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

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 duringResources•  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 thereJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

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 BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

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 Setup00:19 Tip 1 Stop Overplanning00:55 Tip 2 Track Data Now01:14 Tip 3 Collaborate More01:37 Tip 4 Protect Boundaries02:23 Tip 5 Connection Over Compliance03:18 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 BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this episode, Audra and Caitlin tackle one of the hardest parts of working in special education and behavior support: talking with families when things are not improving yet. When behaviors are escalating or strategies aren’t working, those meetings can feel tense for everyone in the room. The conversation explores how educators and BCBAs can stay transparent, rely on objective data, and keep relationships strong with families even when the news is difficult. Instead of panic, blame, or sugarcoating, the focus is on collaboration, trust, and problem-solving together.🔑 Key Takeaways• Tip 1: Start with transparency — Families usually know when things aren’t going well. Honest communication builds trust.• Tip 2: Lead with data, not emotion — Share observable patterns (frequency, timing, context) instead of subjective language.• Tip 3: Share what’s been tried — Explain strategies already attempted, what’s happening now, and the next steps.• Tip 4: Stay calm when emotions rise — Pause, slow the conversation, and return to shared goals for the student.• Affirm the child first — Let families know you genuinely value their child before discussing challenges.• Follow up in writing — Send a short recap so families can process and avoid misunderstandings.📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Share strategies for navigating difficult parent conversations• Ask questions or suggest topics for future episodes🙌 Join Us & Share• How do you handle tough conversations with families when behavior plans aren’t working?• What strategies help keep meetings collaborative instead of confrontational?• Have you found ways to share difficult data without escalating stress for families?• Join the discussion in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group• Know a teacher or BCBA who dreads parent meetings? Send them this episode 🎧Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Running small groups in an ABA classroom can feel like juggling flaming data sheets. Two learners. Two programs. Two sets of behaviors. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares four practical tips for running dyads and small group instruction without sacrificing instructional quality.🔑 Key Takeaways• Prep for success — have materials, reinforcers, pencils, and data sheets ready before you start. Less scrambling, more teaching.• Plan the rotation — decide who gets your attention first and what the other learner will do while waiting. Keep them engaged.• Position strategically — sit between students when possible so you can monitor engagement, behavior, and prompting easily.• Quality over quantity — five strong, meaningful trials beat fifteen rushed ones every time.• Expect it to feel clunky at first — rhythm builds with practice for both you and your learners.📦 Resources to check out• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• IEP Goal Bank & Assessment System → https://abainschool.com/iepgoals• Episode #62 Running Social Skills Groups → https://abainschool.com/ep62🙌 Join Us & Share• Do you prefer dyads or 1:1 instruction?• What helps you keep the “waiting” student engaged?• Drop your favorite small group tip in the Facebook group 💬• Know a teacher overwhelmed by small groups? Send them this Misfit Minute 💙Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

The past few years have reshaped classrooms in ways many educators are still trying to make sense of. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin react to real conversations from teachers and parents about burnout, behavior changes, staffing shortages, placement decisions, and the growing gap between expectations and reality in special education. They share honest reflections, practical perspective, and reassurance for educators wondering if it’s just them… or if things really have changed.🔑 Key Takeaways• Post-COVID behavior shifts are still impacting classrooms — many educators report lasting changes in student readiness and regulation.• Burnout often comes from systems, not students — paperwork, staffing shortages, and unrealistic expectations wear people down.• No two schools are the same — a difficult placement doesn’t mean the entire field is broken.• It’s okay to leave a setting that isn’t sustainable — protecting your mental health helps students too.• Placement decisions must be individualized — least restrictive environment looks different for every student.• Social media advice has limits — meaningful strategies require knowing the actual child.• Independence skills matter more than academics at school entry — self-care and routines set the foundation for learning.• If you’re still in this field, your commitment matters — staying doesn’t mean it’s easy; it means it’s meaningful.📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Share your experiences with post-COVID classroom changes • Submit future episode topics in the group🙌 Join Us & Share• Are you seeing lasting behavior or readiness changes in students?• What’s been the biggest contributor to burnout in your role?• What has helped you stay in the field — or decide to leave?• Share your perspective in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group • Know an educator who feels exhausted or discouraged? Send them this episode Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Noncompliance isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, avoidant, and easy to miss until it grows into something bigger. In this Misfit Minute, we break down the difference between passive vs active noncompliance and why recognizing the difference early helps you respond calmly, support regulation, and prevent escalation into unsafe behaviors.🔑 Key Takeaways• Not all noncompliance looks the same 👀 — passive noncompliance is quiet avoidance, while active noncompliance is disruptive and visible.• Catch it early ⛰️ — it’s much easier to support students during passive noncompliance than after behaviors escalate.• Think “can’t vs won’t” 🧠 — skill deficits need support and modification; motivation issues need reinforcement and engagement strategies.• Passive noncompliance calls for gentle support 🤍 — quick prompts, choices, first/then, and small motivation boosts can help students get started.• Active noncompliance needs regulation first 🔄 — short directives, movement breaks, coping strategies, and validation help reset before returning to work.• Pushing demands during escalation rarely works 🚫 — address regulation and underlying needs before expecting task completion.• Neutral, supportive tone prevents power struggles 🎯 — focus on helping students be successful, not “winning” the moment.📦 Resources to check out• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• “Can’t Do vs Won’t Do” visual → https://abainschool.com/mm2w• Related episode: 5 Preschool Behavior Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep66 • Crisis Cycle Creation → https://abainschool.com/ep57 • FBA process starts here! → https://abainschool.com/ep31 • ABA in School blog → https://abainschool.com•  Free token boards → https://abainschool.com/ymnr🙌 Join Us & Share• Do you see more passive or active noncompliance in your classroom?• What strategies help you catch behaviors before they escalate?• Share your experiences in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 💬• Know a teacher or BCBA who could use this distinction? Send them this Misfit Minute 💙Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

