Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

Teaching Autism
  • ٤٫٥ (٤١)
  • تعليم
  • يتم التحديث كل أسبوعين

Hi, I’m Nikki —a passionate special educator, autism specialist, and founder of Teaching Autism. With over a decade of experience creating hands-on, engaging resources for educators worldwide, I’m here to make your teaching journey easier, more effective, and a lot more fun! With each episode, I’ll bring you practical tips, creative strategies, and inspiring insights to help you thrive in your autism and special education classroom. From tackling behavior challenges to creating meaningful lesson plans, we’ll dive deep into what works—and what doesn’t—in the world of special education. You’ll find: ✅ Real-world strategies you can use tomorrow. ✅ Expert advice for creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms. ✅ Honest conversations about the joys and challenges of teaching. ✅ Plenty of laughs, relatable moments, and inspiration to keep you going. Whether you’re a seasoned educator, new to special education, or simply looking to level up your teaching game, this podcast is your go-to resource for empowering yourself and your students. Join me on this journey, and let’s build better classrooms together! Hit “subscribe” and tune in to each episode to fill your teaching toolbox with fresh ideas, tools, and motivation. Let’s make teaching less stressful and a whole lot more impactful!

  1. قبل ١٥ ساعة

    Why I Don’t Agree with Taking Away Recess - And What to Do Instead

    Taking away recess as a punishment is still happening in far too many classrooms, but does it actually work? Spoiler: it doesn’t. In fact, it often makes the problem worse, especially for our neurodivergent students who need recess the most. In this episode, I’m breaking down why I don’t agree with using recess as a consequence, what the research says about its importance, the harm this practice causes, and practical alternatives you can use instead to support student behavior and learning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Why recess is not a reward, it’s a developmental necessity ✨ The research that proves recess supports focus, regulation, and learning ✨ How removing recess harms autistic and ADHD students in particular ✨ Why this practice doesn’t teach the skills students are missing ✨ Positive, neuro-affirming alternatives to use instead of taking away recess ✨ How to protect play while still addressing behavior and academic needs Links and Resources Explore more neuro-affirming classroom strategies and visual supports on my TpT store and the Teaching Autism blog. Let’s connect on Instagram @teachingautism—share your experiences with recess in your school, I’d love to hear how you’re protecting play for your students! 👉 Tune in and discover why recess should never be taken away, and what to do instead when you’re faced with challenging behavior.

    ٩ من الدقائق

  2. ٢٦ سبتمبر

    Supporting Autistic Students with Transitions and Change

    Transitions don’t have to be chaotic or meltdown-inducing. For autistic students, change can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, structure, and empathy, transitions can actually become opportunities to build trust, confidence, and independence. In this episode, I’m diving into why transitions are so tough for autistic students, the brain science behind it, and practical strategies you can use to support smoother, safer changes, whether it’s moving from snack to circle or adjusting to a surprise assembly. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Why transitions are challenging (and how the autistic brain processes change) ✨ How preparation tools like visuals, countdowns, and rehearsal can reduce stress ✨ The power of transition anchors - objects, fidgets, or “jobs” that create predictability ✨ Step-by-step strategies to make transitions more consistent and predictable ✨ How to give gentle warnings and use pauses to ease students into change ✨ What to do when unexpected changes happen (without triggering dysregulation) ✨ Why recovery time after a tough transition is essential, and how to build it in Links and Resources Explore ready-to-use Visuals, First-Then Boards, and Transition Supports in my TpT store. Connect with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share your favorite transition strategies, I’d love to celebrate those wins with you! You may also like this blog post if you want to find out more abut how to support your neurodivergent students during transitions. 👉 Tune in and learn how to transform transitions from stressful moments into empowering opportunities for growth.

    ٩ من الدقائق

  3. ١٩ سبتمبر

    How to Set Up a Visual Schedule That Actually Gets Used

    Visual schedules are one of the most powerful tools in a SPED teacher’s toolkit, but only if students actually use them. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to create a visual schedule that’s meaningful, accessible, and part of your students’ daily rhythm (instead of just decoration on the wall). We’ll cover the “why” behind visual schedules, how to match them to your students’ developmental level, and step-by-step tips to make them stick. Whether your learners are working with real objects, photos, or picture symbols, you’ll leave with practical strategies to set up schedules that truly support regulation, independence, and success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Why visual schedules are more than organization, they’re regulation, communication, and independence tools ✨ The research that proves their effectiveness in improving behavior and transitions ✨ How to scaffold schedules from real objects ➝ photos ➝ picture symbols ✨ Step-by-step guidance for building schedules that reflect your students’ actual day ✨ How to keep schedules interactive and student-centered ✨ Tips to make schedules stick as part of the daily routine (instead of collecting dust) ✨ Why consistency, updates, and personalization are key to success Links and Resources Explore ready-to-use Visual Schedule resources, social stories and supports in my TpT store. Connect with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share your visual schedule setups- I love seeing how you make them work for your students! 👉 Tune in and discover how to set up visual schedules that actually get used, and transform transitions, behavior, and independence in your classroom.

