

The Autism Helper Podcast
Sasha Long, M.A., BCBA
Welcome to The Autism Helper Podcast, where we explore different strategies to improve the lives of individuals with autism.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 16, 2022 • 38min
Episode 181: Tackling Sleep Struggles with Emily Varon, BCBA
Emily Varon, BCBA, specializes in sleep-related behaviors. In this episode, Emily shares why sleep is so important and what are the essential contributing factors to a healthy night of sleep. Emily shares some practical strategies that can improve sleep routines. We discuss screen time, the impact of COVID on sleep, melatonin supplements, and more! Emily also dives into strategies educators can use for supporting parents and families struggling with sleep.
Website:
https://readysetsleep.com/
Resources:
https://theautismhelper.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Bedtime-Dos-and-Donts-Infographic.pdf
https://theautismhelper.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Copy-of-Sleep-needs-by-age.pdf
https://theautismhelper.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sleep-secrets.pdf
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Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available now in The Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/vb-mapp-1
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 9, 2022 • 32min
Episode 180: The Real Life of a BCBA Business Owner with Dominique Shorter-Taylor, BCBA
Dominique Shorter-Taylor, BCBA is the CEO of Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting and Co-Founder of Beyond ABA, LLC. Dominique shares her perspective on being a working behavior analyst, business owner, and autism mom. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of starting a business, how to diversify your experiences and revenue streams, and why sharing this information is important. Dominque shares some of the challenges with finding supervision and getting started as a new BCBA.
More from Dominique:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN3IdekN-tUvx-cm252w5zA
https://www.stbc-llc.com/
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Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available now in The Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/vb-mapp-1
Sign up for our newest course: The Executive Functions Masterclass! Enrollment is open until May 10: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/executive-functions-masterclass
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 3, 2022 • 14min
Episode 179: The Executive Functions Masterclass
The Executive Functions Masterclass is an online course that teaches the importance of building Executive Functioning Skills and how to build those skills within a range of learners. In this episode, Sasha dives into an overview of the course, from assessment and goal identification to instructional strategies and data collection. This course is broken down into 6 modules that are made up of training videos that range in length from 5 - 20 minutes. Educators and earn 8 CEUs, and we also proved BACB/ASHA CEs for clinicians!
The Executive Functions Masterclass & Toolkit will be open for enrollment from July 11 - July 14, 2022. Sign up here: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/executive-functions-masterclass/
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Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available now in The Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/vb-mapp-1
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 25, 2022 • 26min
Episode 178: Bringing Autism Awareness and Support Strategies to Law Enforcement with Dr. Abbey Love from PACT
Dr. Abbey Love is an educational psychologist, teacher, and consultant. She is also the co-founder of PACT: Police Autism Community Training. In this episode, Abbey shares why she started PACT and what services her organization provides. We discussed the importance of training first responders on how to better support autistic individuals. Abbey also shares PACT's focus on providing training for individuals with autism as well.
Resources and more information on training opportunities:
https://www.pactautism.com/
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Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available now in The Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/vb-mapp-1
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 18, 2022 • 33min
Episode 177: Empowering Autistic Individuals with Kerry Magro
Kerry Magro is an award-winning national speaker and best-selling author. Non-verbal at 2 1/2 and diagnosed with autism at 4, Kerry has overcome countless obstacles to get to where he is today.
In this episode, Kerry shares about his journey as an autistic individual. Kerry discusses what helped him to succeed and how teachers can best support their learners. We also chat about his work supporting autistic adults to gain meaningful employment, and we talk about the company trainings he hosts on the ROI benefits of hiring autistic employees.
Learn more on Kerry's website: https://kerrymagro.com/
Kerry’s new book: https://amzn.to/3EndgaS
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Our newest line of VB-MAPP products are available now in The Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/collections/vb-mapp-1
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 11, 2022 • 18min
Episode 176: The Impact of her Autism Diagnosis with TAH Blogger Abigail Rivera
Abigail Rivera recently joined The Autism Helper Blogging Team. She has shared her perspective as an autistic young adult navigating the world, as Abby was diagnosed with autism at 16. In this episode, she shares how that experience has shaped her. Abby discusses her sensory needs and how she accommodates her sensory challenges. We dive into her self-advocacy and she shares tips for helping others and how to become a better self-advocate. Abby also shares how teachers can better support all struggling learners and create better teacher/student relationships.
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Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Executive Functions! Join me May 3rd at 3:00 or 8:00 PM! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/55/n716xf5n
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 4, 2022 • 31min
Episode 175: Strategies for Oral Seeking Input with Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill from All Things Sensory
Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, both Occupational Therapy Assistants, join the podcast to dive into strategies for children seeking oral sensory input. Rachel and Jessica are hosts of the popular podcast All Things Sensory by Harkla.
Rachel and Jessica share what it means to seek oral sensory input and how this can commonly be displayed in children. They discuss a range of practical suggestions on how to help individuals meet these needs in alternative ways. We discuss issues with health/hygiene, how to get your team and administrators on board, and how to approach these behaviors in the moment.
Find Rachel & Jessica on Instagram:
@allthingssensorypodcast
@harkla_family
Website:
www.harkla.co
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Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Executive Functions! Join me May 3rd at 3:00 or 8:00 PM! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/55/n716xf5n
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 28, 2022 • 17min
Episode 174: What Are Executive Functions?
Executive Functions are the processes required for goal-directed behavior. These are the skills needed to perform (or execute) a task. In this episode, learn what executive functions are and why they are important. We dive into the 11 executive functioning skills and how they are utilized on a daily basis.
This spring, I will be launching a brand new course all about Executive Functions! The Executive Functions Masterclass is an online course that teaches the importance of building Executive Functioning skills and how to build those skills within a range of different types of learners. This course walks you through the entire process from assessment and goal identification to instructional strategies and data collection. Want to learn more? Sign up for the Waitlist here: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/executive-functions-masterclass/
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Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Executive Functions! Join me May 3rd at 3:00 or 8:00 PM! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/55/n716xf5n
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 21, 2022 • 12min
Episode 173: Work Task Spring Cleaning
The spring is a time to refresh and renew! In this episode, I dive into why now is the time to refresh your independent work tasks. Independent work is the cornerstone of a successful classroom - it teaches the essential life skill of working on your own. Review your tasks and your systems and make changes now to this area of your classroom.
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Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Executive Functions! Join me May 3rd at 3:00 or 8:00 PM! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/55/n716xf5n
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 14, 2022 • 30min
Episode 172: Getting Input for an Annual IEP with Dawn Ellis
It is essential to gain meaningful input from parents/caregivers, other teachers, clinicians, and the student when writing an annual IEP. In this episode, I am joined by special educator, Dawn Ellis. Dawn is the host of the 'Be The Exception Podcast' and teacher behind the Cultivating Exceptional Minds TpT Store and Blog. Dawn shares how to easily differentiate the process of gaining input through varied use of forms, email, and interviews. She shares some simple tips on using running records. Dawn dives into why this input is so input and the impact it can have on the overall IEP and the relationship with families.
Check out Dawn's website here: https://cultivatingexceptionalminds.com/
Listen to Be the Exception Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-exception/id1487751135
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Sign up for my latest free, LIVE webinar on Executive Functions! Join me May 3rd at 3:00 or 8:00 PM! https://event.webinarjam.com/register/55/n716xf5n
Find information about The Autism Helper Professional Development Membership here: 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
Stay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=US
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.
Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


