

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

Apr 27, 2020 • 25min
Episode 71: Talking Transition with Dr. Peter Vierno
In this episode, Dr. Peter Vierno shares important information and action steps regarding the transition to adulthood. Peter discusses how to start building towards the transition process at early childhood, elementary, and high school by both teachers and parents. He explains legal guardianship, the implications transition choices may have, and how to best review these options as a team. We cover a lot of ground in this episode on a truly important topic!
More from Peter:
http://mvptransitionconsulting.com/
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/
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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, or Pinterest @theautismhelper.
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Apr 20, 2020 • 33min
Episode 70: How to Use ABA Strategies to Lead Your Team
In this episode, I interview BCBA Shannon Biagi. Shannon is an author, entrepreneur, and supervisor in organizational behavior management. Shannon shares what OBM is and how teachers can utilize these principles to manage their team more effectively. She shares how to define what behaviors you want to see from your staff and how to troubleshoot when you aren't seeing those things.
Shannon explained the application of the Performance Diagnostic Checklist for identifying the reasons why staff performance issues may be occurring. Download the checklist here: https://theautismhelper.com/pdc-extracted-appendix-a-from-pampino-et-al-2003/
More from Shannon:
https://www.chiefmotivatingofficers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiefmotivatingofficers/
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: 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 14, 2020 • 22min
Episode 69: E-Learning for Teachers
While schools are closed, teachers can continue to improve and grow professionally. This may actually help bring in a little bit of normalcy to an abnormal situation. Whether you feel like this situation has left you with more time or less time, fitting in small amounts of time to learn something new is good for the mind and the soul.
There are many free ways to find professional development opportunities. Find new podcasts or do research on a podcast episode that you found interesting. Check out my YouTube Training Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlapD5j_DMc&list=PLaNcwbUxolMjt747OBC1-y9bQCoeQb2eq and find new YouTube channels to explore. You can take a free 40 hour training to become a Registered Behavior Technician (https://autismpartnershipfoundation.org/course-progress/). Research Donors Choose, Class Fund on TpT, and other grants for your 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: 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 6, 2020 • 19min
Episode 68: Distance Learning in the Special Education Classroom
With little warning, we have been thrown into a situation most of us were not ready for. With school closures around the world, teachers are suddenly trying to figure out how to make distance learning work for their classrooms.
In this episode, I am sharing 4 tips for setting up and running distance learning in a special education classroom. Go with what you know. Keep it simple. Focus on connections. Differentiate your options. We discuss some options for setting up distance learning in special education classrooms and how to keep a positive mindset.
Emergency HomeSchool Kit for parents: http://theautismhelper.com/emergency-home-school-kit/
Jen's E-Learning tips: highlight on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismhelper/
5 Tips for E-Learning: https://theautismhelper.com/5-tips-for-teachers-during-e-learning/
Supporting Sensory Needs at Home: https://theautismhelper.com/supporting-sensory-needs-at-home/
Tips for Parents Turned Special Education Teachers: https://theautismhelper.com/tips-for-parents-turned-homeschool-special-education-teachers/
Realistic Expectations During Distance Learning: https://theautismhelper.com/expectationsdistancelearning/
Occupational Therapy and E-Learning: https://theautismhelper.com/occupational-therapy-and-e-learning-ideas-activities-and-next-steps/
E-Learning in the Self-Contained Classroom: https://theautismhelper.com/e-learning-in-the-self-contained-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? 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: 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 30, 2020 • 13min
Episode 67: March Q&A
In this episode, I answer 4 questions from listeners that cover everything from behavior to staff training to collaborating with team members.
The questions I answer in this episode:
- How can I help my paras understand the importance of taking data?
- What should I do when behaviors escalate when an iPad or preferred item is taken away?
- What are some tips for pushing into a classroom to support students in inclusion settings?
- How do you manage self-injurious behaviors?
To get your questions answered, email sasha@theautismhelper.com with the subject PODCAST QUESTIONS.
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: 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 23, 2020 • 40min
Episode 66: Do With, Not For: an Interview with Molly Ola Pinney from the Global Autism Project
Molly Ola Pinney is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Autism Project, a nonprofit organization that increases the capacity of local individuals working with children with autism worldwide. In this episode, Molly shares how the Global Autism Project started and how far reaching its impacts are today.
Molly discusses her focus on empowering others through the guiding principle "Do with not for." Molly and I discuss how this model that she has used to build the Global Autism Project to the success it is today can be translated into a classroom setting. Molly shares valuable insights on how to work with your team through focusing on observation, listening, and asking questions. This episode is a must listen for building up your leadership skills!
More from Molly:
https://www.globalautismproject.org/
https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_ola_pinney_doing_things_for_others_doesn_t_help
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: 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 16, 2020 • 38min
Episode 65: Best Practices for Parent Collaboration with Autism Mom Leah Behrens
In this episode, I am chatting with Leah Behrens. Leah is a parent to two children diagnosed with autism and shares her positive, honest, and hilarious point of view over on instagram (@leahbehrens) and her blog.
Leah shares the diagnosis process for both of her kids and how she works with them at home. Over the years, Leah has worked with countless teachers, professionals, and therapists. Leah shares her advice on best practices teachers and professionals can have for working collaboratively with parents. She touches on communication, language to use, and how to truly make it a team approach. I love her perspective and positivity!
More from Leah:
https://thebehrensden.com/
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: 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 9, 2020 • 25min
Episode 64: Tips for Struggling Eaters with the Autism Nutritionist, Jenny Friedman
Jenny Friedman is a registered dietician and specializes at working with children with eating challenges and children on the spectrum. In this episode, Jenny shares tons of practical tips on how to encourage children to try new foods and expand the range of preferred healthy foods.
Teachers have an important role when it comes to overcoming eating obstacles. Many students eat multiple meals at school and school staff can help students broaden their food repertoires. Jenny's tips are applicable for both the school and home setting. All of her suggestions focus on building positive relationships with food and are sensitive to the sensory needs of children on the spectrum.
More from Jenny:
https://www.jennyfriedmannutrition.com/
@autism.nutritionist on Instagram
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: 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 2, 2020 • 18min
Episode 63: IEP Goals Mastery Criteria: Dos and Don'ts
I have a lot of pet peeves when it comes to the mastery criteria in an IEP goal. In this episode, I break down some of the most common pitfalls for this part of the IEP goal and what you can do to avoid it.
There are 3 important questions to ask yourself when developing the mastery criteria for an IEP goal: What does mastery of this skill really look like? What can you accomplish in the timeline you have? and How will you be taking data? In this episode, we review these three questions and the impacts your answers will have on creating a mastery criteria that is logical and attainable.
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: 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

Feb 24, 2020 • 18min
Episode 62: Tips for Tolerating Transitions
Transitioning is a skill that some of our learners may benefit from more instruction on. In this episode learn my 7 tips for teaching students to tolerate transitions effectively. I focus on evidence based antecedent interventions. We want to prevent the problem behavior before it starts. Identify tweaks or additions you can add to your classroom to make transitions better and less challenging for your learners.
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: 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


