Misfit Minute #1: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching

15:12

🤝 Join Caitlin and Audra as they dive into the crucial topic of fostering strong working relationships between school-based BCBAs and teachers ! Learn from their real-world experiences – both successes and challenges – in building mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of students. 💡 It's all about teamwork ! Discover how to move beyond potential roadblocks and create effective partnerships. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Lead with trust —respect teachers’ expertise, time, and lived experience 🧠 Use teacher-friendly language and avoid behavior jargon (save “DRO” for later) 🎯 Ask open-ended questions to understand their struggles before jumping to solutions 💡 Use simple tools like “What’s Working / Not Working” to frame tough conversations 🧍 Mirroring emotions and validating teachers’ experiences builds connection 📉 Even if you don’t become best friends, aim for collaboration over compliance 🪄 Pro tip : Genuine praise in front of others goes a long way in building rapport 📚 Resources and Ideas 🎧 Previous Relevant Episodes : 🔗 Episode 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care 🔗 Episode 10: Navigating Difficult Conversations with ABA Staff 📖 Book Recommendations : 🔗 Never Split the Difference : Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss - Discussed for its insights on communication and building understanding. 🔗 Let Them by Mel Robbins 📝 Freebie : 💡 Caitlin's " What's Working/What's Not Working " visual for facilitating positive meeting starts Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Part 13 of the FBA mini-series, MASTERY ! 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Misfit Minute #4: Power of Praise: Encouraging Positive Actions in Students 1:14

13 days ago1:14

1:14

🎙️ Misfit Minute #4: POWER Up Your Praise – Praising What You Want Repeated Tired of generic praise that doesn't seem to stick? Caitlin highlights the power of behavior-specific praise – telling students exactly what they did well. Learn why focusing your positive attention can cultivate the behaviors you want to see and shift the tone of your classroom. 💡 Behavior grows where attention flows . Let's make sure it's flowing towards the positive! 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Be Behavior-Specific : Move beyond "good job" to praise like "Thanks for using a quiet voice" or "I noticed you cleaned up right away." ✅ Attention Flows Where Behavior Grows : If we only focus on what's wrong, that's what we'll keep seeing. ✅ Targeted Praise Matters : While some students might not need constant praise, those still learning expectations definitely do. ✅ Aim for the 4:1 Ratio : Strive for four positive comments for every correction to build confidence. ✅ Start Small, See Big Shifts : Catch one student doing something right and call it out – it can change the whole classroom dynamic. 📚 Resources & Inspiration 📝 Want to go deeper? Listen to Episode 28: Building Relationships with Students for more ideas! 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies! 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 57: Creating a Crisis Cycle Plan in Behavior Support - Part 12 of the FBA Mini-Series 26:07

20 days ago26:07

26:07

Planning a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for high-intensity behaviors? This episode walks you through the 7 stages of the Crisis Cycle —and how to use it as a practical tool in your FBAs and behavior plans. We’re talking real-world escalation, de-escalation, and everything in between : what the student actually does, how staff should respond, and how to keep your team aligned in high-stress situations. 🔑 Key Takeaways • The Crisis Cycle is a predictable escalation pattern —and one of the most useful tools in behavior planning • Define what each stage looks like for your student, not just in theory • Staff strategies matter —wrong support at the wrong time can make it worse • Always include recovery and exhaustion —don’t rush the student back to work • Use the plan proactively and reflectively (after incidents) • Invite input from families and staff , and update the plan as the student grows • Trauma-informed care matters —touch and tone can trigger more than you realize 📚 Resources and Ideas 📝 Free Crisis Cycle Visual: Download here 📌 Related Episodes: • Ep. 51 – Antecedent Strategies → abainschool.com/ep51 • Ep. 55 – Building Behavior Plans : Behavior Teaching → abainschool.com/ep55 Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Bridging the gap between behavior specialists and teachers 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Let us know how YOU use the crisis cycle in our Facebook group @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Misfit Minute #3: REDO Your “No” – Turning Redirection Into a Win 2:22

