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

Audra Jensen, Caitlin Beltran
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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 Caitlin Beltran and Audra Jensen, 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 professionals.  Whether you're seeking advice or just want to laugh, new to the field or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, tune in for this unique blend of professional expertise and real-life experience. Weekly episodes will be concise, because we know your time is limited! Don’t miss it!  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: https://abainschool.com/misfits 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | abainschool.com/misfitsonappleInstagram | @themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | abainschool.comCaitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

  1. ABCs of Behavior Explained: Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence in Plain English

    2d ago

    ABCs of Behavior Explained: Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence in Plain English

    Welcome back to ABA Without the Jargon, the mini-series where we take common ABA and special education terms and translate them into everyday language. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most important concepts in behavior analysis: the ABCs of Behavior. We'll explain: ✔️ What an antecedent really is ✔️ What counts as behavior (and what doesn't) ✔️ Why consequences are more than punishments ✔️ How the ABCs help us understand patterns in behavior ✔️ Why understanding behavior leads to better support Whether you're a teacher, paraeducator, RBT, BCBA, parent, or caregiver, this episode will help you make sense of behavior without the jargon. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Antecedents are what happen before a behavior and often signal patterns • Behavior includes anything a person does, not just challenging behaviors • Consequences are what happen after a behavior and influence future behavior • The ABCs help explain why behaviors continue over time • Prevention strategies often focus on changing antecedents • Behavior serves a purpose and communicates information • Looking for patterns is more helpful than looking for blame • Understanding behavior helps us teach skills instead of simply reacting 📌 Resources Mentioned • Free Visuals & Resources → https://abainschool.com/4xy3 • Previous episodes:      Antecedent (Episode 51 Antecedent Strategies --> https://abainschool.com/ep51)      Behavior (Episode 35 Collecting ABC data --> https://abainschool.com/ep35)      Consequence (Episode 55 Teaching Replacement Behaviors      and Episode 29 Functions of Behaviors --> https://abainschool.com/ep55 and https://abainschool.com/ep29) • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources → https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Blog: What Is ABA in Simple Terms → https://abainschool.com/intro-to-aba 🎙️ Coming Next Reinforcement: What goes up, must come.... not, it doesn't have to come down! ⭐ Join Us • Subscribe for practical ABA and special education strategies without the jargon • Share this episode with a teacher, parent, or colleague • Join The Misfit Behaviorists community for resources, discussions, and support #misfitbehaviorists #ABA #BehaviorAnalysis #ABCsOfBehavior #SpecialEducation #AutismSupport #BCBA #RBT #Teachers #BehaviorSupport Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    8 min
  2. What Is ABA? Applied Behavior Analysis Explained in Plain English

    Jun 30

    What Is ABA? Applied Behavior Analysis Explained in Plain English

    Welcome to the first episode of ABA Without the Jargon, a new mini-series from The Misfit Behaviorists where we take common ABA and special education terms and translate them into everyday language. In this episode, we're tackling the biggest term of all: ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). We'll break down: ✔️ What "Applied" really means ✔️ What counts as behavior ✔️ Why analysis is simply figuring out what's working and why ✔️ Common misconceptions about ABA ✔️ How teachers, therapists, and parents already use ABA strategies every day Whether you're a special education teacher, paraeducator, RBT, BCBA, parent, or just curious about behavior support, this episode provides a practical, no-jargon explanation of what good ABA should look like in today's classrooms and homes. 🎁 Free Visuals & Resources Download the companion visuals discussed in this episode → https://abainschool.com/3928 Blog post "What is ABA in Simple Terms" → https://abainschool.com/intro-to-aba 📌 Resources Mentioned • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: → https://abainschool.com/tptstore 🎙️ Coming Next ABCs of Behavior: Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence Explained in Plain English #misfitbehaviorists #ABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #Autism #SpecialEducation #BehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #RBT #Teachers #AutismSupport #BehaviorSupport #ABAWithoutTheJargon Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    7 min
  3. Misfit Minute 29: That Time I Learned About Literal Language and the “Down” Internet