When another professional walks into your classroom, things can get complicated fast. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin answer a listener question about what to do when support staff, behavior consultants, or other specialists aren’t showing up in the way you expected. They share practical, professional ways to navigate power dynamics, clarify roles, and protect your classroom while keeping relationships intact.🔑 Key Takeaways• Document objectively and consistently 📋 — focus on facts, patterns, and student impact, not emotions.• Start with direct communication 🤝 — go to the source before escalating to admin or supervisors.• Frame concerns around student safety and learning 🧠 — this keeps conversations professional and grounded.• Ask clarifying questions instead of making accusations ❓ — misunderstandings about roles happen more than you think.• Protect your classroom systems 🏫 — keep running behavior plans, data collection, and instruction regardless of who enters the room.• Give clear, specific tasks when possible 🧩 — structure can help overwhelmed or unclear support staff succeed.• Sometimes you can only control your response 🔄 — do your best, stay professional, and focus on student outcomes.📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Submit future episode topics in the group 💬🙌 Join Us & Share• Have you ever had to navigate tricky staff dynamics in your classroom?• What strategies helped you keep things professional and student-focused?• Share your experiences in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 📸• Know a teacher or BCBA who needs this conversation? Send them this episode 💙Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Staff pushback happens. Eye rolls, sighs, and the dreaded “we already tried that” can make even the calmest team lead feel defensive. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin talks about shifting from control to curiosity when staff resist new strategies and how asking the right questions builds trust, buy-in, and stronger teams.🔑 Key Takeaways• Staff pushback often comes from burnout or feeling unheard 😮‍💨—not resistance for the sake of resistance.• Curiosity beats control 🔍—asking “What didn’t work last time?” opens the door to real insight.• You don’t lose authority by asking questions 💬—you gain collaboration.• Empathy creates buy-in 🤍—acknowledging that new strategies feel hard reduces defensiveness.• Modeling flexibility invites flexibility 🔄—your tone sets the tone.• “We’re in this together” builds teams that grow with you, not against you 🤝📦 Resources to check out• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🙌 Join Us & Share• How do you respond when staff push back?• What questions have helped you build buy-in?• Share your experiences in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 💬• Know a BCBA or teacher navigating staff resistance? Send them this Misfit Minute 💙Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Sometimes you just need five minutes, not a full lesson plan. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share five simple social games you can pull out during transitions, brain breaks, or those in-between moments when it’s not time for intensive instruction but kids still need structure. These low-prep “pocket-size” games are designed for preschool, kindergarten, and special education classrooms and can be easily adapted for small groups or social skills instruction.🔑 Key Takeaways• Not every moment needs intensive teaching ⏱️—quick social games can reconnect and regulate learners.• Keep games flexible 🧩—adjust group size, prompts, and structure based on your students.• Emotions games build more than feelings vocabulary 😊—they support imitation, perspective-taking, and joint attention.• Partner games encourage natural peer interaction 🤝—without over-prompting or pressure.• Structured silliness matters 🎲—play with clear expectations supports engagement and cooperation.• Filler time doesn’t have to feel chaotic 🔄—having go-to games reduces stress for students and staff.📦 Resources Mentioned• Simple Social Games ideas FREEBIE → https://abainschool.com/urve• Related Episodes: How to Run Social Groups → https://abainschool.com/ep62• Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🙌 Join Us & Share• What are your go-to quick social games or brain breaks?• Which of these would your students love most?• Share your ideas or photos in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 📸• Know a teacher or BCBA who needs easy social games? Send them this episode 💙Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Small changes can make a big difference. In this Misfit Minute, we’re talking about one simple, actionable challenge you can try this week: update just one classroom visual. Whether it’s a schedule, emotion card, or token board, visuals only work when they’re relevant, motivating, and actually being used. This episode breaks down why visuals stop working over time and how a quick refresh can improve engagement and behavior.🔑 Key Takeaways• Visuals only work if they’re relevant and used 👀—what worked in September may not work now.• Start small 🧩—update just one visual for one student.• Schedules may need a refresh 📅—try real photos, add an “all done” or “surprise” spot, or simplify.• Emotion cards should grow with learners 😊—mix in real faces, emojis, adults, kids, and newer emotions like bored or embarrassed.• Token boards can lose their power 🎯—change the theme, increase motivation, or fade and thin reinforcement.• Sometimes removing a visual is progress ✂️—if it’s no longer needed, it’s okay to let it go.📦 Resources to check out• FREE token boards → https://abainschool.com/2s6q• Digital token board (LOVE using this!) → https://abainschool.com/ncbl• Visual task analyses for Life Skills classrooms → https://abainschool.com/jmvt• Emotion identification visuals for social-emotional learning → https://abainschool.com/93a6• School-Based BCBA & Teacher Resources → https://abainschool.com or https://beltransbehaviorbasics.com/ 🙌 Join Us & Share• Which visual are you updating this week?• Did you swap it, refresh it, or remove it altogether?• Share a photo or tell us what changed in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 📸• Small tweaks count—and we’d love to see what worked for your students 💙• Drop your strategies in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Share this episode with a teammate navigating a tough family conversation this weekJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Center-based learning can feel overwhelming in ABA and self-contained classrooms—especially when staffing is tight, learner needs vary widely, and data collection feels nonstop. In this episode, Caitlin and Audra break down how to actually run centers in an ABA classroom without burning out your staff or your students. From staffing rotations to flexible grouping, this conversation focuses on practical, realistic ways to make center-based learning work in real classrooms.🔑 Key Takeaways• Centers ≠ small group instruction 📍—they serve different purposes and need different planning.• Not every learner needs intensive teaching at the same time—shrinking DTT groups reduces pressure and chaos.• Plan staff and student rotations intentionally 🔄—rotate people, not just activities, to prevent burnout.• Structured play is work for many learners 🎲—design play centers with intention and support.• Start small 🧩—introduce centers in short bursts before increasing expectations or duration.• It’s okay to pause data collection 📊—focus on routines and transitions first when rolling out centers.📦 Resources Mentioned• Related Episodes:Ep. 9 Superhero Skills to Battle Burnout → https://abainschool.com/ep9Misfit Minute 17 How to Make Transitions Easier for Students with Autism → https://abainschool.com/mm17• Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• The Misfit Behaviorists Podcast → https://abainschool.com• School-Based BCBA & Teacher Resources → https://abainschool.com or https://beltransbehaviorbasics.com/🙌 Join Us & Share• How do you structure centers in your ABA or self-contained classroom?• What’s worked—or totally flopped—for your team?• Share your ideas in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Know a teacher or BCBA struggling with centers? Send them this episode 💙Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Talking with families about hard things is part of the job—but it doesn’t have to feel awkward, cold, or overly clinical. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares four practical tips for sharing difficult behavior updates, regressions, or service concerns with families in a way that builds trust and keeps the relationship collaborative. The goal isn’t to deliver “bad news.” It’s to partner with families and open the door to problem-solving together.🔑 Key Takeaways• Start with a strength or shared goal 🌱—ground the conversation in what’s working and what you’re working toward together.• Be direct, but kind—objective language builds clarity without blame.• Drop the jargon 🧠—families don’t need deficit-heavy or technical language to understand concerns.• Invite collaboration 🤝—ask what they’re seeing and frame concerns as a shared problem to solve.📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• The Misfit Behaviorists Podcast → https://abainschool.com• School-Based BCBA & Teacher Resources → https://abainschool.com or https://beltransbehaviorbasics.com/ 🙌 Join Us & Share• How do you share difficult updates with families while keeping trust intact?