The Autism Helper Podcast

My name is Sasha and I am a problem behavior causer. As a parent and a teacher, I have caused increases in problem behaviors. This happens because I negotiate, I give in, or I give attention. And guess what? This works for me in the moment. Negotiating or giving in gets that meltdown or negative behavior to stop. That’s what I want. I want that behavior to stop. But it does something else too - it teaches that child that negative behaviors result in something awesome. So they keep at it. Let’s change this contingency. In this episode, learn how to look to a long term instead of short term solution for behavior change. Negotiating or giving in may work in the moment but it doesn’t teach a positive alternative way for your child to communicate his wants and needs. It doesn’t promote long term success. I share specific strategies to respond, not react when behavior episodes occur and how to apply this to your everyday life. 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 Chrissy Kelly of Life with Greyon & Parker. Chrissy is a parent to two boys with autism. She is a dedicated advocate and has a high level of knowledge in special education and applied behavior analysis. She shares her journey through her blog lifewithgreyson.com and social media platforms instagram and facebook @lifewithgreysonandparker. Chrissy and I discuss best practices for the IEP meeting from both sides of the table. Chrissy shares practicable strategies for parents to implement when approaching the meeting, what red flags to look for, and some overall tips for advocacy. We also discuss what things teachers can do to help parents feel more welcome, comfortable, and confident in the meeting. All of this is for the common goal of having the home and school be one unified team to make the most progress we can with each student. Chrissy's insight and advice is invaluable and this episode is filled with action items that will have an immediate impact. 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

Let's talk about decision fatigue. Making decision after decision all day can be exhausting and mentally draining. Lesson planning not only helps hold you and your team accountable but it reduces the amount of decisions you need to make each day. You don't need to think about what you're doing with group #3 at 10:15 because it's already planned. In this episode, learn why lesson plans are essential to the susses of your class and how to write lesson plans that are actual helpful on a daily basis.  Links:  Creating a Classroom Excel Schedule: https://theautismhelper.com/creating-classroom-excel-schedule/ Lesson Planning and Curricular Maps: https://theautismhelper.com/lesson-planning-curriculum-maps/ 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

Sometimes independent work tasks are mistakenly thought of as "busy work." Busy work implies something that has the main purpose of being kept occupied. It has minimal functional purpose. Independent work is couldn't be farther from this. Independent work has the purpose of teaching students to work on their own for a sustained period of time. This is one of the most essential life skills you can teach your student or child. Without being able to work on your own for a sustained time period, you will struggle to maintain a job, contribute to your household, or be part of a community. Independent work is key.  In this episode, learn not only why independent work is so important but how to set this up in a meaningful way in your classroom. Banish the phrase "busy work" from your vocabulary.  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

It's happened to all of us. We went to IKEA, picked out the perfect $22 shelf, and proceeded to spend 5 hours putting it together. That shelf is now held together by masking tape but has made move after move with you because you refuse to get rid of it. You spent all of that time putting it together so it's staying with you. The IKEA effect is the idea that we place a higher value on things that we are involved in the creation of. Learn how to apply this concept to your classroom by increasing staff involvement to build buy-in. Whether it's for data collection, materials creation, and behavior plans, ownership leads to responsibility leads to buy-in. 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 answer commonly asked questions pulled from emails, social media, and blog comments. Some highlights: I discuss how to streamline your end of the day transition, what to do when a student is extremely attached to the teacher, misconceptions for using google forms, getting staff buy-in, planning for a substitute, sharing data with parents, implementing centers, and more!  Staff Training Podcast Episodes:  https://anchor.fm/theautismhelper/episodes/Episode-1-Staff-Training-e2j6ll  https://anchor.fm/theautismhelper/episodes/Episode-3-Staff-Training-Pt-II-e2j6mh  Planning for a Substitute: http://theautismhelper.com/58288-2/  Classroom Setup Blog Series: http://theautismhelper.com/category/behavior/summer-series-classroom-setup/ 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

All behavior is communication - even behavior that is disruptive, dangerous, and aggressive. Those behaviors are communicating something and they are communicating it loudly. While you are in the process of finding and implementing an effective and function-based intervention for dangerous student behaviors such as aggression or running, the day to day obstacles can be huge. Handling student aggression in a way that is respectful to the student while also keeping everyone safe is a daunting task. This can put a massive emotional and physical strain on the entire team. In this episode, learn strategies to approach these difficult situations as best as possible.  Resources:  How to Take Data on Extreme Behaviors: http://theautismhelper.com/taking-data-extreme-behaviors/  Using Google Forms to Analyze ABC Data: http://theautismhelper.com/using-google-forms-to-analyze-abc-data/  Click Counters on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SUG17p 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, Katie, an Occupational Therapist, shares tips and strategies for navigating the overwhelming sensory experiences that can come along with the holiday season. This time of year can be challenging for everyone and we want to be sure to be proactive and sensitive to the needs of our kids and students who have sensory struggles now more than ever. Katie shares tips related to planning ahead, having a back-up plan, how to train staff, and her go-to toolkit. This strategies apply not only to the holiday season but really any new event or novel experience!  Links:  Ten Tips for Managing Sensory Needs During the Holiday Season: http://theautismhelper.com/ten-tips-for-managing-sensory-needs-during-the-holiday-season  Sensory Processing - Challenges and Red Flags: http://theautismhelper.com/sensory-processing-challenges-and-red-flags/  Ten OT Approved Holiday Gifts: http://theautismhelper.com/10-ot-approved-holiday-gift-ideas/  How to Set Up a Holiday Party: http://theautismhelper.com/focus-on-five-how-to-set-up-a-classroom-party/ 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

With a growth mindset, effort and hard work are your keys to success. Failure and struggle are part of the process and the journey. As a special education teacher, parent, or professional, having a growth mindset is essential to excelling at your job. In this episode, we explore the benefits of having a growth mindset at work and how this can help prevent burnout and exhaustion. How do we get a growth mindset? Some tips: Celebrate and identify the little victories of your classroom to see the overall trend of your success. Start to add the word "yet" to the things you struggle with. "I'm not good at taking data... yet." "I'm not good at delegating... yet." And give yourself permission to have room to grow and develop. Lastly, add prompts for yourself. You need reminders and cues to engage in growth mindset based actions and thoughts. Read Carol Dweck's book Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542738808&sr=8-1&keywords=mindset. Watch Carol Dweck's Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/carol_dweck----------------------------------------------The Autism Helper Curriculum is already utilized by thousands of teachers all over the world. Now, we have created an option for schools to get access to the entire curriculum through our Curriculum Access Subscription. Find out more here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistWant 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-HelperGet 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

Gina is part of The Autism Helper team and our resident preschool teacher. Gina and I chat about the process of building a new program program from the ground up, how she readily makes changes in her room, and the importance of teaching independence (even with our littlest learners). Gina took some important steps at the start of the year to find time to implement assessments, train staff, and work one on one with students. Read Gina's post about how to set up and run centers in a preschool classroom: http://theautismhelper.com/a-close-look-at-centers-setting-up-running/. 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