The Autism Helper Podcast

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, I’m joined by Kaelynn Partlow - autistic advocate, national speaker, and familiar face from the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. Diagnosed with autism at age 10, Kaelynn has dedicated her career to meaningful inclusion through her work as an RBT with Project Hope and as the author of Life on the Bridge. Together, we unpack the critical difference between a skill deficit and a capacity limit, exploring why this distinction matters for educators, families, and autistic individuals themselves. Kaelynn shares common misconceptions, how misunderstandings can impact independence and employment, and practical ways to determine when to teach a skill versus when to provide an accommodation. This episode offers clear, compassionate guidance for supporting meaningful progress in a way that truly honors individual needs.

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In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, Sasha chats with Dr. Erin Michaud, a Speech-Language Pathologist and BCBA-D with over 20 years of experience supporting infants at high likelihood for autism. Dr. Michaud shares what she’s learning from the Early Markers of Autism Project, including the earliest behavioral indicators to look for and how to distinguish meaningful early signs from typical infant variability.

She also discusses how she supports families through her private practice, using NDBI (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention) strategies to help parents build social and communication skills through everyday routines. We talk about practical, parent-led actions that make a real difference, how to create natural opportunities for connection, and how to navigate the common question: “Should I wait and see, or seek early support?”

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re turning up the heat! 🔥 I’m diving into four spicy social media comments and unpacking the tough conversations behind them. From the debate over the value of errorless learning, to the real-world challenges of handling aggression in the classroom, and the art of de-escalation strategies- nothing’s off-limits.

Join me as I respond candidly, clear up misconceptions, and share practical, compassionate approaches that actually work in the classroom. Whether you’re a teacher, therapist, or parent, this episode will leave you with strategies you can use and food for thought about how we discuss and support behavior in our learners.

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In this episode, we take a closer look at two widely used assessment tools in both clinical and educational settings: the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) and the ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised). Aimed at clinicians, special educators, and support staff, this discussion breaks down the core differences between the two tools - covering structure, developmental focus, skill domains, and practical use in programming. We explore which learners each tool best supports, how to use the data to inform IEPs and behavior plans, and why some teams choose to use both for a more comprehensive view of a child’s strengths and needs. Whether you're working in a classroom, a clinic, or across both environments, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you select and apply the right assessment tools for your students or clients.

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In this episode, we're tackling a tough but important topic: the common strategies that just don't work when it comes to reducing problem behavior in the classroom or clinical setting. From relying on punishment alone to enforcing one-size-fits-all policies, we break down five approaches that may seem effective in the moment but often backfire in the long run. Whether you're a teacher, behavior specialist, or therapist, this episode will help you reflect on what might be getting in the way of real progress - and what to do instead. Tune in to learn why addressing root causes, teaching missing skills, and using proactive strategies are essential for lasting behavior change.

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