• Drop your strategies in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Share this episode with a teammate navigating a tough family conversation this weekJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Ever feel like your BCBA schedule is just one long game of “calendar Tetris”? Between driving to in-home sessions, juggling billable hours, supervising staff, and trying to have a life outside of work, it can feel impossible to fit it all in.In this episode, Audra and Caitlin break down 10 practical, doable strategies to help you build a sustainable schedule—whether you’re clinic-based, school-based, or driving from house to house—without sacrificing supervision quality or your own sanity.🔑 Key Takeaways• Plan backwards from priorities. Start with non-negotiables (IEPs, supervision, contract hours, family time). Protect those boundaries before adding anything else.• Stop nickel-and-diming your time. Say “let’s debrief later” instead of responding to every hallway request. Constant yes-ing leads straight to burnout.• Cluster your work. Group by location, building, or grade level to cut down on travel and get more quality time where it matters.• Build in buffer time. Avoid back-to-back scheduling. Use small breaks to wrap data, reset materials, and mentally transition.• Theme your days. Assign predictable “observation,” “feedback,” or “planning” days to make unstructured tasks easier to manage.• Use hybrid & overlapping supervision. Mix in-person and telehealth when appropriate, and overlap tasks (observation + data review) when allowed.• Enter with a focus. Know your purpose before you walk in—modeling, feedback, goal review, or program check—and prep staff so everyone’s aligned.• Reinforce staff intentionally. Use specific praise, tailor feedback style to each person, and follow up with quick notes to build strong relationships.• Use tools that fit you (and your team). Digital or paper—organize systems in ways that make efficiency possible and accessible for everyone.• Protect your own reinforcement. Schedule admin time, hold boundaries, unplug when needed, and prioritize mental stamina so you can do ethical, effective work.📦 Resources & Links• Grab the 10 Tips visual → https://abainschool.com/reg7• Related Episodes:Battling Staff Burnout → https://abainschool.com/ep9Managing paras → https://abainschool.com/ep47• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🤝 Join Us💬 Tell us your best tip for managing travel time. Drop your thoughts in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group.🎧 Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.📢 Know a BCBA or teacher drowning in their schedule? Send them this episode so they know they’re not alone.Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Some days it feels like every classroom around you is perfectly color-coded, freshly laminated, and Instagram-ready… and yours is, well, real life. In this Misfit Minute, Audra shares a mindset reset for teachers who feel stuck in the comparison spiral. Your classroom doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s—your heart work is what changes lives. These five quick tips help you shift from comparing to caring so you can focus on what truly matters: your students.🔑 Key Takeaways• Celebrate the invisible wins ✨—the tiny moments that show real growth for you and your students.• Curate your feed and your feelings—follow voices that uplift, not drain.• Make one connection a day 🤝—a small moment of eye contact or empathy can shift the whole vibe.• Create a “done list” ✔️—notice what did get accomplished instead of everything left undone.• Celebrate the real wins—messy macaroni frames count. Perfect displays aren’t the goal; authentic learning is.📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group• Related episode: Ep. 9 Superhero Skills to Battle Burnout → https://abainschool.com/ep9• Free Token Boards → https://abainschool.com/ymnr• ABA in School Blog → https://abainschool.com🙌 Join Us & Share• Share your favorite small win in your room! → 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 BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Every BCBA and teacher has lived the moment: you pour months into an intervention… only to open an assessment and think, “Wait. Where did all that progress go?”In this episode, Caitlin sits down with Casey Barron and Dr. Anika Hoybjerg—creators of the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment and Assessment Scale (MOTAS)—to talk about why so many traditional tools miss the skills that matter most, and how the MOTAS fills those gaps with flexible, functional, and family-aligned assessment practices.🔑 Key Takeaways• Why MOTAS? It addresses gaps in VB-MAPP/ABLLS/AFLS—especially flexibility, perspective taking, self-awareness, and AAC communication.• Flexibility Matters: Rigid routines often block participation, independence, and community access—yet many assessments don’t measure this growth.• Generalization Is Built In: The MOTAS scoring system highlights independence and generalization & maintenance from the start.• One Scoring System: A consistent 0–5 scale across all 20 domains makes scoring faster, clearer, and more useful for treatment planning.• Insurance-Friendly: The DSM-5 criteria and medical necessity links are included—huge time-savers for BCBAs writing plans and submitting authorizations.• Comprehensive Without Being Overwhelming: Practitioners can use a whole domain or just supplement missing areas like AAC, self-awareness, or perspective taking.• Practical for All Ages: Designed for ages 5+, with an early-learner (0–5) version coming in 2026.📦 Resources & Links• Learn more about the MOTAS through Different Roads to Learning (ask the creators for their 20% discount!) • Follow MOTAS updates from Casey & Anika → [email protected] and https://abilearningcenter.com/• Related Episodes:Crisis Cycle → https://abainschool.com/ep57FBA Mini-Series → https://abainschool.com/ep31part1• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🤝 Join Us💬 Tell us if you’ve tried the MOTAS or want to! Drop your thoughts in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group.🎧 Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.📢 Tag us on Instagram when you try a goal or domain from the MOTAS—we love seeing what resonates!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Transitions can be tough—especially when students move from a preferred activity to something less exciting. In this quick Misfit Minute, Audra shares practical ways to make transitions smoother and reduce challenging behaviors before they even start. Whether it’s adding countdowns, visuals, or empathy, these small tweaks can make a big difference in your day (and theirs).🔑 Key Takeaways• Predictability is prevention: Use visual cues, countdowns, or consistent verbal prompts to prepare students for change.• Show empathy early: Acknowledge that stopping something fun is hard—this builds trust and reduces escalation.• Use visuals and first/then supports: Help students see what’s coming next and what reinforcement follows.• Progress over perfection: Even a 10% smoother transition is a win—track small improvements and celebrate them!📦 Resources Mentioned• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Related episode: Ep. 69 Catch Them First — 3 Ways to Prevent Misbehavior Before It Starts → https://abainschool.com/ep69• Free Token Boards → https://abainschool.com/ymnr• ABA in School Blog → https://abainschool.com🙌 Join Us & Share• Share your favorite transition tips in our Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Subscribe for weekly behavior insights + full-length episodes• Send this episode to a teammate who dreads transitions (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 BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Every teacher has that moment when they realize—“ugh, I missed it.” The chance to redirect before things spiraled. In this week’s episode, Audra and Caitlin flip the classic “Catch Them Being Good” idea into something even more powerful: Catch Them First. They share three simple, proactive strategies you can use to prevent behavior issues before they happen—so you spend less time reacting and more time connecting.🔑 Key Takeaways• Catch Them First: Don’t wait for misbehavior—frontload support and reinforcement before problem moments arise.• Prime Your Students: Use pre-corrections or positive greetings to set expectations early.• Be Specific: Genuine, detailed praise helps students know exactly what behavior to repeat.• Timing Is Everything: Immediate reinforcement makes connections stronger and behaviors stick.