Autism Academy 360

 In this final episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa reflects on the heart of special education—the why behind what we do. Teaching students with Autism isn’t just about academics or behavior plans; it’s about changing lives, creating opportunities, and fostering independence. Lisa and Abby share personal stories, encourage educators to hold onto their "why," and remind us that every small victory in the classroom makes a lasting impact.Though Autism Academy 360 is coming to an end, this isn’t goodbye! Stay connected with Lisa at Lisa@chalkboardsuperhero.com and on all platforms as @ChalkboardSuperhero for more strategies, resources, and support. And Abby at Abby@MrsMoesModicfications.com and everywhere @MrsMoesModifications🎧 Listen in for an inspiring send-off and a reminder of why this work matters!

Ever felt like no matter what reward you offer, it just doesn’t seem to motivate your students? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle what to do when reinforcers don’t seem to work and how to troubleshoot effectively.We’ll cover:Reinforcement Schedules: Why you might need to deliver reinforcement faster or adjust how often and when it’s given.Magnitude of Reinforcement: Ensuring the reward matches the effort required for the task.Skill Gaps: How missing skills or readiness can prevent reinforcement from being effective—and how to teach step by step.Reinforcer Effectiveness: Checking whether your reinforcer is still motivating and how to conduct preference assessments.Intrinsic Motivation: How to get thereYou’ll leave with practical tips to refine your approach and turn reinforcement challenges into success. Listen in for actionable strategies to get behavior back on track!Resources MentionedPreference AssessmentConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we tackle one of the most challenging dynamics in classrooms, homes, and relationships—power struggles. From identifying why these conflicts arise to practical, actionable steps for preventing them, Lisa shares six proven strategies to create a more positive and cooperative environment. Whether you're a teacher managing a tricky classroom situation or a parent navigating a standoff at home, these tips will empower you to break free from the cycle of conflict. Learn how to reframe challenges, offer meaningful choices, use transitions effectively, and more to foster understanding and collaboration in all areas of your life.Resources Mentioned:Visual TimersVisual Aids

The holiday season is magical but can also turn your classroom into chaos! In this episode, we tackle how to keep kids on task and behaviors in check while managing the excitement of the season.You’ll discover strategies to:Set Clear Expectations: Use visual schedules and holiday-themed behavior trackers to keep kids focused.Incorporate Holiday Cheer: Add festive twists to lessons with themed writing prompts, Boom Cards, and crafts tied to learning goals.Maintain Consistency: Stick to your usual routines but add holiday flair with fun transition cues like bells or songs.Manage Tasks and Energy: Break activities into smaller chunks and balance movement breaks with calming moments like coloring or music.We’ll also discuss proactive behavior management tips, such as reinforcing positive behaviors with festive rewards and staying flexible yet firm with expectations. Finally, we’ll share practical self-care tips to help you recharge and enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed. Tune in and take on the holidays with confidence!Resources Mentioned:Classroom Holiday Themed Reinforcement ChartHoliday Adapted booksHoliday Boom CardsHoliday worksheetsConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

In Episode 46 of Autism Academy, Lisa shares creative ways to use adaptive books in the autism classroom. Adapted books are so much more than just reading tools—they’re game-changers in the autism classroom. Whether you’re using them for homework, 1:1 instruction, speech therapy, or even as a calming activity, adapted books fit seamlessly into so many parts of the day. From morning work to small groups to cross-curricular lessons, they create engaging and meaningful learning experiences tailored to each student’s unique needs. Plus, they’re perfect for building independence, boosting sensory engagement, and teaching real-world skills—all while supporting academic growth!Resources Mentioned:Short Story Adapted BooksAdapted book bundle

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we sit down with Speech-Language Pathologist Ashley Bird to explore the world of gestalt language processing. Ashley sheds light on what it means to be a gestalt language processor—a unique way some individuals, especially children with autism, learn and use language. Rather than picking up words one by one, gestalt language processors often acquire language in chunks or “gestalts,” which can show up as echolalia or scripting.Ashley discusses the characteristics that teachers and parents might notice in children who are gestalt language processors, including behaviors that are often misunderstood. We dive into how echolalia can be a powerful communication tool and a crucial stepping stone toward more independent language use, as well as practical strategies teachers and parents can use to support these children in the classroom and at home.Ashley also tackles common misconceptions about gestalt language processing, providing insights on how we can better understand and support these unique learners. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable tools and perspectives for supporting meaningful communication and growth in children who process language differently.Connect with Ashley:Instagram: @ashleybellebird Additional Resources:Meaningful SpeechChild Led SLPConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady tackles a common challenge in special education classrooms: elopement behaviors. Lisa breaks down elopement as actions students might take to avoid tasks or instructions and highlights the value of collecting ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data to understand what drives these behaviors. She shares five practical strategies to reduce and manage elopement, like teaching students to request breaks, using visual schedules, offering choices, preparing students for transitions with timers, and using differential reinforcement. Each strategy aims to support students in a positive, structured way, making the classroom a safe, productive space for everyone.

