This week we explore "compassionate care ABA" and how it works in schools. ❤️ Learn practical strategies to build rapport 🙌, understand triggers 💡, and empower student success 🌱 – all while fostering a positive classroom environment.Compassionate care isn't just about being "nice," it's about applying the science of behavior analysis ethically and effectively. Compassionate care represents a positive evolution within the field of ABA (not replacing it). It emphasizes the learner's voice, choi...

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😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists TeachersPayTeachers | ABAinSchool & ...

This episode of The Misfit Behaviorists tackles the essential topic of modifying content in general education classrooms. 🏫We answer a listener's question with practical tips and strategies for making learning accessible to students with disabilities.✨ We break down the difference between accommodations (how students access learning) and modifications (changes to what students learn), and provide specific examples of each.You'll leave with 5 key strategies for successfully implementing accomm...

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 &nbs...

💥 Taming the IEP chaos! This episode is your guide to simplifying goals, data, and materials. Get ready for stress-free IEP work!✅ We'll cover smart systems from binders to dry erase magic. Find what works for YOU!🎁 Join the Facebook group for FREE IEP goodies: "At-a-Glance" sheet and Goal Check-off List!💎 Today’s GEM: There's no one "right" way to organize. Get creative! The goal is easier IEP work and seeing your students SHINE!✨Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individ...

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! 🙌🏼😍 More, you say? We’re here ...

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 here Join our Facebook Group for a FREE Pronoun printable! 🙌🏼

Difficult conversations are natural when working in ABA or autism classrooms with students with heightened emotional and behavioral challenges. Listen for tips to navigate these challenges and work productively with colleagues! Join our Facebook Group for a FREE resource to share with teachers on the power of positive language! 🙌🏼 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! 🫵 We will be talking about episodes, getting feedback, and finding out what you want to talk about. Join The Misfit...

📝 Takeaways : 5 reasons you may be feeling burnt out and 5 ways to take your power back! 💎 Today’s GEM: Remember, it’s OK to not be OK sometimes. It’s OK to prioritize your own mental health. It’s OK to say no! ‌🔗 Links: If you are in need of help or support of any kind or know someone who is, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Better early than late… Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis counseling. Great for immediate support in moments of overwhelm. National...

Join us this Autism Awareness & Acceptance Day as we reminisce with a clip of 2008 documentary of Audra’s son as he shared “What Autism Means to Me.” 💎Today’s GEM: …because maybe we just need a bit more respect Join our Facebook Group for a community of like minded individuals & to valuable grab FREE resources to save you time! ⬇️ The Misfit Behaviorists | Facebook 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! 🫵 We will be talking about episodes, getting feedback, and finding out what you...

Have you heard the term “pick your battles?” It’s not just a quip! Used thoughtfully and systematically, it can be an amazing tool in your behavioral toolbelt! It helps reduce power struggles, preserves energy (yours and theirs), prioritizes safety and core values, and creates opportunities for positive choices. Join us as we discuss this and other ways to alleviate the power struggles with my friend and colleague Alicia Like, M.Ed., BCBA. 📝Takeaways : 🧩 April is Autism Awareness &...

Have you heard the term “pick your battles?” It’s not just a quip! Used thoughtfully and systematically, it can be an amazing tool in your behavioral toolbelt! It helps reduce power struggles, preserves energy (yours and theirs), prioritizes safety and core values, and creates opportunities for positive choices. Join us as we discuss this and other ways to alleviate the power struggles with my friend and colleague Alicia Like, M.Ed., BCBA. 📝Takeaways : 1.  🎯Keep in mind the GOAL of the task....

📝Takeaways : Students often have high emotional and behavioral needs but are academically appropriate for general education classroom settings.These learners may not have inclusion teachers or paraprofessionals to help implement behavior data or strategies.This requires us to use our ‘outside the box’ thinking in terms of data collection and interventions.Bonus: Check out the download file for user-friendly printable and digital data sheets! 💎Today’s GEM:  Try using one of these data sheets...

What is DTT? DTT (Discrete Trial Training): Structured learning with repetitive trials, clear prompts, and lots of data tracking. Think table time, 1:1, repetitive practice, materials, clipboard, data. 📋 What is NET? NET (Natural Environment Teaching): Skill-building within everyday routines, focused on child-led interests and real-world practice. Think free time, on the floor or wherever you are, embedding your goals in whatever you’re doing. 🧸 👌DTT Pros: Structured & clear...

📝Takeaways:  Google Sheets™ allows you to:  Easily share your data in real time with team members.Create a custom template and duplicate it for any new skill or learner going forward.Have peace in knowing your data is not going to be accidentally thrown out or deleted! 💎Today’s GEM: Right click any tab of a Sheet to create a duplicate- make one master copy of the tracker you like and never have to reinvent the wheel again! ⏰ We have something to save you TIME this week! ⏰ ‌Links: This...

📣Takeaways: Build a relationship of trust. Bond, be present, show interest, make YOURSELF a reinforcer, create a safe place for your student.Provide predictability and consistency. Not only help you and your staff but gives your students a sense of safety and security if they know what to expect and when.Give choices. Such an easy but powerful strategy! Remember the “frame.” The non-negotiables are the frame of the picture, but everything on the inside can be fluid. Brushing your teeth is...

📣Takeaways: For IEP goals, try designating “data days” (e.g. 2 days a week).For consistently frequent behaviors, consider using “sample” interval data.🥇GOLD NUGGET! – Focus on QUALITYdata collection, rather than quantity! ⏰ We have something to save you TIME this week! ⏰ ‌Links: Try these FREE skill and behavior data tracking forms!For interval data, check out this digital tracker!  😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! 🫵 We will be talking about episodes, getting feedback, and finding out...

📣Takeaways: Always find SOMETHING positive to point out and help them build on that.Provide ONE small, manageable thing to try to implement before your next check in.Provide ways for them to see objectively how the progress is going and make decisions on those data.Provide THEM (teachers) positive reinforcement for their efforts!What can YOU do to take the load off of THEM?Bonus: Ask for their opinion on things, even if you know what the answer is or the best course of action. Make sure they...

Are you a teacher looking for support with students with diverse needs or behavior management in the classroom? Tune into The Misfit Behaviorists podcast, hosted by Audra Jensen and Caitlin Beltran, BCBAs and special education teachers, as they bring you actionable tips to behavior reduction and skill acquisition.  Listen to evidence-based strategies with a student-centered focus as they share practical advice for special education teachers, behavior support teachers, BCBAs, and ABA...