The Autism Helper Podcast

Even with the best of intentions, utilizing AAC to its fullest can be both intimidating and overwhelming. In this episode, Susan Berkowitz, SLP helps streamline this process by sharing actionable and user friendly tips. Susan shares her 10 Best Practices for AAC Use in the Classroom. We discuss how staff can set up communicate opportunities, teach use of the AAC system, and help students expand their skill sets. Susan gives strategies that are applicable to any setting or age level. If you have AAC users in your classroom, you will benefit from these tips! Susan’s website: http://susanberkowitz.net/ Susan’s book: http://maketheconnectionbook.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/ 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

In my blog, social media, and this podcast, I strive to strike a balance between being positive and having a problem solving attitude with sharing being honest and discussing the struggles that come with the job of a special education teacher. In this episode, I want to share some of my hardest moments from my teaching career. I think it's important to talk about the challenges because it lets others going through the same situation know that they are not alone. I want to share what each of those situations taught me and how they made me a better teacher, BCBA, and person. Because I am discussing more sensitive subjects, I am not sharing any specifics for the stories in this episode. I always want maintain the confidentiality and respect of every student and adult I have worked with. I give the context of each scenario without revealing any identifying information or specifics. If you are going through a challenging time in your career, know that you are not alone. This job is hard. But you will get through this. Your students are lucky to have you and these struggles will make you a better educator! 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

Jody is the parent of 5 year old, Remy. Jody shares the story of fining out her daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called PCDH19 and autism. From the process of diagnosis to acceptance, Jody discuss the lessons she has learned from her daughter, how she decided to share her story, and why having a community around you who understands is so important. Jody’s motivational message is a must listen and will encourage you to continue to develop deeper relationships with the parents of your students. Jody’s podcast Accepting the Unacceptable can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accepting-unacceptable-parenting-autism-epilepsy-special/id1436220321 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

Dr. Amanda Kelly (also known as Behavior Babe) is passionate about sharing all the Applied Behavior Analysis can offer. In this episode, Dr. Kelly and I discuss actionable strategies and ideas that teachers can utilize in the classroom. Dr. Kelly shares seemingly simple tweaks to things you are likely already doing that can have a big impact. She puts a behavior analytic spin on common classroom practices to help teacher give their students the best opportunities to succeed. website: https://www.behaviorbabe.com/ podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behaviorbabe/id1447633783 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

In this episode, I interview Rosemarie Griffin who is an SLP and BCBA. Rose is passionate about giving all learners a voice by using evidence based practices and a multi-disciplinary approach. Rose shares her 5 tips for working with students with limited language. We discuss assessment, how to identify student reinforces, and strategies for building up team collaboration. Rose’s tips are actionable and applicable to so many of our settings! Learn more from Rose at abaspeech.org! 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

Creating IEP goals that are meaningful for both the student and the teacher is going to led to more progress. The goal needs to be meaningful to the student by identifying an area of need that will allow that student more opportunities for growth and increased independence. The goal needs to be meaningful to the teacher by creating a clear plan for goal implementation and progress monitoring. In this episode, I share 5 steps towards writing great IEP goals. I discuss how utilizing actionable words, establishing mastery criterion that makes sense, fully including the parents as parent of the team, and more will result in more complete and effective IEP goals. 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

The last thing any parent or teacher wants is for the debate over a student’s educational rights to escalate towards due process. However, unfortunately this can happen. In this episode, I interview special education attorney, Jennifer Price. Jennifer shares why ensuring that the rights of students are met can get complicated. Jennifer shares some actionable steps a teacher can do to establish a definition of student progress and demonstrate growth. She also identifies some red flags that parents can look for that my be a sign that a student is not receiving the education he is entitled to. This is an important topic that can impact our students in a variety of ways. Jennifer is passionate about special education and the right to a quality education for everyone Jennifer is the author of More EmpowerEd: Using Real Case Samples to Look Deeper into IEP Management. In her new book, she breaks down court cases from 2018 with real applications for how you can better advocate for your child’s education. 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

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. 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

There are plenty of misconceptions and myths about Applied Behavior Analysis. In this episode, Tameika Meadows, BCBA and I are on a mission to debunk the myths. We discuss some situations where something may be identified as ABA but in reality it is not aligned with the best practices and principles of our field. Tameika and I discuss the misconceptions that ABA teaches robotic skills, doesn’t take into account client preferences, and is working to erase autism. Tameika pulls from her valuable experience in the field as we highlight the BACB’s ethical guidelines that emphasize how Applied Behavior Analysis works to teach socially significant behavior that benefits the learner’s quality of life. We cover a lot of ground in this episode! We dive into how to select an ABA company, what red flags you be aware of for poor “ABA” services, and tips for collaborating with BCBAs. Tameika is the creator of the blog & resource website www.ILoveABA.com, which is accessed daily by thousands of people all over the world. Through her website Ms. Meadows provides simple and practical information, strategies, tips, and proudly disseminates the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Tameika is also the author of multiple introductory level Applied Behavior Analysis books, such as: “101 Ways to do ABA”, a resource guide for parents and therapists; “From A to Z: Teaching Skills to Children with Autism”, a resource guide for educators; and “A Manual: Creating an Autism Intervention Program”, a resource guide for practice owners. Ms. Meadows has also published multiple ABA e-Books, exclusively available on Kindle. 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

Get the best of Sasha's Professional Development Workshops in a digestible and easy to understand format in our brand new Professional Development Group. In this episode, learn the details of how this membership came to be, what actionable strategies our members will learn, and how Sasha can help you step by step this school year. Enrollment is open September 2-7. Learn more here: www.theautismhelpermembership.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/ 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