The Autism Helper Podcast

Step 1 in the Seven Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Autism Classroom: Organization and Planning. Don’t be tempted to skip this step. The classroom process should be purposeful and thoughtful. Spend time actively brainstorming and evaluating the needs of your students. Remember, as Dr. Stephen Shore said, “If you’ve meet one individual with autism, you’ve meet one individual with autism.” Your classroom should be changing and evolving every year because the needs of your students will be changing every year.  In this episode, we review important topics to begin the planning process. First we discuss how to create a “student need snapshot” by reviewing your students’ IEPs. Then we cover several important areas of the classroom to begin thinking about how the needs of your students will impact these areas. Finally, we start to make a list of centers for your classroom to address the IEP goals. Types of centers include group centers, direction instruction, paraprofessional led centers, independent center, and leisure centers. Many examples for each type are discussed!  Our classrooms sometimes look different because the needs of our students are so different. Let some good brainstorming and reflection drive your setup process!  Classroom Setup Checklist: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Seven-Steps-for-Setting-Up-a-Stellar-Autism-Room-CHECKLIST-1338047 20 Questions for Organizing and Planning you setup: https://theautismhelper.com/organization-planning-20-questions-ask-starting-classroom-setup/ 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Mary Barbera is a best selling author, BCBA, and autism mom. In this episode, I chat with Mary about her journey into the autism world. She shares the story of her son’s diagnosis, how she learned about ABA, and what inspired her to become a BCBA. Mary’s bestselling book, The Verbal Behavior Approach, comes from Mary’s years of experience working with children with autism. Mary discusses how the verbal behavior approach is different than what many think of as ‘traditional’ autism and some important take home lessons from her book. Mary has developed several courses for parents, teachers, and BCBAs and provides insight as to which course would work best for each group. This episode is filled with helpful information from a true expert in the field!  Links:  https://www.marybarbera.com https://www.amazon.com/The-Verbal-Behavior-Approach-Disorders/dp/1843108526/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358195509&sr=8-1&keywords=the+verbal+behavior+approach Turn Around Autism Podcast: https://www.marybarbera.com/podcast/ 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Shannon Penrod is a parent of a child with autism and a true advocate. She is the host of Autism Live a YouTube channel where she shares her experiences on parenting and ABA as well as interviews many experts in the field. Shannon’s perspective is invaluable and her story will motivate and inspire you.  Shannon and I discuss the process of her son’s diagnosis, his early years of ABA, and the successes he has had. She shares some of the struggles and how she was able to handle the difficult moments. Shannon gives her tips for finding a quality ABA program and the advice she gives parents of children with autism most frequently. There is so much to learn in this episode!  Shannon’s website: http://www.autism-live.com Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AutismLive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutismLive/ 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

BCBAs Shira Gaunt and Shayna Karpel discuss school readiness and all that it entails. Shira and Shayna are from How to ABA and the Bx Resource. Coming from both a clinical and school background, Shira and Shayna share practical tips and ABA strategies in an understandable way. In this episode, we talk about what behaviors kids need to be successful in school. Shira and Shayna share their tips on teaching students how to work collaboratively, ask for help, and more. This episode is filled with ready to implement action items and a must-listen for teachers and clinicians.  Links: https://howtoaba.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtoaba/ 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Q and A episode, listener questions are answered in detail! I share my advice for those wanting to become BCBA and the process I took in that endeavor. Next, I discuss strategies for keeping the noise level of staff down and how to directly and respectfully address those concerns with your team. Then, I review the legal issues surrounding leaving students out of a field trip due to behavioral or physical needs as well as some best practices to utilize during a field trip. Last, I answer a questions regarding a major behavioral problem with a student and what are the first steps to take in that situation.  Links about field trip discrimination: https://www.wrightslaw.com/howey/field.trip.transport.htm https://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/does-having-aide-on-iep-include-field-trips-ca/ 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dr. Christine Reeve and I discuss best practices for data collection. Chris is a BCBA with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She has over 20 years experience in the field and has worked in a wide range of settings. Her most recent book, Taming the Data Monster, is a comprehensive resources on easy-to-adapt data collection systems. Chris is truly a data expert and we discuss everything from getting started taking data, how to analyze your data and make data based decisions, ways to get your staff on board, and more. Follow Chris @ https://www.autismclassroomresources.com. Resources:  Chris’s free webinar on data collection: https://acrlinks.com/data-webinar Excel spreadsheet: https://acrlinks.com/excel-template  Self-Graphing Data Sheets Blog Post: https://acrlinks.com/self-graph 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A successful business thrives off of productivity, efficiency, and effective team management. In this episode learn how to apply popular  business and productivity life hacks and philosophies to your classroom. Grab some actionable takeaways that can be added into your work day immediately.  8 Business Strategies to Apply to Your Classroom: Eat the frog: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” Mark Twain 80/20 Principle: 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results. Delegate Effectively:  “Delegation requires the willingness to pay for short term failure in order to gain long term competency.” Dave Ramsey BHAG: Big hairy audacious goals. Time Blocking: Things will take the amount of the time that you give it. Schedule email time: Do not let your email control your time.  “Bitch” Up: Complain or vent only to people above you. Sandwich Feedback: Provide feedback in a specific order to highlight positive things a staff member is doing and where some improvement can be made.  Links: Why Schools Aren’t Business: the Blueberry Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2013/07/09/why-schools-arent-businesses-the-blueberry-story/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4135908b8643 Eat That Frog: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Twenty-one-Procrastinating/dp/0792754840 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Functional means designed to have practical use and used to development of a larger whole. Is your literacy instruction hitting these two things? In this episode, we discuss what functional actually means. Functional doesn’t mean vocational or having low expectations. Learn how to teach academics in a functional way at all ages. We live in a text rich environment and we need to be teaching literacy at every age in some way. Use the text you see every day as a teaching tool to work on generalizing and applying the literacy skills you teach. Consider students’ learning history, strengths, interests, and long term opportunities when selecting literacy goals. My call to action: evaluate you literacy instruction today. Link to Functional Literacy Curriculum: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Functional-Literacy-Leveled-Daily-Curriculum-BUNDLE-3954814 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, learn how BCBA Leanne Page incorporates her knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis into her daily parenting life. Leanne shares easy to understand action items that parents, teachers, or clinicians can utilize right away. Leanne’s approach is focused on using evidence based practices to build up the good that’s there. She relies on positive and proactive strategies that will make your life easier. This episode is filled with useful information on everything from token economy best practices to establishing successful bedtime routines.  Find Leanne at parentingwithaba.com. Check out her book, Parenting with Science. 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rethink your ideas about time out. Instead of viewing this intervention as harsh and aversive instead reframe time out as “time away from reinforcement.” When used in the correct situations, this strategy can be extremely effective to reduce dangerous and disruptive behaviors. In this episode learn how and why to conduct through baseline data so you are only using this strategy in the appropriate situations. Identify the reasons why a “time away from reinforcement” works and how this plays out naturally in the real world. Also, learn tips for utilizing visuals, adding a criteria for exiting a time out, removing the power struggle, and how to ensure that reinforcing aspects are actually removed. It’s time for a new school perspective on this intervention.  Behavior Edition Social Story Adapted Books: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Story-Adapted-Books-Behavior-Edition-2198330 Visual Social Story Set: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Social-Story-Packet-for-Children-with-Autism-Behavior-Set-293770 Behavior Management Visuals: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Packet-of-Behavior-Management-Visuals-for-Children-with-Autism-271597 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. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy