The Autism Helper Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 321: Encore Episode: Moving Beyond Requesting using AAC with Janna Bedoyan & Morgan van Diepen May 19, 2025

Show notes

Janna and Morgan share actionable tips and strategies for moving beyond requesting with your learners that use AAC. Janna Bedoyan is an early childhood special education teacher and AAC specialist. Morgan van Diepens is a BCBA.

We discuss the biggest challenges of incorporating AAC into the home or classroom, why kids often get “stuck” at requesting, and what are some functional strategies to encourage communication. They also share background on core language and its value as well as how tips for getting your team on board.

Follow Janna @aac.and.me

Follow Morgan @abavisualized

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Join Sasha live on August 4th and August 11th at her free upcoming webinar, Behavior by Design: The First 30 Days Blueprint: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/zy3klb0p

Enrollment for our Professional Development Membership will reopen this summer! Join the waitlist here: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlist

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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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 320: Encore Episode: Why You Should Move Away From Moveable Piece Schedules May 12, 2025

Show notes

Schedules with moveable pieces are great to provide substantial support and visual prompting for how to navigate the classroom. Once students are successful with this type of schedule, move towards a paper schedule. These schedules provide more options for generalization. You can more readily incorporate these schedules into new settings leading to more independence.

Resources:

https://theautismhelper.com/picking-the-right-schedule-type-for-each-student/

Schedule resources: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/search?type=product&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=schedule

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Join Sasha live on August 4th and August 11th at her free upcoming webinar, Behavior by Design: The First 30 Days Blueprint: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/zy3klb0p

Enrollment for our Professional Development Membership will reopen this summer! Join the waitlist here: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlist

Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 319: Inclusive School Communities with Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare discuss strategies for creating truly inclusive school environments for all learners. They cover key topics like the biggest obstacles to successful inclusion, practical ways to make classrooms more welcoming, the importance of collaboration among staff, and the vital role of teacher-student relationships in fostering inclusion. Tiffany and Erika also share tips for managing challenging behaviors within a range of settings, as well as advice for parents on how to advocate for more inclusive practices. Erika Bare has over 20 years of experience in education and currently serves as the Superintendent of the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. Tiffany Burns has spent two decades working in education and is an elementary school principal on sabbatical, focusing on supporting educators through the Connected Communicator Movement. Together, they co-authored Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students. https://www.connectingthroughconversation.com/transforming-student-behavior

The $50 off discount code is: CTCPODCAST

Episode Transcription.

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 318: Running an Effective Lesson with Kelsey Kistner Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Join Special Education Teacher, Kelsey Kistner, who offers practical strategies for supporting students during academic instruction. Kelsey discusses her top teaching methods, the importance of student choice, how to boost motivation, and how she manages problem behaviors during group lessons. She also dives into Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT) and how she incorporates it into her classroom. Tune in for valuable insights from an experienced educator.

Kelsey has been teaching special education for 12 years and currently works in a district-level K-5 Intensive Intervention Program. More from Kelsey:

www.includedinsped.com

@includedinsped

Episode Transcription.

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 317: Effective Inclusion with Leanne Greenberg Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Leanne Greenberg joins us to discuss creating inclusive environments for students with autism. She shares her insights on overcoming barriers to inclusion, dispelling common misconceptions about autism, and highlighting successful strategies used in schools. Leanne also discusses the importance of social inclusion, helping students build meaningful relationships, and accommodating sensory needs in general education classrooms. Additionally, she offers practical advice on how families and caregivers can advocate for more inclusive environments. This episode is packed with valuable tips for fostering supportive and inclusive learning spaces for all students. Leanne Greenberg serves as an ESS Specialist in the Phoenix Union High School District. She has been an ASD teacher, ASD coach, ESS Facilitator, and Behavior Intervention Specialist. In addition to her teacher certifications, she is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Episode Transcription.

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 316: Establishing Great Communication with the IEP Team with Jenn Adams Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Jenn Adams joins us to discuss strategies for building effective communication within the IEP Team. Jenn Adams is a seasoned special education and general education teacher and the creative force behind Teach Love Autism. With 17 years of teaching experience, Jenn has dedicated most of her career to supporting students with autism and other special needs.

Jenn shares tips on setting up consistent communication systems, collaborating with school staff, addressing family concerns, managing emotional IEP meetings, and ensuring families can implement the IEP successfully. Tune in for actionable advice to support students with autism!

More from Jenn: https://teachloveautism.com/

Episode Transcription.

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 315: Teaching How to Handle Change Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore effective strategies for teaching students with autism how to handle change. Whether it's transitions between activities, changes in routine, or unexpected events, managing change can be challenging for many students on the spectrum. Tune in for practical tips and techniques to help build flexibility, reduce anxiety, and support students in adapting to new situations with confidence.

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 314: Using ACT to Improve Your Teaching or Parenting with Leanne Page, BCBA Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Leanne Page, BCBA, from Parenting with ABA, who shares her insights on how utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can benefit both parents and educators. Leanne explains the core principles of ACT and how it has helped her become a more compassionate and mindful parent. We dive into the importance of self-compassion and self-care for caregivers, whether parents or teachers, and discuss why prioritizing well-being is essential to being effective in caregiving roles. Leanne also introduces the Calm & Connected Journal, a tool she created to help caregivers stay grounded, present, and emotionally connected. This episode is filled with valuable takeaways on supporting your emotional health while supporting others.

Calm & Connected Journal: https://www.parentingwithaba.org/

Episode Transcription.

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 313: Questions from The Autism Helper App Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I dive into 8 insightful questions submitted by teachers, clinicians, and parents through The Autism Helper app. Whether you're a professional or a parent looking for guidance, this episode covers a range of topics, from behavior, resource prep, to staff training. The Autism Helper App serves as a comprehensive hub, housing our online courses, PD network, and an interactive feed for ongoing support. Tune in for practical answers and expert advice designed to enhance your practice and understanding of autism.

Join me for this engaging Q&A session as we continue to build a strong, supportive community for those working with and raising individuals on the autism spectrum!

Download The Autism Helper App and join for free here: www.theautismhelpernetwork.com

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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Episode 312: Encore Episode: How to Teach Your Team About Reinforcement Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

You are never truly an expert on something until you know how to teach it to others. Reinforcement is something that affects all areas of your classroom and your students' success. It affects your students' academic skills, level of independence, social skills, problem behaviors, and more. It's a fundamental component to your classroom. You absolutely need to ensure that you and your team are on the same page when it comes to something so important.

Whether your team has misunderstandings of how to utilize reinforcement the right way or what reinforcers are or if there just isn't enough reinforcement going on, it's time to level up this area of your collective skill set. In this episode, I break down how to utilize Behavior Skills Training (an evidence-based approach) to teach your team all of the important details and nuances of reinforcement done right.

Throwback episodes:

Episode 41: How Reinforcement Goes Wrong - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-41-how-reinforcement-goes-wrong/id1443908794?i=1000449956558

Episode 1: Staff Training https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-staff-training/id1443908794?i=1000424237499

Episode 3: Staff Training Part 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-3-staff-training-pt-ii/id1443908794?i=1000424237497

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Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/

Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlists

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, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.

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