27 days ago2:22

2:22

Sick of saying “no” and getting big reactions? Audra shares an easy-to-remember acronym— R.E.D.O. —to help reframe your redirections and get more buy-in from students without the meltdown. 💡 Teach them it’s not “No forever,” it’s “Yes, just not yet.” 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ R – Reframe the No: Say what they can do instead ✅ E – Engage with Warmth: Invite, don’t command ✅ D – Define the Next Step: Be clear about what’s first/next ✅ O – Offer Motivation: Use reinforcers that actually matter to that learner ✅ “Yes… after…” can prevent behavior and build trust 📚 Resources & Inspiration 📝 Pair this with our longer Episode 51 Antecedent Strategies in Behavior Plans and Episode 12 Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies! 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 56: How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: Timeline, Tips, and Parent Collaboration 16:09

5 weeks ago16:09

16:09

Planning an IEP can feel like a whirlwind—deadlines, data, collaboration, and student needs all rolled into one big meeting. In this episode, Caitlin and Audra walk through a practical timeline for IEP prep, from parent check-ins to drafting goals and reviewing behavior plans. Whether you’re a teacher, BCBA, or case manager, this one’s packed with real-talk and ready-to-use tips to make your IEPs more effective and less stressful. 🔑 Key Takeaways 📅 Start early—draft a prep timeline 4–6 weeks in advance if possible 📬 Reach out to families before the meeting to check in on their priorities and updates ✏️ Don't blindly carry over goals—use progress data, probe skills, and adjust accordingly 🔄 Always review behavior plans—don’t let them autopilot year to year 🧑‍🎓 Involve students when appropriate—yes, even younger learners! 🗣️ Drafts are okay—just be clear it’s a starting point, not a final plan 💬 No surprises! Build trust with families by keeping communication open and collaborative 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 Download the free IEP Prep Timeline Visual 📌 Related Episode: Ep. 29 – Functions of Behavior Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Prepping for IEPs! 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Misfit Minute #2: W.A.I.T.: The De-escalation Strategy That Starts With Silence 2:12

6 weeks ago2:12

2:12

🎙️ Misfit Minute #2 : W.A.I.T. – Why Am I Talking? Sometimes, the most powerful support you can offer during a student’s escalation… is silence. Caitlin introduces the W.A.I.T. strategy ("Why Am I Talking?")—a simple but transformative tool for de-escalation and emotional regulation. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Silence can be a strategy—not avoidance ✅ Extra words = extra demands during escalation ✅ Give students space to feel, process, and reset ✅ Speak with purpose: clear, calm, and kind ✅ “I’m here when you’re ready” can be magic 📚 Resources & Inspiration 📝 Pair this with our longer episode 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors with Trauma-Informed Care and Building Relationships with Students 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies! 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 55: How to Reinforce Replacement Behaviors and Respond to Problem Behavior – Part 11 of the FBA Mini-Series 19:17

7 weeks ago19:17

19:17

Continuing on in our FBA-BIP mini-series , we're at Step 11 . This week, we’re diving into the consequence side of behavior plans— what to do after students engage in either the challenging behavior or the replacement behavior. It’s not just about preventing problem behavior… it’s about teaching, reinforcing, and responding with consistency and care. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🧠 Reinforce replacement behaviors immediately and consistently —across staff, settings, and time 🎯 Match the function with the reinforcement (e.g., escape behavior = give a break) 💬 Avoid reinforcing the problem behavior , even accidentally (yep, we’ve all done it!) 🧍‍♀️ Use neutral responses when addressing challenging behavior—no power struggles, just calm presence 🛠️ Make the plan simple , visible, and actionable for all team members 📉 Use data to drive decisions , not just feelings or assumptions 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 Check out Episode 29 on Functions of Behavior! 📌 Consequence Strategies FREE visuals 📌 These Functions of Behaviors social stories might be helpful for your young learners! Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode : Prepping for IEPs! 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved : Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Misfit Minute #1: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching 3:02

8 weeks ago3:02

3:02

🎙️ The Misfit Minute #1: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching Welcome to the very first episode of The Misfit Minute — your quick wins podcast series packed with fast, practical tips for educators, BCBAs, and therapists. In this debut episode, Audra shares 5 honest, heartfelt lessons learned the hard way — so you don’t have to. ✨ If you're in the messy middle of teaching, this one's for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Set boundaries early — your time matters ✅ Saying “no” is a professional skill ✅ Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay ✅ Ask for support (and keep asking if you need to) ✅ The work is hard, but the wins are magic 📚 Resources & Inspiration 📝 Pair this with our longer episode #9 Battle Burnout 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies! 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 54: ABA Tools for Tolerance – Haircuts, Doctor Visits & More 16:52

