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

Sometimes behavior looks like defiance—but what if it's actually a missing skill? In this episode, Audra walks you through a simple visual tool to help determine whether a student's challenging behavior is due to a skill deficit (“can't”) or a motivation issue (“won't”). Using her quadrant graphic, she explains the four learner profiles (Engaged, Frustrated, Avoidant, Resistant) and gives practical strategies for supporting each one.Whether you're a teacher, para, or BCBA, this is a must-listen for decoding behavior and supporting students in meaningful ways.

Every teacher knows those days when everything seems to erupt at once. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share five quick, practical de-escalation strategies that help you shift from chaos to calm—without losing your sanity or your sense of humor. From using proactive visuals to setting the emotional “temperature” of the room, these are tools you can use right away in any classroom or therapy setting.

Sometimes the issue isn't that your behavior plan is “bad”—it's that it's not being followed with fidelity. Before you rewrite the whole thing, pause and check: are all staff on the same page, teaching replacement skills, and delivering reinforcement consistently? In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares some tough love and practical reminders about when you actually need a new plan versus when you just need to work the one you've got.

Being a BCBA in a public school means more than behavior plans—it's about collaboration, data, and supporting teachers on RTI and MTSS teams. In this episode, we share tips for building relationships, starting with Tier 1 strategies, and making sure your role feels valuable (not overwhelming!) to your general education colleagues.

Offering students simple choices can reduce pushback and boost cooperation. In this Misfit Minute, we break down how to turn everyday directives into opportunities for autonomy and engagement.

Teaching little ones with big feelings can be equal parts joyful and challenging. In this episode, we share five simple, effective strategies for supporting early learners in preschool and special education settings. From using visuals to keeping it playful, you'll walk away with practical tools you can try tomorrow.

This week's Misfit Minute is all about catching behaviors before they escalate. Caitlin breaks down how to spot the earliest warning signs—like a shift in posture or a sigh—and why waiting until the meltdown starts is already too late. Learn how small, proactive strategies can prevent big challenges in the classroom.

If it's not generalizing, it's not functional. In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and materials.

This week's Misfit Minute is all about a tiny tool with a big payoff—sticky notes!

Preschool circle time doesn't have to be chaos!

Reinforcement isn't a trick, a loophole, or a bribe—it's an evidence-based strategy that builds real behavior change. In this quick Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares a practical way to explain the difference between reinforcement and bribery—perfect for staff training or team refreshers.

Are you drowning in data but still missing progress? In this episode, we're talking about the five most common data collection mistakes we've seen (and made!)—and how to fix them. Whether you're a BCBA, teacher, or therapist, these tips will help you streamline your systems, support your staff, and actually use the data you're collecting.

This week, we're keeping it super simple—and super effective. Audra shares two of her favorite low-prep activities that boost engagement, joint attention, and early conversation skills using nothing more than a decorated box or bag and a few trinkets from around the room. Perfect for preschool, early intervention, and special education classrooms!

Running social skills groups can be tricky—especially when you're balancing different student needs, group sizes, and settings. In this episode, we unpack how to structure and differentiate social skills groups for learners at every level—whether you're in a school, clinic, or classroom. From dyads to full-blown community outings, we're breaking down what works (and what really doesn't).

In this quick episode, Caitlin shares how to redirect student behavior without power struggles, using subtle, positive phrasing that preserves dignity and prevents escalation. Learn how to guide students clearly—without ever saying “No!”

In this short and practical episode, we explore the power of pre-correcting behavior—a quick strategy to set students up for success before a problem even starts. You'll learn how to spot patterns, cue expectations in the moment, and reinforce positive behavior with intention.

This episode started as a quick Misfit Minute—but it turned into a deep dive, so we made it a full one. Inspired by that iconic Big Bang Theory clip with Sheldon and the chocolates, we break down a question behavior folks love to debate:

In this bite-sized episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift: don't just teach the rule—teach the replacement behavior. Saying “don't do that” isn't enough. Real behavior change happens when we teach students exactly what to do instead.

Part 13 (the last step) of the FBA Mini-Series!You've got the plan… now let's make sure it actually works. In this final episode of our FBA Mini-Series, Audra and Sami walk you through how to track behavior data, define roles, build fidelity, and make sure your BIP stays meaningful. This is the wrap-up you didn't know you needed, filled with practical ways to follow through on everything you've created!

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.

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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.