Day 5 of ASD De-escalation Tips: Know the Cycle
Let’s do a quick review of the escalation cycle. The student begins at their baseline and everything is going well. The student is able to focus on work and perform at …
Day 4 of ASD De-esclation Tips: Tricks for Triggers
A trigger is the cause and entry point to an escalation. It’s what can potentially light the fuse to dangerous behavior. Due to their deficits our students with autism …
Day 3 of ASD De-escalation Tips: Getting Needs Met
Let’s talk resources!
The best way to address a challenging behavior with a child is to get in front of the behavior before it even happens. While intensive behavior planning can help you do just that, when it comes to our learners …
Day 2 of ASD De-esclation Tips: What to do When….
What should you do when a student throws a book at you in class because they are upset? What should you do when a student attempts to hit you in the cafeteria because they are overwhelmed? What should you do when a student attempts to stab you with their pencil …
Day 1 of ASD De-escaltion Tips: The Urgency Factor
The way in which to properly intervene when an individual with a disability starts to escalate has been the subject of controversy over the past few years and for good reason. The misuse of physical interventions (restraints and holds) and time out rooms has caught the attention of the public …
Educators Need Breaks to be Awesome
During my sophomore year in college I made what many considered to be an odd move in my life. Despite having no previous history or interest, I decided to try out for the cheerleading team. My motives were simple and goal oriented: I wanted to be able to do that. “That” which drove …
Promoting Independence: What to do when a parent asks for a one on one para
“W
hat would it take for my child to have a one on one para professional?” This is the layered and complex question that comes to every special education teacher at least …
Five Keys to Staff Celebrations
I
have often said that your attitude is like glitter: good or bad once it’s somewhere it’s everywhere. Your work, your passion, and your love that you spread …
What’s the Big IDEA? Inclusion vs. Independence
Ever since I took an entire month to focus on promoting independence I have been told by many how much they have appreciated hearing about getting learners to do more on their own. It’s not that promoting independence is a new concept, …
Dealing with the Autism Tsunami
The numbers are alarming. In 1975 one in 5,000 were being diagnosed with autism. Today, one in 68. For boys, it’s one in 42. Over the …