• Small Wins Matter: Even subtle acknowledgments (“Great job being ready!”) build trust and consistency over time.📦 Resources & Links• Related Episode: Ep. 68: 5 Quick De-Escalation Tips for Teachers → https://abainschool.com/ep68yt• Related Episode: Ep. 57: The Crisis Cycle → https://abainschool.com/ep57• Free Visual: De-Escalation Strategy Visual → https://abainschool.com/mja5🤝 Join Us💬 Share what you “caught first” this week in our Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🎧 Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app📢 Tag us when you try these proactive tips in your classroom—we love hearing your wins!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Sometimes our students giggle, get wiggly, or completely check out when it’s time to write. Is it task avoidance? A skills gap? Sensory overload? In this Misfit Minute, Audra walks through 5 quick questions to help you figure out what’s really going on—and what to do about it—when pencil-and-paper tasks go sideways.🔑 Key Takeaways• Start with: Is it a can’t or a won’t? Skill deficits and motivation issues need different responses.• If it’s a can’t, reduce the demand—use scribes, stamps, typing, or tracing to build participation.• Use shaping to gradually increase writing tolerance—think small steps with strong reinforcement.• If it’s a won’t, reassess the reinforcement—maybe the “then” isn’t strong or fast enough.• Try shared turns—write together, take turns, and make it social and fun to build engagement.📦 Resources Mentioned• “Can’t Do vs Won’t Do” visual (in the Misfit Behaviorists FB group and linked in show notes) or here → https://abainschool.com/mm2w• Related episode: 5 Preschool Behavior Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep66 • Crisis Cycle Creation → https://abainschool.com/ep57 • FBA process starts here! → https://abainschool.com/ep31 • ABA in School blog → https://abainschool.com•  Free token boards → https://abainschool.com/ymnr🙌 Join Us & Share• Keep the conversation going in our Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Subscribe for more short tips + full-length strategy episodes• Share this with a teammate who works with reluctant writers or early learnersJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Sometimes behavior looks like defiance—but what if it's actually a missing skill? In this episode, Audra walks you through a simple visual tool to help determine whether a student’s challenging behavior is due to a skill deficit (“can’t”) or a motivation issue (“won’t”). Using her quadrant graphic, she explains the four learner profiles (Engaged, Frustrated, Avoidant, Resistant) and gives practical strategies for supporting each one.Whether you're a teacher, para, or BCBA, this is a must-listen for decoding behavior and supporting students in meaningful ways.🔑 Key Takeaways• Use a skill × motivation quadrant to understand student behavior• “Can’t” behaviors need scaffolding, skill building, and celebration of small wins• “Won’t” behaviors require adjusted reinforcement, more choice, and real-world relevance• There are 4 types of learners based on skill and motivation—support looks different for each• Staff modeling matters: share your own learning struggles to build connection📦 Resources Mentioned• “Can’t Do vs Won’t Do” visual (in the Misfit Behaviorists FB group and linked in show notes) or here → https://abainschool.com/mm2w• Related episode: 5 Preschool Behavior Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep66 • Crisis Cycle Creation → https://abainschool.com/ep57 • FBA process starts here! → https://abainschool.com/ep31 • ABA in School blog → https://abainschool.com•  Free token boards → https://abainschool.com/ymnr🙌 Join Us & Share• Keep the conversation going in our Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits• Subscribe for more short tips + full-length strategy episodes• Share this with a teammate who works with reluctant writers or early learnersJoin the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Every teacher knows those days when everything seems to erupt at once. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share five quick, practical de-escalation strategies that help you shift from chaos to calm—without losing your sanity or your sense of humor. From using proactive visuals to setting the emotional “temperature” of the room, these are tools you can use right away in any classroom or therapy setting.🔑 Key Takeaways• Prevention is your protection: Plan ahead with visuals, pre-corrections, and clear expectations to reduce triggers before they start.• Your calm = their calm: Be the thermostat, not the thermometer—your energy sets the tone. Use a calm voice, slow pacing, and neutral body language.• Give space and choices: Two choices = one win. Allow time and space for students to regulate and make a decision before stepping back in.• Delay, don’t deny: Instead of “no,” try “yes, later” or “no, but you can…” to reduce confrontation and maintain relationships.• Practice before the fire: Role-play refusals and problem moments before they happen to help students (and staff!) respond with calm and confidence.📦 Resources & Links• Free De-Escalation Strategy Visual → https://abainschool.com/deescalate• Related Episode: Ep. 57 The Crisis Cycle → https://abainschool.com/ep57• Related Episode: Ep. 6 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care → https://abainschool.com/ep6🤝 Join Us💬 Share your favorite classroom de-escalation strategies in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🎧 Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform → https://www.youtube.com/@themisfitbehaviorists📢 Tag us when you try one of these tips in your classroom—we love hearing what works for you!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Sometimes the issue isn’t that your behavior plan is “bad”—it’s that it’s not being followed with fidelity. Before you rewrite the whole thing, pause and check: are all staff on the same page, teaching replacement skills, and delivering reinforcement consistently? In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares some tough love and practical reminders about when you actually need a new plan versus when you just need to work the one you’ve got.🔑 Key Takeaways⦁        Consistency is critical—most plans fail because they aren’t followed, not because they’re wrong.⦁        Fidelity matters: check if reinforcement, teaching, and responses are happening as written.⦁        Communicate with your team before making major changes.⦁        Small tweaks may help, but give the current plan time to work.⦁        Collect data first, then decide if a new plan is necessary.📦 Resources Mentioned⦁        Related episodes: Start the FBA mini-series here → https://abainschool.com/ep31part1 and FBA Miniseries on Antecedent Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep51⦁        Do We Need an FBA? blog post → https://abainschool.com/do-we-need-an-fba/⦁        FBA template → https://abainschool.com/mkmg or https://abainschool.com/pmcf 🙌 Join Us & Share⦁        Join the conversation in our Facebook group ⦁        Subscribe so you don’t miss future Misfit Minutes and full-length strategy episodes⦁        Share this episode with a teammate who needs proactive classroom strategies!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Being a BCBA in a public school means more than behavior plans—it’s about collaboration, data, and supporting teachers on RTI and MTSS teams. In this episode, we share tips for building relationships, starting with Tier 1 strategies, and making sure your role feels valuable (not overwhelming!) to your general education colleagues.🔑 Key Takeaways• Start simple: Review Tier 1 supports before jumping to FBAs or complex plans.• Bring tools: Have ready-to-use data sheets and low-prep interventions for teachers.• Collaborate first: Ask teachers what’s already working and build from there.• Show, don’t tell: Bring visual examples like token boards or contracts to spark ideas.• Build trust: Celebrate teacher wins and keep follow-ups short, consistent, and encouraging.📦 Resources & Links• Free Tier 1 Interventions Checklist → https://abainschool.com/tier1• Related Episodes: Ep. 58 Bridging the Gap → https://abainschool.com/ep58 and Ep. 14 Life as a School Based BCBA guest → https://abainschool.com/ep14🤝 Join Us💬 Share how you support RTI/MTSS teams in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes with practical BCBA strategies → https://www.youtube.com/@themisfitbehaviorists📢 Share this episode with your RTI team, BCBA colleagues, or administrators to spark collaboration and support!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Offering students simple choices can reduce pushback and boost cooperation. In this Misfit Minute, we break down how to turn everyday directives into opportunities for autonomy and engagement.