The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals
Are you a teacher looking for support with students with diverse needs or behavior management in the classroom? Tune into The Misfit Behaviorists podcast, hosted by Caitlin Beltran, Audra Jensen, and Sami Brown, three BCBAs (and two special education teachers), as they bring you actionable tips to behavior reduction and skill acquisition. Listen to evidence-based strategies with a student-centered focus as they share practical advice for special education teachers, behavior support teachers, BCBAs, and ABA professionals.
Whether you're seeking advice or just want to laugh, new to the field or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, tune in for this unique blend of professional expertise and real-life experience. Weekly episodes will be concise, because we know your time is limited! Don’t miss it!
Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: https://abainschool.com/misfits
😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!
- Apple podcast | abainschool.com/misfitsonapple
- Instagram | @themisfitbehaviorists
- YouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists
👋 Find us!
- Audra | abainschool.com
- Caitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com
- Sami | behavioranalyticsupport.com
🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!
Episodes
57 episodes
Misfit Minute #1: 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching
🎙️ 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 thi...
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3:02
Ep. 54: ABA Tools for Tolerance – Haircuts, Doctor Visits & More
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 tradition...
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Episode 54
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16:52
Ep. 53: Teaching Positive Behaviors – Part 10 of the FBA Mini-Series
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...
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Episode 53
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9:26
Ep. 52: BCBA in Schools vs. Clinics – Pros, Cons, and What to Expect
Join us as we break down the pros and cons of being a BCBA in a school vs. clinic setting, covering collaboration, job stability, workload, and more!🔑 Key Takeaways✅ Team Collaboration Matters – Schools often pr...
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Episode 52
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36:15
Ep. 51: Antecedent Strategies in Behavior Plans – Part 9 of the FBA Mini-Series
In this episode, we break down antecedent strategies—the proactive steps you can take to prevent challenging behaviors before they escalate. We explain how these strategies differ from setting event strategies, why they’re essential in a behavi...
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Episode 51
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12:56
Ep. 50: What to Do When You Don’t Know the Function of a Behavior
Struggling to address aggression in non-vocal learners? In this episode, Audra and Caitlin dive into practical strategies for managing sudden, seemingly random aggressive behaviors. They explore why behaviors might spike, the importance of cons...
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Episode 50
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16:41
Ep. 49: Understanding and Addressing Anxiety in Autism – Strategies for Special Education
This episode explores the intersection of autism and anxiety, highlighting how to identify and address anxiety-driven behaviors in students with autism through evidence-based, student-centered approaches.✨ Key Takeaways...
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Episode 49
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20:30
Ep. 48: How to Create Effective Classroom Schedules for Special Education and ABA Settings
Creating a classroom schedule for special education and ABA settings can feel like solving a puzzle! In this episode, Caitlin and Audra share their strategies, tips, and tricks to make scheduling manageable and effective for students ...
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Episode 48
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16:27
Ep. 47: Managing Paras in Special Education: Building Teamwork, Accountability, and Clear Boundaries
Working with paras in special education classrooms can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share practical strategies for creating a positive, productive environment for paras, fostering teamwork,...
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Episode 47
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19:28
Ep. 46: Reverse Inclusion in Special Education – Building Peer Connections and Social Skills
What if inclusion didn’t just mean “pushing students in” but also “inviting peers in”? In this episode, we chat with Megan Stenziano from Moms Managing Behavior about a game-changing approach called reverse inclusion. From lunch and recess to p...
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Episode 46
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24:26
Ep. 45: Must-Read Behavior Books for Teachers and BCBAs
In this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite behavior books for teachers, BCBAs, and parents. From foundational ABA classics to practical sensory guides, we’ll explore resources that equip you with tools to better support your lea...
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Episode 45
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11:43
Ep. 44: Understanding Setting Event Strategies in Behavior Plans - Part 8 of the FBA Mini-Series
In this episode, we are tackling the first step of developing a solid behavior plan after the FBA has been completed and decisions made. Today, let's talk about Setting Event Strategies!Key Takeaways🧠 What Ar...