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we dive into the key differences between breaks and rewards and how they can both play a critical role in managing classroom behaviors. For many students, especially those with autism, understanding when to use breaks and when to offer rewards can be a game-changer in maintaining a calm, productive learning environment.We'll explore how breaks serve as an essential tool for preventing meltdowns by allowing students to regulate their emotions, and how rewards help reinforce positive behaviors, motivating students to keep moving forward. You’ll learn why both strategies are important and how they can be used in tandem to support students' individual needs.Plus, we’ll give practical tips for balancing these approaches in real-life classroom scenarios, helping teachers create a structured, supportive environment that encourages positive behavior and self-regulation. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this episode will provide insights and actionable strategies to help you manage behaviors more effectively.Resources MentionedToken boardsBehavior contractsConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

In episode 42 of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady shares 12 practical tips for teaching students with autism in a general education setting. The episode emphasizes the importance of reducing sensory overload, establishing structured routines, and offering visual supports. Teachers are encouraged to use clear language, give limited choices, and explicitly teach rules and social skills. Incorporating students' special interests and providing breaks helps to enhance engagement. Overall, the episode provides strategies that promote inclusion, patience, and flexibility in the classroom to help students with autism thrive.

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we dive into preventative strategies to help teachers and parents manage behavior on the bus for kids with autism. We know how challenging transitions can be, especially during bus rides, so this episode is packed with practical tips to create a calmer, safer environment. From using visual schedules and teaching clear expectations to implementing positive reinforcement like Bus Bucks, we cover how to set students up for success.You’ll also learn ways to keep kids engaged during the ride with sensory-friendly activities and how to respond calmly when behavior challenges arise. These strategies are designed to prevent problems before they start, making bus rides a smoother experience for everyone. Tune in for actionable insights that can make a real difference on the bus!Resources Mentioned:Bus VisualsConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

 In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Holladay shares valuable insights on setting up a structured work area in inclusion classrooms. Drawing from her extensive experience in special education, Lisa explains the importance of creating an organized and accessible environment that meets the needs of both general education and special education students. Lisa outlines key strategies for establishing a structured worktable, minimizing disruptive transitions, using multipurpose visual supports, implementing efficient storage solutions, and incorporating all-inclusive core boards. With practical examples from her own classroom, Lisa emphasizes the significance of collaboration, flexibility, and thoughtful organization in fostering a productive learning environment.

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, host Lisa Hollady dives into the importance of creating a calm-down corner in classrooms for students who struggle with emotional regulation. Lisa shares 10 practical and easy-to-implement ideas to help students calm down, reset, and return to learning. From comfortable seating to mindfulness tools and personalized calm-down kits, these strategies create a peaceful and supportive environment for all learners. Tune in to discover how to make your classroom safe for emotional growth and regulation.Resources Mentioned:Mindfulness Apps for Kids:Headspace for Kids: HeadspaceCalm: CalmBoth apps offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises tailored for children.Fidget Tools and Sensory Items:Fidget Tools for Kids: A variety of fidget tools and sensory items can be found at SensoryToolbox.Weighted Blankets: Information on the benefits and types of weighted blankets can be found at Weighted Blankets.Reflective Journaling Resources:Emotion-Themed Worksheets: Free downloadable worksheets can be found at Teachers Pay Teachers.Mindfulness Journals: Printable mindfulness journals can be found at Mindful Schools.Calming Sounds:Nature Sounds Playlist: Check out calming nature sounds on YouTube, such as Relaxing Nature Sounds.White Noise Machines: Recommendations for white noise machines can be found at Sleep Foundation.

In this episode, Abby dives into responsive behavior strategies and how to repair relationships with students after behavioral incidents. She shares her top tip—always focus on mending the relationship after a behavior, no matter the severity. Abby outlines key steps for post-behavior conversations, including letting students share their side, naming emotions, and discussing alternative actions. She also highlights the importance of timing and self-regulation for teachers.If you’re looking for practical advice on managing classroom behaviors and building stronger connections with students, this episode is packed with actionable insightsResources Mentioned:Think SheetsConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, we dive into the essentials of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). We explain what FBAs and BIPs are, why they are crucial for understanding and addressing challenging behaviors in children with autism, and how these tools work together to create effective, individualized behavior support strategies. Whether you're a teacher or a parent, you'll gain practical tips on participating in the FBA process, developing and implementing BIPs, and fostering consistency between home and school environments. Tune in to learn how these powerful tools can make a difference in your child's or student's behavior and learning experience.Resources Mentioned:ABC Data SheetConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

Episode summary: In this episode, we dive into managing disrespectful behaviors in the classroom and how educators can shift their mindset to better support students. Instead of viewing rude or challenging actions as personal attacks, we explore strategies to understand these behaviors as a form of communication. From fostering empathy and maintaining consistent expectations to using de-escalation strategies and focusing on relationship-building, this episode provides practical tips to create a more positive learning environment and help students navigate their emotions.Episode Highlights:Mindset Shift: Learn how understanding student behavior as communication can reduce stress and improve classroom dynamics.Empathy and Consistency: Explore how empathy and consistent expectations can help address challenging behaviors effectively.De-escalation Strategies: Discover key techniques to calm tense situations and prevent power struggles.Relationship-Building: Understand the importance of building strong connections with students before attempting to correct behavior.