🔑 Key TakeawaysChoice = Power: Even small choices give students autonomy and reduce resistanceCircle Time Example: Let students choose where or how they sit instead of forcing one optionDirective Reframe: Switch “Put your things away and line up” to “Do you want to line up first or pack up first?”Weekly Challenge: Rewrite one classroom directive as a choice that works for you and your students📦 Resources MentionedRelated episodes: Pre-Correcting Behavior → http://abainschool.com/mm7 and FBA Miniseries on Antecedent Strategies → https://abainschool.com/ep51Free classroom tools & resources inside the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🙌 Join Us & ShareJoin the conversation in our Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfitsSubscribe so you don’t miss future Misfit Minutes and full-length strategy episodesShare this episode with a teammate who needs proactive classroom strategies!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Teaching little ones with big feelings can be equal parts joyful and challenging. In this episode, we share five simple, effective strategies for supporting early learners in preschool and special education settings. From using visuals to keeping it playful, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can try tomorrow.🔑 Key Takeaways•  Keep it visual: Use simple schedules, choice boards, and social stories to support communication and independence.•  Narrate everything: Model positive language with calm, playful tones (think Mr. Rogers or Miss Rachel style).•  Prevention matters: Catch behaviors early with pre-corrections, sensory breaks, and proactive supports.•  Repetition is key: Expect to teach skills 50+ times—consistency builds mastery.•  Play is better than lecture: Embed learning into games, role play, and parallel play for lasting impact.📦 Resources & Links•  Related Episodes: Episode #64 Preschool Circle Time     Episode #18 Behavior Management Basics •  If you need some preschool circle time ideas, check these out! 🤝 Join Us      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group      🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This week’s Misfit Minute is all about catching behaviors before they escalate. Caitlin breaks down how to spot the earliest warning signs—like a shift in posture or a sigh—and why waiting until the meltdown starts is already too late. Learn how small, proactive strategies can prevent big challenges in the classroom.🔑 Key TakeawaysEscalation is the “tip of the iceberg” — behaviors begin long before yelling or refusal.Early signs might include subtle changes like silence, avoidance, or body language.Use antecedent strategies such as offering choices, adjusting tasks, or modifying the environment.Proactive support reduces the likelihood of major problem behaviors.Reflection matters: ask, “What could I have done a few minutes earlier?”📦 Resources MentionedRelated episode: FBA Miniseries on Antecedent Strategies Free classroom tools & resources inside the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 🙌 Join Us & ShareJoin the conversation in our Facebook group Subscribe so you don’t miss future Misfit Minutes and full-length strategy episodesShare this episode with a teammate who needs proactive classroom strategies!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

If it’s not generalizing, it’s not functional. In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and materials.🔑 Key TakeawaysRedefine Mastery: Ditch “80% for 3 days” as the finish line—probe across time (weeks), people, places, and materials.Plan for M+G Early: Write IEP goals that embed generalization (different staff, tables, exemplars) and maintenance checks.Teach Loosely ≠ Teach Sloppily: Use multiple exemplars (sizes, fonts, colors), varied instructions, and rotate staff from day one.Schedule Maintenance: Build in review times (e.g., Friday maintenance, quick sweeps after work sessions) and intersperse mastered items.Use Natural Opportunities: Count lunch boxes, read names on cubbies—teach outside the data squares for real-life use.Team Communication Wins: Share what works across classroom, gym, lunch, recess; align prompts and exemplars.Match the Learner: Some learners need tight scaffolds; others generalize quickly—individualize criteria and pacing.🧰 Strategies You Can Use TomorrowGoal Writing Upgrades: “Match letters with different colored cards, at different tables, with different staff, across two weeks at 80%.”Exemplar Rule of 3: Teach each concept with ≥3 versions (e.g., tiger photos, clipart, figurine).Mastered Bin System: Keep a “M” bin of mastered targets to intermix with new learning.Quick Maintenance Routines: 3–5 min daily spot-checks; Friday review block.Motivate Naturally: Embed practice before preferred activities (recess, lunch) for built-in reinforcement.📦 Resources & LinksRelated Episodes: Episode #16 Probe vs Trial-by-Trial data and Episode #5 DTT vs NET🤝 Join Us      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group      🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This week’s Misfit Minute is all about a tiny tool with a big payoff—sticky notes! 📝 Audra shares a quick and easy praise strategy you can implement immediately to boost positive behavior, make students feel seen, and encourage classroom-wide reinforcement. Perfect for preschool, special education, and any classroom that thrives on connection and encouragement. 💛🔑 Key Takeaways📝 Use sticky notes as quick, visual praise for behaviors you want to reinforce👏 Simple compliments like “I love how you raised your hand” can go a long way👀 Visible notes spark peer motivation when classmates see positive recognition🌟 Focus on students who need extra encouragement—small praise makes a big impact🎯 Challenge: Pass out 5 sticky notes a day this week and see the difference!📦 Resources Mentioned💡 More quick classroom reinforcement ideas inside the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits🔗 Get these FREE Beat the Teacher visuals → https://abainschool.com/6n7u🙌 Join Us & Share💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources → https://abainschool.com/misfits🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on evidence-based strategies👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs an easy win for positive behavior support!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Preschool circle time doesn’t have to be chaos! 🎶 In this episode, we share simple strategies to keep little learners engaged, structured, and having fun—while meeting every student where they are. 🌟🎧 Key Takeaways• Purpose of Circle Time: Sets the tone for the day, offering structure and fun through songs, weather checks, and IEP skill practice. Adaptations are key to meeting the students where they are! 🌞• Four Pillars of a Balanced Circle Time:     1. Physical Movement: Gross or fine motor activities to keep kids engaged 🏃‍♂️     2. Sensory Engagement: Incorporate sight, sound, and touch 🌈     3. Social Interaction: Encourage greetings, peer interactions, and communication 🤝     4. Cognitive Development: Incorporate pre-academic tasks like counting and identifying letters 🔤• Circle Time Duration: Tailor it to your learners’ needs, generally 10-15 minutes for preschool, with shorter increments for younger or less-attentive children ⏱️• Handling Refusals: Modify circle time to include small groupings, alternate activities, and sensory breaks for students who need it 🙋‍♂️• Make It Fun: Use creative methods like sticker rewards, visual aids, and fun songs to maintain engagement and make learning enjoyable 🎶✨🧰 Resources & Links• Ideas for circle time songs: Simple, fun tunes like "Jack Hartmann" songs to keep kids engaged and interactive 🎵• Visual aids: Use yes/no boards, weather charts, and name cards to boost participation and social skills 📊 Check out these circle time resources! • Alternative activities: Quiet corner activities like puzzles for students who need a break 🧩 Try these calm corner visuals: • Related Episodes: Misfit Minute #9 A fun circle time activity and Episode #18 Behavior Management Basics  🤝 Join Us      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group      🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Reinforcement isn’t a trick, a loophole, or a bribe—it’s an evidence-based strategy that builds real behavior change. In this quick Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares a practical way to explain the difference between reinforcement and bribery—perfect for staff training or team refreshers.