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Episode 44
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21:13
Ep. 43: Protecting Vulnerable Populations from Scams | Teaching Boundaries and Internet Safety
In this episode, we discuss the challenges of protecting vulnerable populations, including aging parents and individuals with autism, from scams. We dive into practical strategies for teaching boundaries, internet safety, a...
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Episode 43
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12:35
Ep. 42: Conducting a Collaborative FBA Meeting for Behavior Planning Success - Part 7 of the FBA Mini-Series
🎯 Key Takeaways✔️ Collaboration is Key: Bringing the family and team together at this stage ensures everyone is on the same page and supports a collaborative approach to behavioral intervention.✔️ The Importance of the FBA Mee...
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Episode 42
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21:47
Ep. 41: Prompt Dependence – Effective Strategies for Building Student Independence
🎯 Key Takeaways✔️ Prompt Dependence Defined: Understanding prompt dependence and its impact on students’ ability to act independently.✔️ Choosing the Right Prompting Strategy: Not all learners benefit from the same ...
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Episode 41
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15:42
Ep. 40: IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Key Differences & Practical Tips for Teachers and Parents
Key Takeaways📝 Differences Between IEPs & 504 Plans: IEPs offer specialized instruction and services, while 504s provide accommodations to help students access general education.📊 Eligibility Requirements: IEPs ...
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Episode 40
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21:03
Ep. 39: Diddy Do it? The P. Diddy Scandal, Power Dynamics, Ethics, and Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
In this episode, Audra and Sami discuss the ethical implications surrounding the recent P. Diddy scandal, power dynamics in influential figures, and how this ties into our work as behavior analysts and educators. We dive de...
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Episode 39
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10:48
Ep. 38: Crafting Effective Hypotheses and Summary Statements in FBAs - Part 6 of the FBA Mini-Series
Welcome back to the Misfit Behaviorist Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we continue our exploration of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) with a focus on the critical data collection process. We dive deep into how to effectively gather, analyze...
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Episode 38
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15:04
Ep. 37: Data Collection Deep Dive – Part 5 of the FBA Mini-Series
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical role of data collection within the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Join us as we explore how to transition from anecdotal data to targeted interventions that create meaningful...
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Episode 37
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19:08
Ep. 36: A Candid Conversation on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being today
In this episode, we engage in a heartfelt and important discussion about mental health, suicide, and the impact of grief. Sami shares her personal story of losing her brother to suicide at a young age and reflects on how that experience has sha...
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Episode 36
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17:58
Ep. 35: ABC Data Collection for Effective Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) – Part 4 of our Mini-Series
In this episode, Audra and Sami delve into the essentials of collecting ABC data as part of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. They discuss the significance of understanding antecedents, behaviors, and consequences in identifying...
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Episode 35
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13:07
Ep. 34: Siblings of Autism: Honest Reflections Growing Up with an Autistic Brother
🎙 In this special episode, Audra interviews her daughter about growing up with an autistic brother. From navigating childhood to building a unique bond, they dive deep into the joys, challenges, and how autism shaped their family dynamic...
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Episode 34
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15:48
Ep. 33: Direct Observations in FBA Getting the full picture – Part 3 of our Mini-Series
In this episode of Misfit Behaviorists, we dive deep into the art of conducting thorough and effective Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) observations. 🎯 Learn why it’s crucial to look beyond the student on your radar and understand th...
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Episode 33
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9:46
Ep. 32: Mastering Initial Interviews in FBA – Part 2 of our Mini-Series
In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorists podcast, Audra and Sami dive into the second step of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process—conducting initial interviews. They discuss how to approach interviews with parents, teachers, and ...
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Episode 32
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12:38
Ep. 31: Demystifying the FBA Process mini-series – Part 1 The Referral Process
In this episode of the Misfit Behaviorist podcast, join hosts Audra Jensen and Sami Brown as they kick off a new mini-series focused on the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. Audra and Sami delve into the importance of having a struc...
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Episode 31
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18:14
