The Autism Helper Podcast

Prompting is one of the most powerful tools we have - and one of the easiest to misuse. In this episode, we're talking about prompt dependency: what it is, how well-meaning teachers accidentally create it, and what to do instead. If you've ever had a student who shuts down the second you step back, this one is for you. We break down prompting hierarchies and what the research says about building real independence.

We spend hours building visual systems for our students and almost no time building them for ourselves. In this episode, we're talking about the irony of being the most scheduled, structured classroom in the building - and having zero systems for how we actually run our own day. From cognitive load to para fidelity, there's real research behind why teacher organization isn't just a nice-to-have. It directly impacts how your c...

DTT is one of the most well-researched strategies in our toolkit - and we might be leaning on it too hard. In this episode, we're making the case that over-relying on discrete trial teaching can actually work against our students when it comes to using skills in the real world. We dig into what the research says about naturalistic instruction, when DTT is absolutely the right call, and how to audit your own practice to make s...

In this episode, I’m joined by Quintara Tucker, BCBA to discuss the importance of cultural responsiveness in autism and special education. We explore how culture shapes perspectives on diagnosis and intervention, common ways professionals may unintentionally miss the mark, and how bias can show up in assessments, communication, and expectations. Quintara also shares practical strategies for building trust with families ...

In this episode, I’m joined by bilingual speech-language pathologist Michelle Diaz to discuss supporting autistic children in bilingual environments. We break down what the research really says about bilingualism and autism, how to address common parent concerns about language use, and what culturally responsive care looks like in practice. Michelle also shares practical strategies for supporting bilingual learners who ...

In this episode, Laura Hayes, SLP, and I discuss the evolving understanding of AAC and what it really means to support AAC users in meaningful, communication-centered ways. We talk about common myths surrounding AAC, the role of stimming in communication, and how educators and therapists can create environments where AAC users feel safe to regulate, stim, and communicate authentically. Laura shares practical insights on recognizing...

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Devitt, owner of Sport Social, to explore how sports, movement, and the arts can be powerful teaching tools. Andrew shares what these approaches offer learners beyond traditional table-based instruction, how movement and creativity support social communication and regulation, and what intentional teaching looks like in play-based settings. We also dig into g...

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we take a closer look at one of the most commonly used behavior strategies in classrooms and therapy spaces: redirection. While redirection is often well-intentioned and easy to default to, it can become a problem when it’s used as the primary response to challenging behavior without addressing the why behind it.

We unpack what redirection actually does (and does...

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Melissa Ziegler, a kindergarten self-contained autism teacher, to talk about what individual instruction really looks like in practice. Melissa shares which skills most often require 1:1 teaching, how she fits individual instruction into a busy school day, and the systems and routines that help protect that time without everything else falling apart. She also...

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we talk with Dr. Destiny Huff about what it really means to create neuroaffirming IEPs. We explore the gap between compliance and true support, how IEP practices can impact student mental health, and the red flags educators should watch for in IEP language. Dr. Huff shares how goals and present levels can better honor student identity and autonomy, along with practical ways to mak...

In this episode, I’m joined by Mandy Grass to discuss parent training and why making behavior science accessible is not optional - it’s essential. We dig into what “parent training” really means, common misconceptions about ABA, and the barriers that often prevent families from getting buy-in. Mandy shares how professionals can translate complex concepts into language that feels usable (not overwhelmin...

Teaching in real classrooms often means one activity and many different skill levels. In this episode, we break down how to teach the same core skill across students with varying communication, attention, and independence needs - without always running five separate lessons. You’ll learn how to identify the non-negotiable learning target, change the response instead of the skill, and embed instruction into shared activi...

Getting staff buy-in doesn’t have to mean adding another meeting to everyone’s already packed schedule. In this episode, we break down realistic, low-effort strategies to build trust, consistency, and follow-through, even when you don’t have the time. Learn how to communicate expectations clearly, use systems instead of reminders, and create shared ownership so staff feel confident and supported. If you&rsqu...

“Accessing the curriculum” is a phrase used constantly in special education, but it’s often left undefined. In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we break down what curriculum access really means beyond just being present in the classroom. You’ll learn how meaningful engagement, intentional instruction, and flexible ways for students to show learning are key to true access - and how to move fro...

Staff turnover is a reality in special education - but losing effective systems doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re talking about how to create systems that survive staff turnover and keep student supports consistent, even during times of change. From instructional routines and behavior support to data collection and communication, you’ll learn how to move away from “syste...

Short-staffed days happen - and they don’t have to feel like total chaos. In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re talking all about Man-Down Schedules: how to create a realistic, flexible schedule for those “all hands are not on deck” days so you can still support students and protect staff sanity. We’ll walk through ways to rework groups, build in additional break time, and prioritize what...

Behavior rarely has just one “why.” In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we break down multiply controlled behaviors - what they are, how they show up in classrooms, and why behavior plans often fall short when only one function is addressed. You’ll learn how to recognize when multiple variables are influencing behavior and walk away with practical ways to design more effective, compassionate suppor...

Visual schedules are a powerful tool for decreasing problem behavior, but what should you do when students start ripping them? In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we break down why schedules are an essential strategy and why visual schedules are a must in structured classrooms and therapy settings. Schedule ripping isn’t a sign that schedules don’t work - it’s communication that something needs adjusting...

When a child is in crisis mode, they are not ready to learn. In a meltdown situation, our goal as the adult is to keep the child safe and reflect on how to prevent this in the future. In this episode, we explore what to do in an episode of explosive behavior. We go through the 6 steps of de-escalation on how to safely move the child through the episode. Our role is to maintain safety and provide support without damaging rapport.

Lea...