🧠 Key Takeaways:🔄 Reinforcement is proactive, planned, and delivered after the desired behavior🚫 Bribery is reactive, often given during or after problem behavior to stop it💼 Think of it like a paycheck: you work first, then get paid—that’s reinforcement!🧠 Reinforcement is rooted in decades of research and builds long-term independence🗣️ Use simple analogies (like paychecks) to help staff and families understand the difference🛠️ Resources & Mentions:💡 Great clip to use in staff meetings or paraprofessional trainings📄 Want a free reinforcement vs. bribery handout? Check the Facebook group!🙌 Join Us & Share📱 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for quick, practical tips💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources https://abainschool.com/misfits🎧 Subscribe to catch all our behavior strategy drops👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs some fresh ideas!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Are you drowning in data but still missing progress? In this episode, we’re talking about the five most common data collection mistakes we’ve seen (and made!)—and how to fix them. Whether you're a BCBA, teacher, or therapist, these tips will help you streamline your systems, support your staff, and actually use the data you're collecting.🧠 Key Takeaways:📊 Too much data = too little connection — Prioritize quality over quantity.🧍‍♀️ Inconsistent systems can lead to confusing or unusable data—align your team early!🧾 Vague definitions = meaningless data. Use clear, shared operational definitions.🧩 Wrong tools = no follow-through — Choose formats your team can actually use.⏰ Data with no review is wasted — Schedule regular check-ins and use what you gather.🧰 Resources & Links      🎯 Caitlin's IEP data tracker forms • Audra's FREE data forms via the weekly newsletter        🧩 Related Episodes: Misfit Minute for the best clipboards • Episode #16 Probe vs Trial data • Episode #13 Keeping Materials Organized 🤝 Join Us      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group      🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This week, we’re keeping it super simple—and super effective. Audra shares two of her favorite low-prep activities that boost engagement, joint attention, and early conversation skills using nothing more than a decorated box or bag and a few trinkets from around the room. Perfect for preschool, early intervention, and special education classrooms!🔑 Key Takeaways🧠 Use a Surprise Box to build early joint attention and excitement during circle time💬 Try a Chat Bag for turn-taking, contingent conversation, and pronoun use🪄 You don’t need fancy materials—just be silly, animated, and consistent🗣️ Great for building social communication skills in young or minimally verbal learners⏰ Works well at the start of group time to grab attention and build engagement📦 Resources Mentioned💬 Chat Chains Conversation Starter Activity (TPT) 🙌 Join Us & Share💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources 🎧 Subscribe to catch all our behavior strategy drops👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs some fresh ideas!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Running social skills groups can be tricky—especially when you’re balancing different student needs, group sizes, and settings. In this episode, we unpack how to structure and differentiate social skills groups for learners at every level—whether you’re in a school, clinic, or classroom. From dyads to full-blown community outings, we’re breaking down what works (and what really doesn’t).👥 Whether you're supporting early learners or advanced social thinkers, you'll walk away with practical strategies, game ideas, and real-talk about flexibility, planning, and data collection.🗝️ Key Takeaways      • 3 Types of Social Groups: Understand the difference between social behavior groups, early dyads, and advanced cognition groups—and when to use each.      • Who Goes Where? Learn how to match learners thoughtfully (and realistically) in group settings.      • Structure Matters: Tips for creating predictable routines and flexible lesson plans that work in both schools and clinics.      • Simple Game Ideas: From UNO to Play-Doh, get low-prep group game ideas for every skill level.      • Realistic Data Collection: How to track goals without losing your mind—or the moment.🧰 Resources & Links      🎯 Free Group visuals, lesson plans, and data AND Group Data Sheet Template      🧠 Episode Mention: Michelle Garcia Winner – Social Thinking®      🧩 Related Episode: Reverse Inclusion (Ep. 46) and Naturalistic Teaching (Ep. 5)       💥 Beat the Teacher Game: Shop It Here       📥 Grab our Favorite Low-Prep Group Games! Add to the list in our Facebook community:            • Pop! the Pig             • Pop-up Pirate             • Don't Break the Ice             • Animal Ring Toss             • Kerplunk             • Uno             • Qwirkle             • Blokus 🤝 Join Us      💬 Let us know your favorite low-prep group activity in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group      🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!      💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists      📚 Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this quick episode, Caitlin shares how to redirect student behavior without power struggles, using subtle, positive phrasing that preserves dignity and prevents escalation. Learn how to guide students clearly—without ever saying “No!”💡 Key Takeaways🔄 Redirection doesn’t need to be confrontational💬 Use clear, positive language to say what to do instead🧠 Build habits with consistent, gentle phrasing🤝 Preserve student dignity and avoid resistance✨ Try phrases like “Use a calm voice” or “Try again with walking feet”📚 Resources & Visuals🎧 Other episodes you’ll love:🔗 Ep. 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care https://abainschool.com/ep3🔗 Ep. 29: Functions of Behavior: The WHY more than the WHAT https://abainschool.com/Ep29🧾 Misfit Behavior Strategy Calendar: 52 weekly staff tips! https://abainschool.com/behaviorcalendar🎨 Visuals for Calm Communication https://abainschool.com/an1j🙌 Join Us & Share📱 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for quick, practical tips💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources https://abainschool.com/misfits🎧 Subscribe to catch all our behavior strategy drops👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who rocks redirection!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎙 Join Caitlin and guest Michelle Morris, an experienced self-contained classroom teacher, as they unpack real talk for new special ed teachers. From unexpected chaos to building strong staff dynamics, Michelle shares the five things she wishes she knew starting out—plus how to lean into your team and your strengths without losing your mind.💡 Whether you're brand-new or deep in the trenches, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to pivot with grace.🔑 Key Takeaways🌀 Be flexible—plans change, behaviors erupt, and that’s okay🙅 Don’t take things personally—from students or staff🤝 Use your resources—you're not expected to do it all alone✨ Play to your strengths (and your team’s!)🧘‍♀️ Take breaks when you need them—it’s not weakness, it’s wisdom📚 Resources and Ideas🎧 Other episodes you’ll love:🔗 Ep. 47: Managing Paras 🔗 Ep. 30: Supervising RBTs and Paras 🔗 Misfit Minute #5: Best Clipboards for data collection Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Redirection Misfit Minute 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this short and practical episode, we explore the power of pre-correcting behavior—a quick strategy to set students up for success before a problem even starts. You’ll learn how to spot patterns, cue expectations in the moment, and reinforce positive behavior with intention.💡 Key Takeaways🔍 Know the behavior patterns—when and where issues usually occur🗣️ Use quick verbal cues right before problem moments🎯 Reinforce success immediately with specific praise and rewards📋 Pre-correction is easier than correction—set students up to shine🎒 Keep visual cues on a lanyard or clipboard for fast, effective reminders📚 Resources & Visuals🎨 Lanyard Pre-Correction Visuals (rhyme + statement versions in color/B&W) 🖍️ Student Coloring Pages for Each Routine (included in the visuals)📏 Line-Up Behavior Chant Visual – “1, 2, eyes on you…” 🙌 Join Us & Share💬 Join the Facebook group for free downloads and behind-the-scenes discussions🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss a weekly strategy drop👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a fellow teacher or behaviorist who needs an easy win!