The Autism Helper Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 31: Visuals (Step 4 in the 7 Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Autism Room) Jun 17, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 30: Schedules (Step 3 in the 7 Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Autism Room) Jun 03, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 29: Classroom Structure (Step 2 in the 7 Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Autism Room) May 27, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 28: Organization and Planning (Step 1 in the 7 Steps for Setting Up a Stellar Autism Room) May 20, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 27: Interview with Dr. Mary Barbera, BCBA May 13, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 26: Conversation With Shannon Penrod of Autism Live May 06, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 25: Discussing School Readiness with Shira and Shayna from How to ABA Apr 29, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 24: April Q&A Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

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/

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Episode 23: Talking All Things DATA with Christine Reeve Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

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

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Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/

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Episode 22: What Your Classroom Can Learn from the Business World Apr 08, 2019

Show notes

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

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