In this episode, we’re breaking down preference assessments—those handy tools that help figure out what really motivates students, especially those with special needs. We chat about different ways to discover what kids love, from simple interviews to observing their choices in real-time. By collecting this info, teachers can create a preference hierarchy, which is just a fancy way of ranking what kids enjoy most so they can use those favorites to encourage positive behavior.We also share some practical tips for getting the most accurate results, like keeping things consistent and offering a variety of choices. Plus, we tackle common hiccups, like when kids aren’t interested in what’s offered or get overwhelmed by too many options, and how to work around those challenges. This episode is all about making behavior management smoother and more effective by truly understanding what makes each student tick.Resources Mentioned:Preference AssessmentRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 11: Understanding the Functions of BehaviorConnect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

In this episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa Hollady discusses the powerful role visuals play in both our everyday lives and the classroom. From driving directions to restaurant menus, visuals help guide us through various tasks without overwhelming us. Lisa emphasizes how visuals can support students with Autism and benefit all learners by creating independence and reducing frustration from verbal overload. Episode Highlights:Visuals help navigate everyday tasks like driving, shopping, and ordering food.Over-reliance on verbal directions in the classroom can overwhelm students, leading to frustration and negative behaviors.Classroom visuals such as labeled materials, turn-in bins, and task lists promote independence and reduce the need for constant reminders.Visual supports can also streamline home routines, with an example of how a bedtime visual schedule drastically reduced negative behavior.

In this episode, we chat about Behavior Skills Training (BST) and its critical role in equipping educational teams to effectively support students with autism. BST is broken down into four key components: Instruction, Modeling, Rehearsal, and Feedback. We start by explaining the significance of BST in developing and maintaining effective teaching strategies. The Instruction phase is highlighted for its importance in providing clear and concise directions, using visuals, and demonstrating materials. The Modeling phase emphasizes showing specific behaviors or techniques with either students or adults.Next, the Rehearsal phase is defined as the opportunity for team members to practice new skills, with suggestions for creating these practice opportunities. The Feedback phase is discussed for its crucial role in offering constructive and supportive feedback to improve performance. We also address common challenges teams might face, such as time constraints and comfort levels, and provide solutions to these issues. The episode concludes with a summary of the key points, reiterating the importance of each BST phase in fostering a well-trained, cohesive educational team.Connect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store

Episode summary: In this episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa Hollady delves into the importance and implementation of visual supports in special education classrooms. Visual supports play a crucial role in enhancing communication, easing transitions, and creating a smoother daily routine for students. Lisa outlines the benefits of visual supports, particularly for students with Autism, and offers practical tips for effectively using visuals in the classroom. From setting up daily schedules to using choice boards, this episode provides actionable strategies for educators to increase student independence and reduce classroom challenges.Episode Highlights:Benefits of Visual Supports: Visual aids improve communication, provide structure, and help manage transitions, leading to a smoother school day for students with and without disabilities.Importance for Autism: Visual supports are especially beneficial for students with Autism. They help decrease transition difficulties, increase independence, and reduce auditory clutter, which can enhance overall classroom behavior and communication.Practical Implementation Tips: Lisa shares actionable tips for using visual supports, including starting with a daily schedule, using generic visuals for crises, and providing visual choices to give students a sense of control.Supporting Specials with Visuals: Using visual schedules and step-by-step boards during specials like art, music, and PE can help students navigate these challenging transitions and activities more effectively.Resources Mentioned:Task Box Visual Labels for Independent Work StationsVisual SchedulesVisual AidsToken Boards

In this episode, we share five essential behavior tips to help teachers support students with autism at the start of the school year. The first tip is to pair yourself with positive reinforcement, a strategy discussed in depth in episode 9. Getting to know the child is the second tip, emphasizing the importance of conducting preference assessments, spending time with the student, and communicating with their parents. The third tip advises against overwhelming students with too many directions and activities at once, recommending a simple and gradual approach with regular breaks.The fourth tip stresses the importance of using visual aids from day one. Teachers are encouraged to have visual schedules ready and to model their use, rather than waiting to see what the students might need. The final tip is to reinforce good behavior immediately, whether through a token economy, verbal praise, or allowing students to earn rewards. This positive reinforcement should be tailored to each student and evolve throughout the year, but it must begin on the first day.Resources Mentioned:Token BoardsVisual SchedulesVisual directions Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 9  Connect with Us:InstagramLisa at @chalkboard_superheroAbby at @mrs_moes_modifications Join my our Facebook groupsAbby’s at Mrs. Moes SpeducatorsLisa’s at Special Education SuperheroesJoin our Email ListsJoin Lisa’s hereJoin Abby’s hereShop on TPTAbby’s storeLisa’s store