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 Mentioned

Token boards

Behavior contracts

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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 Visuals

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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:

1. Mindfulness Apps for Kids:

• Headspace for Kids: Headspace
• Calm: Calm
• Both apps offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises tailored for children.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 insights

Resources Mentioned:

• Think Sheets

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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 Sheet

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