    Jun 16

    Misfit Minute 29: That Time I Learned About Literal Language and the “Down” Internet

    A quick story from an ABA clinic about a student checking the floor to see if the “down” internet had literally fallen down. This Misfit Minute is a reminder that language is not always interpreted the way we expect, especially for students who process communication very literally. Key Takeaways • Literal language can create confusion—Common phrases may not mean what we think they mean to every learner • Everyday expressions are learned skills—Sarcasm, metaphors, and slang often need direct teaching • Clarity matters—Sometimes clearer language reduces frustration and misunderstandings • “Extra support” may just be clearer communication—Simple wording can make a huge difference • Think about your audience—Different learners process language differently • Everyday moments create teaching opportunities—Small interactions can build long-term communication understanding • Communication goes both ways—Sometimes we need to adjust our language, not just expectations Resources • Another fun story here about sensory overload → https://abainschool.com/mm27 • And a cute story about how a puppy taught us a lesson → https://abainschool.com/mm26 Join Us • Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits • Subscribe for more real-life ABA and special education stories • Share your own “that time I learned…” moments with us Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    2 min
  4. Misfit Minute 28: You Can’t Punish a Skill Deficit Away (ABA & Special Education)

    Jun 2

    Misfit Minute 28: You Can’t Punish a Skill Deficit Away (ABA & Special Education)

    A quick reminder that behavior problems are not always “won’t do” problems. Sometimes they’re “can’t do yet” problems. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin breaks down why consequences alone don’t teach skills like waiting, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, or communication, and why practicing coping skills during calm moments matters so much. Key Takeaways • You can’t punish a skill deficit away—Consequences alone don’t teach missing skills • Behavior often communicates missing abilities—Difficulty waiting, coping, or communicating may be skill deficits • Replacement behaviors must be taught—Students need to learn what to do instead • Practice during calm moments matters most—Skills are harder to learn when already escalated • Reinforce progress, not perfection—Growth happens through repetition and support • Shift from “defiance” to information—Repeated behavior may signal a need for more teaching and practice • Long-term behavior change requires instruction—Not just reacting after the behavior happens Resources • Need support teaching replacement behaviors and coping skills? Check out these behavior support visuals: https://abainschool.com/k858 • “Can’t Do vs Won’t Do” visual → https://abainschool.com/mm15 • DTT vs NET teaching → https://abainschool.com/ep5 • Check out the FBA mini-series! Start here → https://abainschool.com/ep31 Join Us • Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits • Subscribe for more ABA and special education quick tips • Share an example of a skill you realized needed teaching instead of consequences Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    2 min
  5. Misfit Minute 27: That Time I Learned About... Sensory Overload in Autism (A Simple Moment That Changed Everything)

    May 26

    Misfit Minute 27: That Time I Learned About... Sensory Overload in Autism (A Simple Moment That Changed Everything)

    A quick story from early in my autism journey that completely shifted how I understand sensory overload. One small moment in a speech therapy room turned into a lifelong reminder: we may be in the same space, but experiencing it in very different ways. Key Takeaways •  Sensory overload isn’t always visible—A child may be overwhelmed even when the environment feels “normal” to us •  Not all brains filter the same way—Some learners hear, see, and feel everything at once •  Small details can be big triggers—Sounds you don’t notice (like a ticking clock) can be intense and constant •  Same room, different experience—Two people can share a space but have completely different sensory input •  Perspective matters—Understanding sensory differences helps build empathy and better support •  Don’t assume ease = universal—What feels simple to you may be overwhelming for someone else Resources •  Check out this social story about communicating about sensory needs I Need Something: https://abainschool.com/p8t6 Join Us •  Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook group •  Subscribe for more real-life ABA and special education insights •  Share your own “that time I learned…” moments—we’d love to hear them Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    2 min
  6. Misfit Minute 26: The Runaway Puppy Lesson for When Behavior Plans Don’t Work (ABA Strategies)