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This episode started as a quick Misfit Minute—but it turned into a deep dive, so we made it a full one. Inspired by that iconic Big Bang Theory clip with Sheldon and the chocolates, we break down a question behavior folks love to debate:👉 Is it positive reinforcement... or positive punishment?We walk through a simple way to understand the four terms:Positive/Negative Reinforcement and Positive/Negative Punishment…without getting stuck in jargon, so you can apply it in real situations, not just pass a test.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Behavior terms like “positive” and “negative” aren’t value judgments—they describe what’s added or removed✅ You must define the target behavior first before labeling an intervention✅ Positive reinforcement = behavior increases + something added✅ Negative reinforcement = behavior increases + something removed✅ Positive punishment = behavior decreases + something added✅ Negative punishment = behavior decreases + something removed✅ Yes, the Sheldon chocolate clip is still relevant—and worth discussing📚 Resources and Ideas📌 Download the flow chart from the episode 🧩 Use it for quick reference in team meetings, FBAs, or your BCBA exam prep🖼️ Join the conversation in our Facebook group to share your interpretation of the Sheldon example!📌 Related Episodes:– Ep. 18: Behavior Management Basics – Ep. 45: Must-Read Behavior Books for Teachers and BCBAs Join 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 special education and behavior analysis!📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

In this bite-sized episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift: don’t just teach the rule—teach the replacement behavior. Saying “don’t do that” isn’t enough. Real behavior change happens when we teach students exactly what to do instead.💡 Key Takeaways:🚫 Saying “don’t do that” doesn’t teach a skill—replacement behaviors do🔁 Replacement behaviors aren’t add-ons—they are the behavior plan🧩 Prompting, modeling, and reinforcing appropriate actions is essential❓ Before correcting behavior, ask: “Have I taught what I want to see instead?”🌱 Teaching new behaviors is about building skills, not just managing disruption📚 Resources & Inspiration🔗 Tantrums to Transformation: Positive Behavioral Support to Address Challenging Behaviors 🔗 Episode 12 Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills 🔗 Episode 55 How to Reinforce Replacement Behaviors and Respond to Problem Behavior 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Part 13 (the last step) of the FBA Mini-Series!You’ve got the plan… now let’s make sure it actually works. In this final episode of our FBA Mini-Series, Audra and Sami walk you through how to track behavior data, define roles, build fidelity, and make sure your BIP stays meaningful. This is the wrap-up you didn’t know you needed, filled with practical ways to follow through on everything you’ve created!🔑 Key Takeaways🧠 Track what matters – Collect data on both the target and replacement behaviors📈 Keep it doable – Simple, regular data is better than complex forms no one uses🧍‍♀️ Assign clear roles – Know who is collecting what, when, and how🔍 Check fidelity – Use plan-specific and general fidelity checklists to stay on track💬 Share updates – Include teachers and families in celebrations and progress🎯 Define mastery – Know when the plan has “worked” and what comes next♻️ Keep it alive – BIPs should be living documents that evolve with the student📚 Resources and Ideas📌 Free Download: Fidelity Checklist Template 📌 Related Episodes:– Ep. 54: Creating the Behavior Plan – Part 10 – Ep. 12: Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Behavior Responses (positive/negative reinforcement/punishment) Made Clear! 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Let us know if you use a Fidelity Checklist in your BIPs in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

💡 Key Takeaways:🖊️ Use a dual-sided clipboard with a whiteboard front and chalkboard back for both data and student visuals🎯 Turn the chalkboard side into a Velcro token board or quick-reinforcer tracker🧵 Small quarter-sheet clipboards are perfect for mini data sheets and can be worn on lanyards or fit in your pocket💼 Clipboards aren't just for paper—they’re flexible tools that can help paraprofessionals stay organized and responsive🙌 Use these tools to make reciprocal visuals, portable schedules, or motivation systems for students on the move📚 Resources Mentioned:🔗 Whiteboard/Chalkboard Clipboard 🔗 Standard small clipboards 6x9 🔗 Mini-small color clipboards 4.7x7.3 🔗 Mini-small black clipboards 4x6 📚 Resources & Inspiration📝 Want to go deeper? Listen to Ep.18: Behavior Management Basics or Ep. 2: 2 Ways to Hack Your Data Collection 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🤝 Join Caitlin and Audra as they dive into the crucial topic of fostering strong working relationships between school-based BCBAs and teachers! Learn from their real-world experiences – both successes and challenges – in building mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of students.💡 It's all about teamwork! Discover how to move beyond potential roadblocks and create effective partnerships.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Lead with trust—respect teachers’ expertise, time, and lived experience🧠 Use teacher-friendly language and avoid behavior jargon (save “DRO” for later)🎯 Ask open-ended questions to understand their struggles before jumping to solutions💡 Use simple tools like “What’s Working / Not Working” to frame tough conversations🧍 Mirroring emotions and validating teachers’ experiences builds connection📉 Even if you don’t become best friends, aim for collaboration over compliance🪄 Pro tip: Genuine praise in front of others goes a long way in building rapport📚 Resources and Ideas🎧 Previous Relevant Episodes:🔗 Episode 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care 🔗 Episode 10: Navigating Difficult Conversations with ABA Staff 📖 Book Recommendations:🔗 Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss  - Discussed for its insights on communication and building understanding.🔗 Let Them by Mel Robbins 📝 Freebie:💡 Caitlin's "What's Working/What's Not Working" visual for facilitating positive meeting starts Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Part 13 of the FBA mini-series, MASTERY! 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎙️ Misfit Minute #4: POWER Up Your Praise – Praising What You Want RepeatedTired of generic praise that doesn't seem to stick? Caitlin highlights the power of behavior-specific praise – telling students exactly what they did well. Learn why focusing your positive attention can cultivate the behaviors you want to see and shift the tone of your classroom.💡 Behavior grows where attention flows. Let's make sure it's flowing towards the positive!🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Be Behavior-Specific: Move beyond "good job" to praise like "Thanks for using a quiet voice" or "I noticed you cleaned up right away."✅ Attention Flows Where Behavior Grows: If we only focus on what's wrong, that's what we'll keep seeing.✅ Targeted Praise Matters: While some students might not need constant praise, those still learning expectations definitely do.✅ Aim for the 4:1 Ratio: Strive for four positive comments for every correction to build confidence.✅ Start Small, See Big Shifts: Catch one student doing something right and call it out – it can change the whole classroom dynamic.📚 Resources & Inspiration📝 Want to go deeper? Listen to Episode 28: Building Relationships with Students for more ideas! 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Planning a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for high-intensity behaviors? This episode walks you through the 7 stages of the Crisis Cycle—and how to use it as a practical tool in your FBAs and behavior plans.We’re talking real-world escalation, de-escalation, and everything in between: what the student actually does, how staff should respond, and how to keep your team aligned in high-stress situations.🔑 Key Takeaways• The Crisis Cycle is a predictable escalation pattern—and one of the most useful tools in behavior planning• Define what each stage looks like for your student, not just in theory• Staff strategies matter—wrong support at the wrong time can make it worse• Always include recovery and exhaustion—don’t rush the student back to work• Use the plan proactively and reflectively (after incidents)• Invite input from families and staff, and update the plan as the student grows• Trauma-informed care matters—touch and tone can trigger more than you realize📚 Resources and Ideas📝 Free Crisis Cycle Visual: Download here 📌 Related Episodes:• Ep. 51 – Antecedent Strategies → abainschool.com/ep51• Ep. 55 – Building Behavior Plans: Behavior Teaching → abainschool.com/ep55 Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Bridging the gap between behavior specialists and teachers 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Let us know how YOU use the crisis cycle in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Sick of saying “no” and getting big reactions? Audra shares an easy-to-remember acronym—R.E.D.O.