9 weeks ago16:52

16:52

This week, we’re diving into ABA strategies for building tolerance in real-life situations like haircuts, doctor visits, and dental appointments. Many learners with autism and anxiety struggle with these experiences, and traditional approaches like social stories aren’t always enough. We’ll break down how to desensitize fears, use reinforcement effectively, and teach coping skills to make these essential life skills more manageable. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Meet learners where they are – Start with the smallest step they can tolerate and build up gradually. ✅ Break it down like a task analysis – Even sitting near a hair clipper or stepping into a waiting room is progress. ✅ Use real-life visuals & practice visits – Take pictures, arrange preview visits, and mimic the experience as closely as possible. ✅ Find powerful reinforcers – Whether it’s a favorite toy or a coping strategy, reinforcement helps learners push through discomfort. ✅ Teach coping skills proactively – Don’t just rely on external rewards—help learners self-regulate with breathing techniques, fidgets, or preferred items. 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 Check out Episode 49 on anxiety! 📌 A couple social stories for young learners that might help: https://abainschool.com/wvvp and https://abainschool.com/13ou 📌 Coping Skills visuals Join Us ... 🎙 Next Episode : Consequence Strategies in the BIP – Reinforcing Success & Responding to Behavior 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved : Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 53: Teaching Positive Behaviors – Part 10 of the FBA Mini-Series 9:26

11 weeks ago9:26

9:26

Continuing on in our FBA-BIP mini-series , we're at Step 10! This week, we’re tackling one of the most important steps in behavior intervention planning — choosing the right replacement behavior . Just reducing problem behavior isn’t enough; we have to actively teach what to do instead in a way that’s functional, motivating, and sustainable. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Replacement behaviors must meet the same function – If a student yells to escape a task, teaching them to request a break makes sense. Giving them a fidget does not. ✅ Make it easy & efficient – The new skill must be as quick (or quicker) than the problem behavior, or it won’t stick. ✅ Teach what’s already in their repertoire – If a learner can’t say, “Can I take a break?” yet, start with something simpler, like using a break card. ✅ Plan for sustainability – Reinforcement should be natural whenever possible, so skills can generalize without heavy external rewards. ✅ Extinction matters – If the old behavior still works sometimes, students will keep using it. Staff must commit to only reinforcing the replacement behavior. 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 Check out Episode 12 on replacement behaviors! 📌 Teaching Positive Behaviors FREE visuals 📌 These Functions of Behaviors social stories might be helpful for your young learners! Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode : ABA Tools for Tolerance -- Haircuts, Doctor Visits & More 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved : Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 52: BCBA in Schools vs. Clinics – Pros, Cons, and What to Expect 36:15

13 weeks ago36:15

36:15

Join us as we break down the pros and cons of being a BCBA in a school vs. clinic setting , covering collaboration, job stability, workload, and more! 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Team Collaboration Matters – Schools often provide a built-in multidisciplinary team (SLPs, OTs, teachers, etc.), while clinics may have fewer collaboration opportunities. ✅ Family Involvement Differs – Clinics typically have more direct parent involvement due to insurance requirements, while schools rely on IEP meetings and teacher communication. ✅ Job Stability & Work-Life Balance – Schools offer predictable schedules, summers off, and union protections, while clinics can have more flexibility but higher burnout potential. ✅ Paperwork & Caseloads – Clinics may have intense insurance-driven documentation, while schools balance IEPs, FBAs, and larger caseloads. ✅ Making an Impact – Schools allow for systemic change across students and staff, while clinics often focus on intensive, individualized progress. 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 ABAI & Autism NJ Conferences – Professional development opportunities for BCBAs in schools and clinics. 📌 Licensure & Certification Considerations – Some schools require dual certification (e.g., special education or school psychology). 📌 Work-Life Balance & Pay – Important factors to research when considering a BCBA role in either setting. Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode : Step 10 of the FBA mini-series -- Teaching replacement behaviors 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 51: Antecedent Strategies in Behavior Plans – Part 9 of the FBA Mini-Series 12:56

