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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Creating a classroom schedule for special education and ABA settings can feel like solving a puzzle! In this episode, Caitlin and Audra share their strategies, tips, and tricks to make scheduling manageable and effective for students and staff. From color-coding and post-it notes to balancing para rotations, this episode will help you build a flexible schedule that works for everyone.✨ Key Takeaways

Working with paras in special education classrooms can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share practical strategies for creating a positive, productive environment for paras, fostering teamwork, and addressing common issues like problem behaviors and resistance to change.  ✨ Key Takeaways

What if inclusion didn't just mean “pushing students in” but also “inviting peers in”? In this episode, we chat with Megan Stenziano from Moms Managing Behavior about a game-changing approach called reverse inclusion. From lunch and recess to peer buddy programs and after-school activities, Megan walks us through how her school created inclusive, meaningful social opportunities for all students. We discuss creative ideas, practical solutions, and even a program so popular it had parents saying, “It's harder to get into than Taylor Swift tickets!”

In this episode, we're sharing some of our favorite behavior books for teachers, BCBAs, and parents. From foundational ABA classics to practical sensory guides, we'll explore resources that equip you with tools to better support your learners!

In this episode, we are tackling the first step of developing a solid behavior plan after the FBA has been completed and decisions made. Today, let's talk about Setting Event Strategies!Key Takeaways

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of protecting vulnerable populations, including aging parents and individuals with autism, from scams. We dive into practical strategies for teaching boundaries, internet safety, and identifying red flags, with examples tailored for different developmental levels.

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Audra and Sami discuss the ethical implications surrounding the recent P. Diddy scandal, power dynamics in influential figures, and how this ties into our work as behavior analysts and educators. We dive deep into the importance of giving assent to students and clients and why protecting vulnerable individuals—whether in schools or society—must be our priority.Key Takeaways:

Welcome back to the Misfit Behaviorist Podcast!

In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of data collection within the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Join us as we explore how to transition from anecdotal data to targeted interventions that create meaningful change for students.

In this episode, we engage in a heartfelt and important discussion about mental health, suicide, and the impact of grief. Sami shares her personal story of losing her brother to suicide at a young age and reflects on how that experience has shaped her perspective as both an individual and a parent.Trigger Warning: In this episode, we engage in a candid conversation about suicide and mental health. We acknowledge that these topics can be triggering for some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help from a mental health professional or reach out to a crisis hotline.Key Topics Discussed:✔️ The importance of addressing mental health and suicide openly.✔️ Understanding the emotional struggles and complexities faced by individuals dealing with loss.✔️ The role of family and community support during times of crisis.✔️ Strategies for fostering open communication about feelings and struggles among youth.✔️ Insights into how labels and diagnoses affect perceptions and treatment.Takeaways:✔️ Mental health is a critical topic that deserves attention and discussion.✔️ Everyone has their own story and unique challenges; empathy and understanding are key.✔️ Encouraging individuals to seek help and communicate their feelings is essential.✔️ The impact of grief and mental health extends beyond individuals to families and communities.Resources:✔️ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline ✔️ Mental Health America ✔️ NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Join the Conversation: We invite our listeners to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights on this important topic. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who care and want to help.Don't forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insightful discussions on behavior support and mental health.Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

In this episode, Audra and Sami delve into the essentials of collecting ABC data as part of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. They discuss the significance of understanding antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in identifying patterns that lead to effective behavior interventions.Key Topics:Introduction to ABC Data:Definition of Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.Importance of accurate data collection.Benefits of ABC Data:Simplified approach for staff training.Helps identify common antecedents that lead to behaviors.Common Antecedents in School Settings:Discusses environmental triggers like noise levels and transitions.Practical Tips for Data Collection:Suggestions on making ABC data concise and focused.Emphasis on observing without emotional bias.The Role of Closure:Discussion on the term "consequence" and its implications.Introducing the idea of "closure" instead of "consequence."Future Steps:Preparing for more detailed behavior collection systems in subsequent episodes.Resources:Grab the FREE ABC data collection sheets Join the Facebook group for MORE resources and collaboration!Don't forget to subscribe to the Misfit Behaviorist podcast for more insightful episodes on behavior support and interventions!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

In this episode of Misfit Behaviorists, we dive deep into the art of conducting thorough and effective Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) observations.

In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, Audra and Sami dive into the second step of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process—conducting initial interviews. They discuss how to approach interviews with parents, teachers, and even the student, while maintaining a neutral, empathetic, and objective stance. By focusing on building trust, gathering comprehensive insights, and respecting confidentiality, this episode provides valuable tips for BCBAs looking to gather meaningful information and set the stage for effective behavior plans.Key Points:- Approaching interviews with empathy and neutrality, without undermining past communications.- Importance of sitting “on the parent's side of the table” to build trust.- Tips for involving students in the process and teaching self-advocacy.- Navigating sensitive information shared by parents and deciding what to document.- Gathering insights from multiple sources (parents, teachers, students) to see the full picture.- Reviewing past files, medical history, and academic records to contextualize behavior.- Importance of remaining nonjudgmental, flexible, and objective throughout the process.- The significance of respecting confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines.  Tune in next week as Audra and Sami explore the next step in the FBA process: conducting direct observations!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorist podcast, join hosts Audra Jensen and Sami Brown as they kick off a new mini-series focused on the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Audra and Sami delve into the importance of having a structured referral process, how it helps teachers, and why clear communication with parents is crucial. Discover practical advice and real-life examples on identifying when a behavior truly needs intervention and how teachers can effectively use a referral form to address challenging behaviors. This episode is packed with insights for educators and behavior analysts looking to improve their approach to managing student behavior. Don't miss out!Key Points:- Introduction to the FBA mini-series with Audra Jensen and new co-host Sami Brown- Importance of the referral process in behavior support- How to determine if a behavior is disruptive or unsafe- Tips for teachers to identify and document challenging behaviors- Collaboration with parents and involving them from the beginning- Real-life stories and experiences from Audra and Sami's work in schoolsJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

In this episode, we shed some light on what elements are crucial to develop a positive working relationships with RBTs and ABA paraprofessionals. Learn some tips and tricks to use with scheduling and communication to help keep your supervision meetings running smoothly!

