Season 2
Episodes
Why Movement Isn’t a Distraction — It’s a Need
In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about something that so many of our students get told every day... “Sit still and focus.”
And honestly? For neurodivergent learners,...
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Helping Students Recover from Sensory Overload
In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about the moment after a meltdown, when the room is quiet, everyone’s drained, and you’re wondering… okay, now what?
Because what...
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Noise, Light, and Movement: How the Environment Impacts Behavior
In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about something that’s often missed in behavior conversations - the environment.
Because sometimes it’s not the reward system, the...
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The Truth About Reinforcement: Motivation vs. Manipulation
In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about reinforcement.. and why it can feel so uncomfortable sometimes.
Because yes, reinforcement works. But it can also start to...
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What To Do When a Student Refuses Everything
In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about refusal... the kind where you plan everything perfectly and your student still says “no”… or shuts down completely.
Arms...
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Advocacy Skills for Teachers: How to Make Change (Even When You Feel Stuck)
In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about advocacy — the kind you need when you know what a student needs, but the system just isn’t moving.
You know the feeling.......
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When Your Student Regresses - How to Respond Without Panic
Hey teacher friend... few things sting like seeing a student suddenly “lose” a skill they worked so hard for. One day they’re thriving, and the next, it’s like they’ve forgotten everything.
Before you panic or...
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The Least Dangerous Assumption & The Presumption of Competence
Hey teacher friend, today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: The Least Dangerous Assumption, also known as The Presumption of Competence. 💛 It’s a mindset that completely changes how we see and support our...
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How to Interpret Behavior Data - What It Really Tells You
Hey teacher friend - you’ve been tracking, tallying, and color-coding behavior data… but now you’re wondering, “Okay, what do I actually do with it?”
In this episode, we’re breaking down how to interpret behavior...
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De-escalation Techniques You Can Use Right Now
Hey teacher friend, we’ve all been there.
The tone shifts, a student’s body tenses, and you can feel the energy in the room change.
What you do in that moment can completely shape what happens next.
In this episode,...
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What Are Low-Prep Strategies for Inclusion in General Classrooms?
Hey teacher friend, let’s talk inclusion. 💛 We all believe in it, but between IEPs, sensory supports, and a million tiny details, inclusion can start to feel like a full-time job on top of your full-time job.
In this...
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Handling Parent Pressure and Classroom Expectations Around the Holidays
Hey teacher friend, it’s that time of year when the real holiday stress hits. Not from your students. Not from admin. But from parents (and let’s be honest… ourselves, too).
Between “Will there be a Christmas...
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