The Autism Helper Podcast

I frequently get asked, “Should I become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?? My quick answer: “Yes!” My long answer isn’t so simple. While I am passionate about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and am always eager for others to drink the kool-aide too and become a BCBA, there are a lot of important considerations when making this decision. In this episode, I interview Dr.Jennifer Klapatch Totsch, Ph.D. BCBA-D. She is currently Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis degree programs at National Louis University (NLU). Prior to founding the ABA programs at National Louis University, she was an Assistant Professor and Director of Applied Professional Practice at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Jen gives a great overview of the process of becoming a BCBA. We delve deep into the supervision piece and discuss tips for selecting a supervision placement, what to ask potential supervisors, and what factors should impact your decision. If you have ever thought about becoming a BCBA, this episode is for you. It is jam packed with practical information and advice! 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

Whenever I get a question about how to handle staff conflict, my go-to response is “Did you make a team mission statement?” A team mission statement is an essential tool to create with your staff to establish a collaborative work environment and avoid or handle miscommunications.  In this episode, learn the first step to creating a team mission statement - finding the TIME to sit down and do this with your staff. Learn how to identify options for staff training time.  The team mission statement is essential for getting everyone on the same page. It helps prevent miscommunication, and creates a cohesive team culture. This episodes discusses 3 simple questions that outline your team mission statement: What do we want for our students? What do we want for our team? What do we want for our school? These questions can frame your expectations, responsibilities, and values.  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

6 Simple Ways to Get Staff Buy-In Having staff buy-in is the make or break of a great team. Staff members that have buy-in see the reasons why strategies work. They are collaborative and cooperative. So how do you develop and cultivate staff buy-in? This is something you need to work towards and work at.  In this episode, we pull from concepts related to staff training, growth mindset, and leadership skills to create 6 action items. When you work on these steps, you will develop a team that works together and makes progress.  Here are my 6 simple ways: Treat your staff as teachers. Build rapport. Sell it. Prioritize. Set up a quick win. Own your losses Final step: set up reminders or prompts for yourself! Write these steps on a post it and put on your desk. Screen shot this description. Do whatever you need to do to remind yourself to work these strategies into each and every day!  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

Whether you are a first year teacher, a teacher new to special education, or a veteran teacher starting in a new school - being the newbie is hard.  In this episode, I share my three important tips for being the new teacher. When you are new - ask for help, plan baby steps, and observe first. These simple strategies help you tackle the overwhelming to do list. They also help you learn about your new school’s future and expectations. Every new role comes with new nuances and those can be tricky to pick up on right away.  If you aren’t a new teacher, it’s your job to help that new teacher feel welcome to your school community. Then, take it one step farther. Help that new teacher become a valuable member of your faculty. This episode also discusses what important steps you can take to help the new teacher out.  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

Addressing the communication needs of your students needs to be incorporated into every inch of your classroom. That's why this final step of the classroom setup process is completely dedicated to communication. Speech Language Pathologist, Sarah Allen, and I discuss how to get your classroom communication-ready.  From best practices for communication systems to activities that will build communication at all levels, there is a lot to consider when it comes to setting up your classroom for optimal communication opportunities. Learn how you can ensure every student has a voice at all times in your room and why this is critically important. Review stations and centers that are fun and engaging while simultaneously increasing communication skills. Most importantly, establish a plan for collaborating regularly with your speech language pathologist and make the most out of that important relationship! 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

Now let's get to the meat and potatoes of your classroom. When setting up your class, what curriculum and activities do you need to ensure your students are learning? There's no quick and easy answer. The idea of developing a set of materials for your students is overwhelming. You may have students that have an extremely wide range of skills. You are working on potty training and pronouns and everything in between. The general education curriculum may not be appropriate for your class. You have two jobs: special education teacher and curriculum developer (but only one salary).  In this episode, we break down this process. One of our team bloggers, Gina and I discuss how to utilize assessments, your IEP goals, and state standards to prioritize, organize, and develop curriculum for your classroom. So before you start laminating away, take a minute to pause and be thoughtful and purposeful about what you are creating for your students.  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