    May 12

    Misfit Minute 26: The Runaway Puppy Lesson for When Behavior Plans Don’t Work (ABA Strategies)

    What happens when your well-planned behavior strategy falls apart in real life? This quick episode uses a runaway puppy story to break down what to do in the moment—especially when safety, attention-seeking behavior, and real-world variables take over. Key Takeaways •  Safety comes first •  Behavior plans aren’t one-size-fits-all •  Change the environment before blaming the learner •  Stay neutral, not emotional •  Calm, predictable responses matter •  Reflect after, not during Resources •  See these Functions of Behavior social stories for some ideas! https://abainschool.com/fxbxstories •  If you need all the dox you need to create a great FBA, check these out: https://abainschool.com/4zdz 🤝 Join Us 💬 Join the conversation in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 🎧 Follow the podcast for more quick, practical strategies ⭐ Leave a review if this episode helped you—it helps other educators find us! •  Share your own “real-life behavior” moments—we’ve all been there Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    5 min
  7. Misfit Minute 25: Paraprofessional Not Keeping Up? Coaching & Support Strategies for ABA Classrooms

    Apr 28

    Misfit Minute 25: Paraprofessional Not Keeping Up? Coaching & Support Strategies for ABA Classrooms

    What do you do when a paraprofessional just can’t keep up with the pace, data, or demands of your classroom? Before jumping to frustration, this Misfit Minute walks you through a practical, compassionate approach to coaching staff, improving systems, and making data-based decisions that keep your students first. 🔑 Key Takeaways •  Check the system, not just the person •  Define what “keeping up” actually means • Simplify and prioritize tasks • Model + narrate your thinking • Practice together + give immediate feedback • Reinforce effort and growth • Reflect on fit using data, not emotion • Document support and communication 🤝 Join Us 💬 Join the conversation in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 🎧 Follow the podcast for more quick, practical strategies ⭐ Leave a review if this episode helped you—it helps other educators find us! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    5 min
  8. Misfit Minute 24: 5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Special Education Teacher

    Apr 7

    Misfit Minute 24: 5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Special Education Teacher

    In this Misfit Minute, Audra shares five career lessons she wishes she’d learned earlier as an educator: don’t overplan—use one strong activity with built-in extensions instead of many activities that won’t work; don’t skip data collection because “I’ll remember later” leads to missing or skewed data—quick tallies beat perfect data never recorded; don’t try to do everything alone—treat paras, therapists, and gen ed teachers as true collaborators; protect breaks and boundaries early to prevent burnout by leaning on staff and requesting admin support when needed; and prioritize connection over compliance, since connection creates longer-lasting engagement and makes behavior strategies more effective. She encourages newer professionals to give themselves grace, set parameters, and develop step by step to stay in the field long-term. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:19 Tip 1 Stop Overplanning 00:55 Tip 2 Track Data Now 01:14 Tip 3 Collaborate More 01:37 Tip 4 Protect Boundaries 02:23 Tip 5 Connection Over Compliance 03:18 Closing Encouragement 🙌 Join Us & Share • Join us on FB for freebies, sharing, and more! → https://abainschool.com/misfits • Subscribe for weekly behavior insights + full-length episodes • Send this episode to a teammate who needs a little "pump" this week! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    4 min
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About

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 Caitlin Beltran and Audra Jensen, 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 professionals.  Whether you're seeking advice or just want to laugh, new to the field or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, tune in for this unique blend of professional expertise and real-life experience. Weekly episodes will be concise, because we know your time is limited! Don’t miss it!  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: https://abainschool.com/misfits 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | abainschool.com/misfitsonappleInstagram | @themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | abainschool.comCaitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

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