The Autism Helper Podcast

Dr. Laura Riffel is also know as the Behavior Doctor and has trained hundreds of thousands of teachers, clinicians, and parents on the principles of function based behavior change. In this episode, she is sharing her revamped Competing Pathways Chart. Laura shares all the details on how to utilize this framework to identify the function of behavior and develop a strategy for positive and long lasting behavior change. Download the Competing Pathways Chart here: https://theautismhelper.com/competing-pathways-chart-dr-laura-riffel/ More on Dr. Laura Riffel, the Behavior Doctor here: https://behaviordoctor.org/ 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

The school day starts from the second your student or child leaves the house and there is quite a lot that can happen between that moment and when the child enters the classroom. School bus staff are responsible for part of students' school day but receive very little (if any!) training and support. In this episode, I interview Patrick Mulick. Patrick is a BCBA, special education administrator, and educational consultant with a passion for helping provide transportation staff with the resources they need to be successful. Patrick and I discuss why including transportation staff is so important and what impacts this can have on students' school day. He shares actionable tips and strategies that you can incorporate today to help get the school bus staff that you work with on the same page in an easy to implement way. Learn more about Patrick Mulick, BCBA here: http://patrickmulick.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

In this episode, Whitney Sarnowski shares her story from special ed teacher and soon to be BCBA to special needs parent. She shares the details of her son's diagnosis with autism and discusses what early warning signs she saw in her son. After identifying these signs, she reached out to Florida State's First Words Project (https://firstwordsproject.com/) and worked collaboratively with their team in the evaluation process. Whitney's son Kyson was diagnosed with autism at 20 months. Whitney was ready to start early intervention as soon as possible to give Kyson the skills he needed to learn, develop, and communicate effectively. Whitney also shares how she utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis strategies and principles with her son in her home. She discusses incidental teaching, manding, and creating a structured and routine based environment to help Kyson be successful. Her suggestions as applicable to the home and school setting! Whitney shares her journey at www.thespectrumcompass.com and strives to help parents going through the diagnosis process. 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

Even with the best of intentions, utilizing AAC to its fullest can be both intimidating and overwhelming. In this episode, Susan Berkowitz, SLP helps streamline this process by sharing actionable and user friendly tips. Susan shares her 10 Best Practices for AAC Use in the Classroom. We discuss how staff can set up communicate opportunities, teach use of the AAC system, and help students expand their skill sets. Susan gives strategies that are applicable to any setting or age level. If you have AAC users in your classroom, you will benefit from these tips! Susan’s website: http://susanberkowitz.net/ Susan’s book: http://maketheconnectionbook.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

In my blog, social media, and this podcast, I strive to strike a balance between being positive and having a problem solving attitude with sharing being honest and discussing the struggles that come with the job of a special education teacher. In this episode, I want to share some of my hardest moments from my teaching career. I think it's important to talk about the challenges because it lets others going through the same situation know that they are not alone. I want to share what each of those situations taught me and how they made me a better teacher, BCBA, and person. Because I am discussing more sensitive subjects, I am not sharing any specifics for the stories in this episode. I always want maintain the confidentiality and respect of every student and adult I have worked with. I give the context of each scenario without revealing any identifying information or specifics. If you are going through a challenging time in your career, know that you are not alone. This job is hard. But you will get through this. Your students are lucky to have you and these struggles will make you a better educator! 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

Jody is the parent of 5 year old, Remy. Jody shares the story of fining out her daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called PCDH19 and autism. From the process of diagnosis to acceptance, Jody discuss the lessons she has learned from her daughter, how she decided to share her story, and why having a community around you who understands is so important. Jody’s motivational message is a must listen and will encourage you to continue to develop deeper relationships with the parents of your students. Jody’s podcast Accepting the Unacceptable can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accepting-unacceptable-parenting-autism-epilepsy-special/id1436220321 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

Dr. Amanda Kelly (also known as Behavior Babe) is passionate about sharing all the Applied Behavior Analysis can offer. In this episode, Dr. Kelly and I discuss actionable strategies and ideas that teachers can utilize in the classroom. Dr. Kelly shares seemingly simple tweaks to things you are likely already doing that can have a big impact. She puts a behavior analytic spin on common classroom practices to help teacher give their students the best opportunities to succeed. website: https://www.behaviorbabe.com/ podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behaviorbabe/id1447633783 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

In this episode, I interview Rosemarie Griffin who is an SLP and BCBA. Rose is passionate about giving all learners a voice by using evidence based practices and a multi-disciplinary approach. Rose shares her 5 tips for working with students with limited language. We discuss assessment, how to identify student reinforces, and strategies for building up team collaboration. Rose’s tips are actionable and applicable to so many of our settings! Learn more from Rose at abaspeech.org! 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

Creating IEP goals that are meaningful for both the student and the teacher is going to led to more progress. The goal needs to be meaningful to the student by identifying an area of need that will allow that student more opportunities for growth and increased independence. The goal needs to be meaningful to the teacher by creating a clear plan for goal implementation and progress monitoring. In this episode, I share 5 steps towards writing great IEP goals. I discuss how utilizing actionable words, establishing mastery criterion that makes sense, fully including the parents as parent of the team, and more will result in more complete and effective IEP goals. 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

The last thing any parent or teacher wants is for the debate over a student’s educational rights to escalate towards due process. However, unfortunately this can happen. In this episode, I interview special education attorney, Jennifer Price. Jennifer shares why ensuring that the rights of students are met can get complicated. Jennifer shares some actionable steps a teacher can do to establish a definition of student progress and demonstrate growth. She also identifies some red flags that parents can look for that my be a sign that a student is not receiving the education he is entitled to. This is an important topic that can impact our students in a variety of ways. Jennifer is passionate about special education and the right to a quality education for everyone Jennifer is the author of More EmpowerEd: Using Real Case Samples to Look Deeper into IEP Management. In her new book, she breaks down court cases from 2018 with real applications for how you can better advocate for your child’s education. 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