 62: Tips for Tolerating Transitions
ENCORE EPISODE
Transitioning is a skill that some of our learners may benefit from more instruction on. In this episode learn my 7 tips for teaching students to tolerate transitions effectively. I focus on evidence based antecedent interventions. We want to prevent the problem behavior before it starts. Identify tweaks or additions you can add to your classroom to make transitions better and less challenging for your learners.
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or 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

Feb 1, 2021 • 28min
Episode 112: Encore Episode 41: How Reinforcement Goes Wrong
ENCORE EPISODE
Reinforcement is a term that's thrown around a lot however it's commonly misunderstood and misused. Reinforcement is something that comes after a behavior that causes an increase in the probability of that behavior happening again in the future. There are two big warnings signs I see when I think, "This isn't actually reinforcement." When I am told a "reinforcer" doesn't work or when I see a "reinforcer" used before a positive behavior occurs (in hopes that it will), I know this is reinforcement gone wrong.
In this episode, let's explore how reinforcement goes wrong and what you can do to make sure it doesn't with your learners. I absolutely love talking about reinforcement because it's what makes everything work in our classrooms - academics, behavior plans, social skills - it all starts with that ever-important reinforcer!
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest @theautismhelper.
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Jan 25, 2021 • 23min
Episode 111: Encore Episode 54: Tips for Working with "Difficult" People
ENCORE EPISODE
In a school setting, working on teams is always part of the job. However, teamwork is hard. It can be even more challenging when working with colleagues who are "difficult". You may have colleagues who are pushy, overly opinionated, or aggressive. This can add stress to your day and impact your happiness at work.
In this episode, we take an ABA approach to collaboration. I share 4 common teamwork strategies and explain why taking these steps can be effective. Let's look at adult interactions through the same behavior lens that works with our students to help you work more effectively with challenging colleagues and reduce stress in these situations.
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest @theautismhelper.
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Jan 18, 2021 • 24min
Episode 110: Encore Episode 6: Handling Student Aggression
ENCORE EPISODE
All behavior is communication - even behavior that is disruptive, dangerous, and aggressive. Those behaviors are communicating something and they are communicating it loudly. While you are in the process of finding and implementing an effective and function-based intervention for dangerous student behaviors such as aggression or running, the day to day obstacles can be huge. Handling student aggression in a way that is respectful to the student while also keeping everyone safe is a daunting task. This can put a massive emotional and physical strain on the entire team. In this episode, learn strategies to approach these difficult situations as best as possible.
Resources:
How to Take Data on Extreme Behaviors: http://theautismhelper.com/taking-data-extreme-behaviors/
Using Google Forms to Analyze ABC Data: http://theautismhelper.com/using-google-forms-to-analyze-abc-data/
Click Counters on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Mechanical-Clicker-Assorted-Stadium/dp/B06XPD1YK3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1545050639&sr=8-3&keywords=click+counter
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest @theautismhelper.
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Jan 11, 2021 • 48min
Episode 109: Encore Episode 61: A Comprehensive Approach to Challenging Behaviors with Dr. Megan Miller
ENCORE EPISODE
In this episode, I interview Dr. Megan Miller on strategies for approaching challenging behaviors while consistently looking at maintaining the dignity and respect for students. Megan Miller, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is the co-founder of Navigation Behavioral Consulting and the Chief Clinical Officer of LifeTribe. Dr. Miller is an author and presenter on best practices within Applied Behavior Analysis.
Dr. Miller discusses common strategies and why they may be problematic and what we can do instead. She focused on the importance of working with the child where they are at and fading towards the ultimate goal. She also stressed the importance of identifying and teaching missing skills as an essential component to the behavior plan.
More from Dr. Miller:
DoBetter Website: www.dobetterpod.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dobettermovement/
Click here to find out more info about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership: https://theautismhelper.com/membership/
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-Helper
Get all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or 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