Yes - data collection needs its own step in the classroom setup process because it is that important. Data should be the backbone of your classroom.  You should embed your data collection system into your classroom setup process. Make it something thoughtful and purposeful not an afterthought. In this episode, we review best practices and tips for setting up academic and behavior data. For academic data, decide if organization by student or by center is best for your (hint: there’s no wrong answer). Organization is key because you need the time between your student doing a behavior to your pen hitting the data sheet to be minimal. For behavior data, learn more about my top 3 tips: keep it easy, keep it central, and make a team endeavor. Whatever stage you are at in the data collection process, this episode will challenge you to make it more efficient and streamlined.  Links:  TAH Data Blog Posts: https://theautismhelper.com/category/behavior/data/ Making Data Collection Quick & Easy: https://theautismhelper.com/making-data-collection-quick-easy/ Paraprofessional Run IEP Center: https://theautismhelper.com/paraprofessional-run-iep-goal-station/ Taking Data on Extreme Behaviors: https://theautismhelper.com/taking-data-extreme-behaviors/ 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, we review how to set up visuals in your classroom in a way that is purposeful and effective. You want only the visuals that are useful and not a whole huge set of ones you don’t need. Use visuals to label. This helps with organization and teaching students to independently find and put away materials. Use visuals to support directives. We give so many verbal command on a daily basis and our kids with receptive language processing challenges just can’t keep up. Use visuals to show order to events/routines by creating mini schedules. Last, use visuals for behaviors and academics. This is essential. Use visuals to show the many if/then relationships we set up and the rules of the classroom.  These visuals are a tool and our student will need to be taught how to use these tools. Learn how to teach your staff and teach your students how to utilize these visuals on a regular basis.  Behavior visuals: https://theautismhelper.com/58903-2/ Visual necklace: https://theautismhelper.com/visual-necklace/ Visuals for routines: https://theautismhelper.com/using-visuals-teach-routines/ Mini schedules: https://theautismhelper.com/using-mini-schedules-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

Schedules are a must have for every classroom because they are functional. We all use schedules! In step 3 of the Seven Steps for Setting a Stellar Autism Classroom, we review the whole schedule process. First, learn how to create a detailed student and staff schedule (and some important reasons on why you need both). After you create student and staff schedules, it’s time to make schedules for your students. Schedules should be individualized! Not every student needs a visual and moveable-piece schedule. Think about schedules on continuum. You should always be working towards having each student use a schedule that is less restricted and more generalizable. Some formats schedules can be in are object schedules, picture schedules, or written schedules and there are a multitude of ways to customize those options! The last step is training you staff to teach your students how to use their schedule. Schedules need to be taught!  Links:  All schedule posts: https://theautismhelper.com/category/behavior/schedules-behavior/ Preschool Schedules: https://theautismhelper.com/circle-time-routine-and-daily-schedule-in-a-prek-inclusive-classroom Picking the Right Schedule Type for Each Student: https://theautismhelper.com/picking-the-right-schedule-type-for-each-student/ Creating a Master Classroom Schedule: https://theautismhelper.com/picking-the-right-schedule-type-for-each-student/ Creating a Classroom Excel Schedule: https://theautismhelper.com/creating-classroom-excel-schedule/ 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

Why is structure important? A structured environment decreases negative behaviors, lessens student anxiety, increases independence, and improves student independence. And guess what? It also helps you manage and lead your staff. Creating and maintaining a structured and routine oriented environment will help your team work more collaboratively. In this episode, Jen Koenig, one our of team bloggers, and I discuss best practices for creating a structured environment. Jen shares her two essential considerations for each area of her classroom: functional and accessible. We discuss the different areas of Jen’s classroom and her thought process behind setting it up in a specific way.  Creating a classroom that is visually divided and visually defined will lead to overall student success. Your students will learn more and your team will be more effective. This episode is filled with action items and essential questions to be asking yourself either before you set up your class or in the middle of the school year.  Links: Color Coding Tools: https://theautismhelper.com/color-coding-tools/ Keeping Organized with Schedules: https://theautismhelper.com/keeping-organized-with-schedules/ Setting Up Center Rotations: https://theautismhelper.com/making-center-rotations-a-breeze/ 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