Ep. 46: Reverse Inclusion in Special Education – Building Peer Connections and Social Skills

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!” 🎟️ Don't miss this one!✨ Key Takeaways📢 What is Reverse Inclusion? — It’s when general education students join self-contained classrooms to create more comfortable and familiar spaces for students with disabilities.💡 Why It Works:✔️ Students feel at ease in their "home turf" classrooms.✔️ Tools, supports, and sensory needs are already in place.✔️ Less stress from big transitions to noisy, unfamiliar spaces.We talk about:🤝 Peer Buddy Programs🎨 Creative Inclusion Ideas📈 How to Get Admin Buy-In🧠 Take Data for Better Decisions💪 Pro Tips for Starting SmallIdeas for Reverse Inclusion Activities:ABA Art & Gym Specials — Invite related arts teachers to teach lessons in self-contained classrooms.After-School Clubs — Sensory crafts, bead-making labs, and social skills clubs are all big hits.Peer Lunch Buddies — Pair gen ed students with ABA students at lunch for more socialization.📚 ResourcesHere are the tools, people, and strategies mentioned in this episode:Moms Managing Behavior — Learn more about Megan’s work supporting schools and families:🌐 MomsManagingBehavior.com📸 Instagram: @MomsManagingBehavior📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsmanagingbehaviorJoin Us...🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to inclusion!💬 Get Involved: Share your best inclusion ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education. Join the conversation on all things behavior analysis and special education support!Instagram 📸 @TheMisfitBehaviorists📣Join the Facebook group where we post show notes, freebies, and discuss episodes! YouTube 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@themisfitbehaviorists#abaclassroomFor more tips, tricks, and support you can find Caitlin at https://beltransbehaviorbasics.com and Audra at https://abainschool.com.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!