    ١١ من الدقائق

  4. ١٢ سبتمبر

    Using Scripts and Echolalia to Build Language Naturally

    Echolalia and scripting are often misunderstood as “parroting” or “meaningless talk.” But the truth? They’re powerful communication tools and an important stage of language development, especially for autistic and neurodivergent students. In this episode, I’m breaking down what echolalia and scripting really are, why they matter, and how you can embrace them as stepping stones to authentic, spontaneous communication. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ What echolalia and scripting are (immediate vs. delayed) ✨ Why they’re not meaningless, but valuable communication attempts ✨ How to figure out the function behind scripts and echoes ✨ Practical ways to acknowledge, validate, and expand student scripts ✨ How to intentionally use scripts as teaching tools in daily routines ✨ Tips for making room for media-based scripts (yes, even Bluey and Minecraft) ✨ Why reducing pressure and avoiding correction helps language flourish Links and Resources Explore my Core Vocabulary Activities Bundle, Adapted Books, and Matching Visuals Set to pair with scripting and support natural language growth. Connect with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share how you’re embracing echolalia in your classroom, I’d love to celebrate those wins with you! Read my blog post on Functional and Non-Functional Echolalia Want to learn more about scripting and how to respond to it? Read my blog post! 👉 Tune in to reframe echolalia and scripting as what they really are: bridges to meaningful communication.

    ١٠ من الدقائق

  5. ٥ سبتمبر

    Building Communication Skills Through Play

    Play isn’t “just play” - it’s one of the most powerful ways to support communication growth. In this episode, we’re diving into how to turn everyday play moments into opportunities for language, connection, and confidence. Whether you’ve wondered how to support non-speaking students, embed speech goals into centers, or make playtime truly meaningful, this episode will give you strategies that are simple, fun, and effective. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Why play is a natural foundation for language development (backed by research) ✨ How to follow your student’s lead to spark authentic communication ✨ The difference between modeling vs. quizzing during play ✨ Core vocabulary words that fit seamlessly into playtime ✨ How to set up communication-rich play spaces with intentional choices and visuals ✨ Ways to weave language into snack time, sensory play, and messy activities ✨ Why it’s essential to celebrate all forms of communication, not just speech Links and Resources Explore my Core Vocabulary Adapted Books, Activities Bundle, and Matching Visuals Set to help you embed communication into play  Come hang out with me on Instagram @teachingautism and share your favorite play setups, I love celebrating those wins with you! 👉 Tune in and discover how to use play as a communication powerhouse for your students.

    ٩ من الدقائق

  6. ٢٩ أغسطس

    How to Incorporate Core Vocabulary into Everyday Routines

    Core vocabulary isn’t just a buzzword, it’s one of the most powerful tools we can use to help our students communicate, connect, and grow. But here’s the problem: too often, AAC and core boards end up sitting on a shelf instead of being embedded into daily routines. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what core vocabulary is, why it matters, and how to naturally weave it into your everyday classroom routines, without needing an extra hour in your day or a degree in speech therapy. You’ll leave with practical strategies that actually work in real classrooms, with real students. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ What core vocabulary really is (and why it’s so powerful for communication) ✨ Why we often overthink AAC and how to simplify it ✨ How to start small with just 1–3 core words a week ✨ Practical ways to embed core vocabulary into crafts, snack time, transitions, and story time ✨ Why modeling matters more than student output (and how to do it without pressure) ✨ How to make core vocabulary visible, consistent, and fun across your classroom ✨ The importance of keeping core words accessible in multiple spaces, not hidden away Links and Resources Explore the Core Vocabulary Activities Bundle, Adapted Books, and Matching Sets to help you model and embed core words with ease. Come share your core vocab wins with me on Instagram @teachingautism - I love seeing the words you’re modeling each week! 👉 Tune in and discover how simple, meaningful, and powerful core vocabulary can be when it becomes part of your everyday classroom rhythm.

    ٩ من الدقائق

  7. ٢٢ أغسطس

    Why Sensory Breaks Aren’t “Breaks” - They’re Regulation Tools

    Ever been told your students are “just getting out of work” when they take a sensory break? Or that they “need to learn to sit still”? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why sensory breaks aren’t luxuries or rewards, they’re essential regulation tools that help students access learning. We’ll dig into what regulation really means, why breaks aren’t the same as time-outs, how the research backs this up, and practical ways you can weave regulation tools into your day, without needing a fancy sensory room. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with the confidence to shut down those “spoiling them with breaks” comments and the strategies to set your students up for success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ The true definition of regulation (and why it’s not automatic for many neurodivergent students) ✨ The critical difference between a sensory break and a time-out ✨ What the research actually says about sensory supports in the classroom ✨ Why breaks must be proactive, not just reactive ✨ How to respond when it seems like students are “avoiding work” ✨ Easy, low-prep ways to add sensory breaks to your classroom ✨ Fresh ideas for reframing “breaks” into regulation tools Links and Resources Explore my visuals, schedules, and support tools for sensory regulation. Tag me on Instagram @teachingautism to share your sensory spaces and break systems, I love seeing what you create! 👉 Tune in and let’s reframe sensory breaks for what they really are: bridges back to learning.