—to help reframe your redirections and get more buy-in from students without the meltdown.💡 Teach them it’s not “No forever,” it’s “Yes, just not yet.”🔑 Key Takeaways✅ R – Reframe the No: Say what they can do instead✅ E – Engage with Warmth: Invite, don’t command✅ D – Define the Next Step: Be clear about what’s first/next✅ O – Offer Motivation: Use reinforcers that actually matter to that learner✅ “Yes… after…” can prevent behavior and build trust📚 Resources & Inspiration📝 Pair this with our longer Episode 51 Antecedent Strategies in Behavior Plans  and Episode 12 Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills  📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Planning an IEP can feel like a whirlwind—deadlines, data, collaboration, and student needs all rolled into one big meeting. In this episode, Caitlin and Audra walk through a practical timeline for IEP prep, from parent check-ins to drafting goals and reviewing behavior plans.Whether you’re a teacher, BCBA, or case manager, this one’s packed with real-talk and ready-to-use tips to make your IEPs more effective and less stressful.🔑 Key Takeaways📅 Start early—draft a prep timeline 4–6 weeks in advance if possible📬 Reach out to families before the meeting to check in on their priorities and updates✏️ Don't blindly carry over goals—use progress data, probe skills, and adjust accordingly🔄 Always review behavior plans—don’t let them autopilot year to year🧑‍🎓 Involve students when appropriate—yes, even younger learners!🗣️ Drafts are okay—just be clear it’s a starting point, not a final plan💬 No surprises! Build trust with families by keeping communication open and collaborative📚 Resources and Ideas📌 Download the free IEP Prep Timeline Visual📌 Related Episode: Ep. 29 – Functions of Behavior Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Prepping for IEPs! 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Get Involved: Share your 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 Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎙️ Misfit Minute #2: W.A.I.T. – Why Am I Talking?Sometimes, the most powerful support you can offer during a student’s escalation… is silence. Caitlin introduces the W.A.I.T. strategy ("Why Am I Talking?")—a simple but transformative tool for de-escalation and emotional regulation.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Silence can be a strategy—not avoidance✅ Extra words = extra demands during escalation✅ Give students space to feel, process, and reset✅ Speak with purpose: clear, calm, and kind✅ “I’m here when you’re ready” can be magic📚 Resources & Inspiration📝 Pair this with our longer episode 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors with Trauma-Informed Care and Building Relationships with Students  📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Continuing on in our FBA-BIP mini-series, we're at Step 11. This week, we’re diving into the consequence side of behavior plans—what to do after students engage in either the challenging behavior or the replacement behavior. It’s not just about preventing problem behavior… it’s about teaching, reinforcing, and responding with consistency and care.🔑 Key Takeaways🧠 Reinforce replacement behaviors immediately and consistently—across staff, settings, and time🎯 Match the function with the reinforcement (e.g., escape behavior = give a break)💬 Avoid reinforcing the problem behavior, even accidentally (yep, we’ve all done it!)🧍‍♀️ Use neutral responses when addressing challenging behavior—no power struggles, just calm presence🛠️ Make the plan simple, visible, and actionable for all team members📉 Use data to drive decisions, not just feelings or assumptions📚 Resources and Ideas📌 Check out Episode 29 on Functions of Behavior! 📌 Consequence Strategies FREE visuals 📌 These Functions of Behaviors social stories might be helpful for your young learners!  Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Prepping for IEPs! 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Get Involved: Share your 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 Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎙️ The Misfit Minute #1: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started TeachingWelcome to the very first episode of The Misfit Minute — your quick wins podcast series packed with fast, practical tips for educators, BCBAs, and therapists. In this debut episode, Audra shares 5 honest, heartfelt lessons learned the hard way — so you don’t have to.✨ If you're in the messy middle of teaching, this one's for you.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Set boundaries early — your time matters✅ Saying “no” is a professional skill✅ Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay✅ Ask for support (and keep asking if you need to)✅ The work is hard, but the wins are magic📚 Resources & Inspiration📝 Pair this with our longer episode #9 Battle Burnout  📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

This week, we’re diving into ABA strategies for building tolerance in real-life situations like haircuts, doctor visits, and dental appointments. Many learners with autism and anxiety struggle with these experiences, and traditional approaches like social stories aren’t always enough. We’ll break down how to desensitize fears, use reinforcement effectively, and teach coping skills to make these essential life skills more manageable.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Meet learners where they are – Start with the smallest step they can tolerate and build up gradually.✅ Break it down like a task analysis – Even sitting near a hair clipper or stepping into a waiting room is progress.✅ Use real-life visuals & practice visits – Take pictures, arrange preview visits, and mimic the experience as closely as possible.✅ Find powerful reinforcers – Whether it’s a favorite toy or a coping strategy, reinforcement helps learners push through discomfort.✅ Teach coping skills proactively – Don’t just rely on external rewards—help learners self-regulate with breathing techniques, fidgets, or preferred items.📚 Resources and Ideas📌 Check out Episode 49 on anxiety! 📌 A couple social stories for young learners that might help: https://abainschool.com/wvvp and https://abainschool.com/13ou📌 Coping Skills visuals Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: Consequence Strategies in the BIP – Reinforcing Success & Responding to Behavior 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Get Involved: Share your 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 Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Continuing on in our FBA-BIP mini-series, we're at Step 10! This week, we’re tackling one of the most important steps in behavior intervention planning—choosing the right replacement behavior. Just reducing problem behavior isn’t enough; we have to actively teach what to do instead in a way that’s functional, motivating, and sustainable.🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Replacement behaviors must meet the same function – If a student yells to escape a task, teaching them to request a break makes sense. Giving them a fidget does not.✅ Make it easy & efficient – The new skill must be as quick (or quicker) than the problem behavior, or it won’t stick.✅ Teach what’s already in their repertoire – If a learner can’t say, “Can I take a break?” yet, start with something simpler, like using a break card.✅ Plan for sustainability – Reinforcement should be natural whenever possible, so skills can generalize without heavy external rewards.✅ Extinction matters – If the old behavior still works sometimes, students will keep using it. Staff must commit to only reinforcing the replacement behavior.📚 Resources and Ideas📌 Check out Episode 12 on replacement behaviors! 📌 Teaching Positive Behaviors FREE visuals 📌 These Functions of Behaviors social stories might be helpful for your young learners! Join Us...🎙 Next Episode: ABA Tools for Tolerance -- Haircuts, Doctor Visits & More 🌟 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 special education and behavior analysis!💬 Get Involved: Share your 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 Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsInstagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us!Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior BasicsSami | B.A.S.S.🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!