The Autism Helper Podcast

In this episode, Laura Hayes, SLP, and I discuss the evolving understanding of AAC and what it really means to support AAC users in meaningful, communication-centered ways. We talk about common myths surrounding AAC, the role of stimming in communication, and how educators and therapists can create environments where AAC users feel safe to regulate, stim, and communicate authentically. Laura shares practical insights on recognizing communication attempts, honoring neurodivergent communication styles, and building truly supportive communication environments.Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 17 years of experience supporting augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users in school and medical settings. She can be followed for more resources and ideas on implementation and support for AAC on Instagram @aac_innovations and her website: https://sites.google.com/view/aacinnovations/homewww.tinyurl.com/aacinnovationshttps://www.instagram.com/aac_innovations/https://products.brookespublishing.com/Comprehensive-Literacy-for-All-P1165.aspxhttps://literacyforallinstruction.cahttps://comprehensiveliteracy.com/https://www.buildingwings.comEpisode Transcription.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Devitt, owner of Sport Social, to explore how sports, movement, and the arts can be powerful teaching tools. Andrew shares what these approaches offer learners beyond traditional table-based instruction, how movement and creativity support social communication and regulation, and what intentional teaching looks like in play-based settings. We also dig into generalization - why skills taught through sports and arts are more likely to transfer to real life - and wrap up with practical ways teachers can apply these principles in any classroom, even without specialized equipment, starting with a simple mindset shift around play and learning.Andrew Devitt is the founder of Sport Social, a non-traditional ABA organization in Las Vegas that uses sports, art, and music - grounded in the science of applied behavior analysis - to help individuals with autism build happiness, connection, and friendship in active, genuinely fun environments.https://www.lvsportsocial.com/instagram @lvsportsocialEpisode transcription.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we take a closer look at one of the most commonly used behavior strategies in classrooms and therapy spaces: redirection. While redirection is often well-intentioned and easy to default to, it can become a problem when it’s used as the primary response to challenging behavior without addressing the why behind it.We unpack what redirection actually does (and doesn’t do), how it can unintentionally reinforce behavior or create dependence on adults, and why managing behavior in the moment isn’t the same as teaching long-term skills. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of when redirection makes sense, when it doesn’t, and what to do instead - so behavior support shifts from constant interruption to meaningful instruction.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we’re joined by Melissa Ziegler, a kindergarten self-contained autism teacher, to talk about what individual instruction really looks like in practice. Melissa shares which skills most often require 1:1 teaching, how she fits individual instruction into a busy school day, and the systems and routines that help protect that time without everything else falling apart. She also discusses how to keep students engaged, choose meaningful instructional targets, and balance planning with responsiveness. This episode offers realistic encouragement - and actionable ideas - for teachers who want individual instruction to feel doable and effective in real classrooms.Follow Melissa at:Instagram @melissas_pre_kEpisode transcription.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Autism Helper Podcast, we talk with Dr. Destiny Huff about what it really means to create neuroaffirming IEPs. We explore the gap between compliance and true support, how IEP practices can impact student mental health, and the red flags educators should watch for in IEP language. Dr. Huff shares how goals and present levels can better honor student identity and autonomy, along with practical ways to make IEP meetings feel safer and more collaborative for families.Dr. Destiny Huff is a late-diagnosed Black Autistic ADHD mental health therapist, non-attorney special education advocate, and parent of neurodivergent children who centers neuroaffirming, anti-ableist advocacy focused on safety, consent, and meaningful support over compliance.Learn more from Dr. Huff: https://www.destinyhuffconsulting.com/Episode transcription.----------------------------------------------Interested in our Year-Long Curriculum Access Subscription? Learn more about it here: https://theautismhelper.com/tah-curriculum-access/Join the waitlist for our Professional Development Membership: https://shop.theautismhelper.com/pages/membership-waitlistWant more information about The Autism Helper Courses? Visit: https://theautismhelper.com/courses/Looking for a specific product or resource? Find it in our new Autism Helper Store! https://shop.theautismhelper.com/Or visit The Autism Helper store on TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Autism-HelperStay up to date on all things Autism Helper by downloading our new, FREE app! Available on both the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-autism-helper/id1557724340 & Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.theautismhelper&hl=en_US&gl=USGet all updates from The Autism Helper Podcast by clicking subscribe above. Head over to theautismhelper.com for more info. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest @theautismhelper.Our Sponsors:* Check out Factor: http://factormeals.com/sasha50off* Check out Ohio State University: https://go.osu.edu/AutismHelper* Check out Talkiatry: https://talkiatry.com/sashaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy