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PODCAST

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

Teaching Autism

Hi, I’m Nikki —a passionate special educator, autism specialist, and founder of Teaching Autism. With over a decade of experience creating hands-on, engaging resources for educators worldwide, I’m here to make your teaching journey easier, more effective, and a lot more fun! With each episode, I’ll bring you practical tips, creative strategies, and inspiring insights to help you thrive in your autism and special education classroom. From tackling behavior challenges to creating meaningful

education how to

All Episodes

8:23

Fine Motor Fatigue: Why Some Students Resist Cutting,...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/04/09

In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about something every SPED teacher has experienced... the student who refuses to cut, write, or glue… and the moment you start wondering if it’s behavior or avoidance.Most of the time? It’s neither. It’s fine motor fatigue. This episode breaks down what’s really happening in those little hands, why fine motor tasks can feel exhausting or overwhelming, and how to support skill-building without turning your

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8:37

How to Create a Communication-Rich Classroom

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/04/02

In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about how to create a communication-rich classroom - not by pushing students to talk more, but by designing an environment that invites communication naturally.Because when communication feels safe, visible, and supported, students don’t just communicate more - they connect more, participate more, and start trusting that their voice matters. In this episode, we talk about: Why communication is more than

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9:55

Building Real Social Connections (Not Forced...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/03/27

In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about social connection, and why it’s time to move away from forced friendships and one-size-fits-all “social skills.”Because real connection isn’t about making students interact the right way. It’s about helping them feel safe, respected, and free to connect on their own terms. This episode explores what authentic social connection actually looks like for autistic and neurodivergent learners, and how we

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10:01

Supporting Echolalia in a Neuro-Affirming Way

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/03/20

In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about echolalia - and why it’s not something to stop, fix, or correct.Because echolalia isn’t “random.” It isn’t meaningless. And it definitely isn’t bad behavior. Echolalia is communication. This episode breaks down what echolalia really is, why students use it, and how we can respond in a way that honors neurodivergent communication instead of shutting it down. In this episode, we talk about: What

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9:45

Teaching Communication Beyond Words

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/03/13

In this episode of Teaching Autism & Special Education with Nikki, we’re talking about communication, and not just speech.Because every student communicates. Not every student uses words. And that doesn’t make their communication any less valid. This episode is all about teaching communication beyond words... supporting non-verbal and minimally verbal students through AAC, visuals, gestures, body language, and modeling. Because communication is connection, and every child deserves to

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11:32

Why Movement Isn’t a Distraction — It’s a Need

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/03/06

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, that expectation just doesn’t make sense. Movement isn’t a distraction. It’s a need. This episode breaks down why movement is essential for regulation and learning, how it supports focus instead of ruining it, and how you can build movement into your classroom in a way that

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11:20

Helping Students Recover from Sensory Overload

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/02/27

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 happens after sensory overload matters just as much as what happens before it. This episode walks through how to help students recover safely, calmly, and compassionately, without rushing them back into expectations they’re not ready for yet. In this episode, we talk about: Why

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11:40

Noise, Light, and Movement: How the Environment...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/02/20

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 visual schedule, or the strategy that’s causing the behavior. Sometimes… it’s the noise, the lighting, or the constant movement around a student. And once you start seeing behavior through a sensory lens, everything shifts. In this episode, we talk about: Why students react to

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11:01

The Truth About Reinforcement: Motivation vs....

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/02/13

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 feel like bribery… or like we’re controlling students instead of supporting them. So let’s clear the air. This episode is all about how to use reinforcement in a way that feels ethical, respectful, and empowering, not manipulative. In this episode, we unpack: What reinforcement

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11:21

What To Do When a Student Refuses Everything

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/02/06

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 crossed. Under the table. Straight to the calm corner before you’ve even started. If you’ve ever thought, “But they can do this… why are they refusing again?”.... this episode is for you. Because refusal isn’t defiance. It’s communication. In this episode, we talk about: Why

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10:37

Advocacy Skills for Teachers: How to Make Change...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/01/30

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.... You’ve got the data.. You’ve got the experience... You can see the pattern clear as day… and yet you’re stuck in meetings that go nowhere, hearing “we’ve tried that” or “they just need to cope.” This episode is for that moment. Because advocacy doesn’t have to mean arguing,

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11:28

When Your Student Regresses - How to Respond Without...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/01/23

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 question your teaching, take a breath - regression isn’t failure. It’s feedback. 💛 In this episode, we’re unpacking why regression happens, what it’s really telling you, and how to respond calmly, strategically, and compassionately - so your students (and you) can bounce back

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12:09

The Least Dangerous Assumption & The Presumption of...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/01/16

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 students, especially in special education.If you’ve ever wondered how to balance high expectations with realistic support, or how to make sure every child gets a fair chance to show what they know, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn What The Least Dangerous

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12:11

How to Interpret Behavior Data - What It Really Tells...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/01/09

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 data..what it really means, what it doesn’t, and how to use it to create real change for your students. Because data isn’t about numbers.. it’s about stories. What You’ll Learn Why behavior data is meant to inform, not judge The different types of data (frequency, duration,

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10:55

De-escalation Techniques You Can Use Right Now

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2026/01/02

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, we’re talking about real de-escalation techniques you can use right now,what to say, what not to say, how to use your body language, and how to calm things before they spiral. These are practical, realistic strategies you can start using today to keep your classroom, and

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11:48

What Are Low-Prep Strategies for Inclusion in General...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2025/12/26

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 episode, I’m sharing real, low-prep strategies that make inclusion doable, not perfect or Pinterest-ready, just practical, functional, and effective. These are the small changes that help every student belong without adding hours of prep to your plate. What You’ll Learn What

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9:46

Handling Parent Pressure and Classroom Expectations...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2025/12/19

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 concert?” emails and “Can you send one more update?” requests, it’s easy to feel like you’re being pulled in a dozen directions. In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle parent pressure and classroom expectations with grace, clarity, and healthy boundaries.. so you can actually

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13:24

Inclusive Holiday Fun - Activities That Work for...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2025/12/12

Hey teacher friend, feeling buried under glitter and wrapping paper right now? 🎄 If planning “fun” holiday activities feels more stressful than magical, this episode is for you.Today, we’re talking about Inclusive Holiday Fun- simple, low-prep activities that actually work for every learner. No chaos, no pressure, no six-hour crafts. Just calm, accessible joy your whole class can enjoy (including you!). What You’ll Learn What makes an activity truly inclusive for neurodivergent

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13:46

What to Do When Your Students “Lose Skills” Over the...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2025/12/05

Hey teacher friend, picture the scene.. it’s January, the laminator’s jammed, and your students suddenly seem to haveforgotten everything.Coats that used to be zipped? Now open.Requests that used to be independent? Gone.Routines that finally flowed? Out the window.Before you panic, take a breath.In this episode, we’re talking about why this happens, why it’scompletely normal, and what you can do to help your students bounce back - calmly and confidently. What You’ll Learn Why “skill

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8:46

Errorless Learning and Low-Pressure Activities for...

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki ·

2025/11/28

Hey teacher friend, the holidays are here! 🎄 The tree’s up, the glitter’s flying, and your classroom smells like glue sticks and cocoa. But between concerts, dress-up days, and schedule changes, things can start to feel a little chaotic.In this episode, we’re talking about how to bring calm back into your classroom with errorless learning and low-pressure activities,because your students (and you!) deserve success and peace during these busy weeks. What You’ll Learn What errorless

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