In this episode, we highlight why knowing the function of behavior is crucial for effective management:Function vs. Form: The form of behavior (e.g., yelling) is different from its function (e.g., seeking attention or avoiding a task).Four Main Functions:Attention: Behaviors aimed at getting someone's attention (e.g., a child jumping up and down).Escape/Avoidance: Behaviors to avoid or escape undesirable tasks (e.g., hitting the snooze button).Access to Tangibles: Behaviors to obtain desired items or activities (e.g., asking for a cookie).Sensory Stimulation/Automatic Reinforcement: Behaviors providing sensory satisfaction (e.g., self-soothing actions like rocking).Key Takeaway: Identify the underlying function of a behavior to address it effectively and improve future interactions. Stay tuned for strategies in our upcoming course!FREEBIE this week: Some visuals to share with your staff about the functions of behavior. Also check out my bundle of Functions of Behavior social story here: https://abainschool.com/fxbx✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like-minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️https://www.facebook.com/groups/389205393605717Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

In this episode, we are chatting about ways to build relationships with students as a public school-based BCBA.

Unlock the power of daily communication!

Today we're focusing on the Independent Activity Schedule and what a crucial element these are for any autism or ABA classroom!Listen for tips on how to:tailor activities to each individual's needs.choose between open vs closed ended activities.fade prompts during teaching.infuse rewarding activities into the schedule so that the learner enjoys this block of time.generalize these activities across environments!✨Join our Facebook Group for a FREE data sheet packet for activity schedules!⬇️  The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook

In this episode, we're all about task analysis visuals! We cover:What they are and why they're important for ALL learners, especially those with autism.Different types of visuals you can use (photos, symbols, even videos!)How to choose the right visuals for your learner's specific needsStep-by-step instructions on how to create your own task analysesCommon mistakes to avoidPlus, a video example of a dishwashing task analysis to get you started! Tune in to learn how to empower your learners with visuals and set them up for success.

Today we chat with Heather from Full Sped Ahead all about using Google Forms for Data Collections? Got questions about using Forms? She has ALL the answers for you, so you don't want to miss this one!

In this episode we are joined by Dawn Ellis from the Be the Exception podcast to discuss the importance of inclusion in education. We explore different inclusion models, the benefits of inclusion for all students, and the challenges that schools face in creating truly inclusive classrooms. Listen as we share practical tips and strategies for teachers and administrators who are looking to create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.Don't miss Audra's FREE checklist to assess your school's current inclusion practices, available in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook group or in the ABA in School's TPT store!Find Dawn Ellis at the Be the Exception podcast or on TPT as Cultivating Exceptional Minds!

We review four different types of toileting IEP goals with tons of examples included! There is no one size fits all when it comes to toilet training, and our goals and data collection should reflect this. Check out our FREE toilet training packet with printable data sheets in our Facebook group! ⬇️The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook

Potty training got you stumped?

Listen as we chat about ways to streamline data collection for your Extended School Year program! We discuss the merits of printable packets versus digital data trackers. Plus, snag a FREE printable data packet template from our Facebook group!  ⬇️The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook

Worried about your child with special needs losing progress over summer break? Don't be! We're tackling the summer slide head-on in this episode.

Listen for some ‘back to basics' behavior management tips- we offer ideas for fine tuning each strategy when you're not seeing success!✨ Grab FREE printable Caught Being Good reward cards this week in our Facebook Group to save you time! ⬇️The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook

This week we explore "compassionate care ABA" and how it works in schools. ❤️ Learn practical strategies to build rapport

Today we chat about ABA skill acquisition data: probe versus trial by trial! Join us to hear pros and cons of each type of data collection method, as well as ways to track data for each!✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook

This episode of The Misfit Behaviorists tackles the essential topic of modifying content in general education classrooms.

Today we have special guest Jen Stracquadanio sharing three helpful tips for school based BCBAs! These insights are invaluable for new BCBAs but also super practical and relatable for any BCBA working in any setting!✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️The Misfit Behaviorists | FacebookFollow Jen Stracquadanio - Instagram | @momsmanagingbehavior                                                                                                  www.momsmanagingbehavior.com

We dive into the crucial topic of managing problem behaviors by teaching essential replacement skills. Listen as we explore effective strategies for teaching functional skills such as requesting wants and needs, teaching waiting & tolerating hearing “no”. Listen for practical insights & evidence-based techniques to support positive behavior change.Join our Facebook Group for a FREE handout with actionable tips on teaching learners to tolerate hearing NO!

This week, we're ditching the pronoun confusion with a super fun and interactive game! If your students are struggling with "I", "you," and all those tricky stand-in words, this episode is a must-listen. We share a simple activity that makes pronouns click, plus you'll get a free resource to try it yourself. Want bonus content and behind-the-scenes extras? Join our Facebook group for more!See the cute example of the Pronoun Game hereJoin our Facebook Group for a FREE Pronoun printable!