    ١٠ من الدقائق

  8. ١٤ أغسطس

    Sensory 101 – Understanding Your Students' Sensory Systems

    👋 Episode Summary Hey friends! In this episode of Teaching Autism and Special Education, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood (but hugely important) parts of student behavior: sensory processing. From toe-walking to meltdowns to zoning out, so many behaviors in our classrooms are not “bad behavior.” They’re sensory systems saying, “I’m overwhelmed and I need support.” Together, we’re unpacking: What sensory processing actually is The 8 sensory systems (yes, there are 8!) What happens when those systems are out of sync Easy, realistic ways to support sensory needs in your classroom 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why sensory differences are not about behavior, they’re about survival The role of the lesser-known sensory systems (vestibular, proprioception, and interoception) Common signs of over- and under-responsiveness across all systems Why sensory input should be proactive, not just reactive How to normalize and support sensory needs for every student 🧠 Quick Breakdown: The 8 Sensory Systems Visual (Sight) – Lights, movement, visual clutter Auditory (Sound) – Background noise, voices, sudden sounds Tactile (Touch) – Textures, clothing, materials Olfactory (Smell) – Scents, perfumes, food smells Gustatory (Taste) – Oral input, picky eating, chewing Vestibular (Balance & Movement) – Motion, head position, spinning Proprioception (Body Awareness) – Pressure, body position, movement Interoception (Internal Signals) – Hunger, thirst, emotions, toilet needs 📚 Backed by Research: Tomchek & Dunn (2007): 95% of autistic students experience sensory processing differences Schaaf et al. (2014): Understanding sensory patterns improves support, learning, and regulation 🧰 Practical Strategies You’ll Hear: Observe and Track Patterns  ➡️ Notice when students become dysregulated and what’s happening around them. Stock Your Room with Tools  ➡️ Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, sensory bins, calm lighting, chewies, wiggle seats, let them choose what works. Build Sensory Input Into the Day  ➡️ Movement breaks, sensory stations, deep pressure, calm-down time—it’s not “extra,” it’s essential. Talk About Sensory Needs Openly  ➡️ Use visuals and stories to teach students how to understand and express their needs. Include Sensory Supports in IEPs  ➡️ These are not “rewards” or “nice-to-haves.” They’re vital learning supports. Put them in writing. 💬 Let’s Connect: Was this episode a sensory “aha” moment for you? Come say hi over on Instagram and tag me in your favorite takeaway. Or explore my sensory visuals, blog posts and freebies. 🧡 Final Thoughts: Supporting sensory needs isn’t about “giving in.” It’s about removing barriers to learning, regulation, and connection. When we meet sensory needs, we don’t just see fewer meltdowns, we build more trust. And that? That changes everything. 🎧 Hit play now and start seeing your students’ behaviors through a sensory lens. And don’t forget to share this one with your SPED team, it’s a must-listen.

    ١٠ من الدقائق
مشاهدة الكل (١٤٤)

٤٫٥
من ٥
‫٤١ من التقييمات‬

حول

Hi, I’m Nikki —a passionate special educator, autism specialist, and founder of Teaching Autism. With over a decade of experience creating hands-on, engaging resources for educators worldwide, I’m here to make your teaching journey easier, more effective, and a lot more fun! With each episode, I’ll bring you practical tips, creative strategies, and inspiring insights to help you thrive in your autism and special education classroom. From tackling behavior challenges to creating meaningful lesson plans, we’ll dive deep into what works—and what doesn’t—in the world of special education. You’ll find: ✅ Real-world strategies you can use tomorrow. ✅ Expert advice for creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms. ✅ Honest conversations about the joys and challenges of teaching. ✅ Plenty of laughs, relatable moments, and inspiration to keep you going. Whether you’re a seasoned educator, new to special education, or simply looking to level up your teaching game, this podcast is your go-to resource for empowering yourself and your students. Join me on this journey, and let’s build better classrooms together! Hit “subscribe” and tune in to each episode to fill your teaching toolbox with fresh ideas, tools, and motivation. Let’s make teaching less stressful and a whole lot more impactful!

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Teaching Autism
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠١٩ - ٢٠٢٥
  • الحلقات
    ١٤٤
  • التقييم
    ملائم
  • حقوق النشر
    © 2019 Teaching Autism
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

قد يعجبك أيضًا