Episode summary: In this episode, we dive into managing disrespectful behaviors in the classroom and how educators can shift their mindset to better support students. Instead of viewing rude or challenging actions as personal attacks, we explore strategies to understand these behaviors as a form of communication. From fostering empathy and maintaining consistent expectations to using de-escalation strategies and focusing on relationship-building, this episode provides practical tips to create a more positive learning environment and help students navigate their emotions.

Episode Highlights:

• Mindset Shift: Learn how understanding student behavior as communication can reduce stress and improve classroom dynamics.
• Empathy and Consistency: Explore how empathy and consistent expectations can help address challenging behaviors effectively.
• De-escalation Strategies: Discover key techniques to calm tense situations and prevent power struggles.
• Relationship-Building: Understand the importance of building strong connections with students before attempting to correct behavior.

In this episode, we’re breaking down preference assessments—those handy tools that help figure out what really motivates students, especially those with special needs. We chat about different ways to discover what kids love, from simple interviews to observing their choices in real-time. By collecting this info, teachers can create a preference hierarchy, which is just a fancy way of ranking what kids enjoy most so they can use those favorites to encourage positive behavior.

We also share some practical tips for getting the most accurate results, like keeping things consistent and offering a variety of choices. Plus, we tackle common hiccups, like when kids aren’t interested in what’s offered or get overwhelmed by too many options, and how to work around those challenges. This episode is all about making behavior management smoother and more effective by truly understanding what makes each student tick.

Resources Mentioned:

• Preference Assessment

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 11: Understanding the Functions of Behavior

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In this episode of Autism Academy 360, Lisa Hollady discusses the powerful role visuals play in both our everyday lives and the classroom. From driving directions to restaurant menus, visuals help guide us through various tasks without overwhelming us. Lisa emphasizes how visuals can support students with Autism and benefit all learners by creating independence and reducing frustration from verbal overload.

Episode Highlights:

• Visuals help navigate everyday tasks like driving, shopping, and ordering food.
• Over-reliance on verbal directions in the classroom can overwhelm students, leading to frustration and negative behaviors.
• Classroom visuals such as labeled materials, turn-in bins, and task lists promote independence and reduce the need for constant reminders.
• Visual supports can also streamline home routines, with an example of how a bedtime visual schedule drastically reduced negative behavior.