15 weeks ago12:56

12:56

In this episode, we break down antecedent strategies—the proactive steps you can take to prevent challenging behaviors before they escalate. We explain how these strategies differ from setting event strategies, why they’re essential in a behavior plan, and how to apply them effectively in real-world settings. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Antecedent vs. Setting Event Strategies – Learn the difference and when to use each. ✅ Proactive Supports – Identify triggers early and modify tasks before behaviors occur. ✅ Flexible but Clear Plans – Ensure strategies are individualized and easy to implement. ✅ Avoid Overloading Behavior Plans – Focus on the most effective strategies for each student. ✅ Monitor & Adjust – Track effectiveness and avoid changing strategies too soon. 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 FBA Mini-Series Episodes – Catch up on previous episodes! 🎧 Start at the beginning 📌 Venn Diagram of Setting Event vs. Antecedent Strategies plus other antecedent strategy visuals Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Pros and Cons of working as a BCBA in the clinical vs. school settings 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 50: What to Do When You Don’t Know the Function of a Behavior 16:41

17 weeks ago16:41

16:41

Struggling to address aggression in non-vocal learners? In this episode, Audra and Caitlin dive into practical strategies for managing sudden, seemingly random aggressive behaviors. They explore why behaviors might spike, the importance of consistent reinforcement, and how taking a step back can be the key to moving forward. ✨ Key Takeaways 🔄 When to Reset: If a learner’s aggressive behavior escalates, revisit earlier interventions, even if it feels like “going backwards.” ⭐ Know Your Learner: Conduct informal preference assessments regularly to keep reinforcers fresh and effective. 🧩 Consistency is Key: Ensure all team members are aligned on reinforcement strategies and behavior plans. 🎯 Dense Reinforcement Schedules: When needed, reintroduce primary reinforcers on a dense schedule to regain stability. 🌱 Progress Takes Time: Behavior change is a systematic process—don’t rush the fading of reinforcers or supports. 📚 Resources and Ideas ✔️ Caitlin's FREE guide on Function-Based interventions ✔️ Caitlin's resource for functions of behaviors ✔️ Audra's preference assessment and Caitlin's preference assessment 📘 Journal Articles – Some useful articles to check out: " Aggression in Autism Spectrum Disorder : Presentation and Treatment Options" (examines the prevalence and characteristics of aggression in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder) " Communication Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Minimally Verbal Children " (evaluates the effectiveness of communication interventions for minimally verbal children with ASD) 📘 Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2020): Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd Edition) for reinforcement and preference assessment strategies. 📝 The Essentials of ABA: Reinforcement schedules and managing satiation. Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Step 9 in the FBA Mini-Series: Antecedent Strategies 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 49: Understanding and Addressing Anxiety in Autism – Strategies for Special Education 20:30

19 weeks ago20:30

20:30

This episode explores the intersection of autism and anxiety , highlighting how to identify and address anxiety-driven behaviors in students with autism through evidence-based, student-centered approaches. ✨ Key Takeaways ✔️ We address a recent Facebook group question about trichotillomania and anxiety. ✔️ Recognizing Anxiety in Autism : Girls with autism often exhibit higher levels of social anxiety due to heightened awareness of social differences. ✔️ The Evolution of ABA : 20 years ago, internal events like anxiety were often ignored in behavior analysis. Today, there's a stronger focus on addressing underlying causes. ✔️ Avoid the "Whack-a-Mole" Game : Replacing a behavior without addressing the root issue can lead to other problem behaviors emerging. ✔️ Strategies That Work : Combine behavioral interventions (like DRI) with approaches that reduce anxiety triggers and stressors. 📚 Resources and Ideas ✔️ Grab the free anxiety visuals here ✔️ See the Calm Corner visuals to support your classroom here 📘 Journal Articles – Some useful articles to check out: An update on anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders (reviews recent evidence regarding the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of anxiety in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders) Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Characteristics and the Role of the Family (examines anxiety disorders as common psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with ASD) 🌐 Find Dana at High Ground Divorces Join Us ... 🎙 Next Episode : Figuring out the function of a behavior when it's tricky! 🌟 Subscribe : Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Get Involved : Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect : Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!…

The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

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Ep. 48: How to Create Effective Classroom Schedules for Special Education and ABA Settings 16:27

21 weeks ago16:27