Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki cover art

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

By: Teaching Autism
Listen for free

About this listen

 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 lesson plans, we’ll dive deep into what works—and what doesn’t—in the world of special education. You’ll find: ✅ Real-world strategies you can use tomorrow. ✅ Expert advice for creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms. ✅ Honest conversations about the joys and challenges of teaching. ✅ Plenty of laughs, relatable moments, and inspiration to keep you going. Whether you’re a seasoned educator, new to special education, or simply looking to level up your teaching game, this podcast is your go-to resource for empowering yourself and your students. Join me on this journey, and let’s build better classrooms together! Hit “subscribe” and tune in to each episode to fill your teaching toolbox with fresh ideas, tools, and motivation. Let’s make teaching less stressful and a whole lot more impactful!© 2019 Teaching Autism
Episodes
  • Creating a Calm and Organized Learning Space

    Creating a Calm and Organized Learning Space
    Jul 3 2025
    Hey friend! In this episode, I’m talking all about something that has completely transformed my classroom (and my sanity!) over the years - creating a calm and organized learning space. If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of noise, papers, and visual chaos — you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But over time, I’ve found that small, intentional changes can make a huge difference for both our students and us as teachers. So today, I’m walking you through: Why classroom environment matters so much (especially in SPED!) How I structure my space to support regulation and focus Tips for decluttering, lighting, routines, and setting up calming zones Real examples from my own classroom and others And how to get started without feeling like you have to do a total makeover Let’s dive in! 💡 In This Episode, I Share: 🧠 Why Environment Matters Our students are deeply impacted by their surroundings - from visual clutter to unpredictable noise. A calm, organized space helps: Reduce sensory overwhelm Support emotional regulation Increase focus, communication, and engagement Lower your stress too (because yes, you matter in this equation!) 🧹 Step 1: Declutter and Simplify Keep what you actually use - donate the rest Use clear bins and label everything Limit visual distractions on walls - keep visuals purposeful I’ve seen huge changes in classrooms just from removing a few extra posters or streamlining supply areas. 🧭 Step 2: Create Zones Structure supports success! I share how to create: A calm corner with soft lighting and sensory tools A quiet work zone for independent tasks A movement space to meet sensory regulation needs And yes — I talk about my beloved “quiet work tent” and how much my students love it. 💡 Step 3: Use Lighting & Sound Intentionally Lighting and sound affect classroom energy in big ways. Some simple strategies I use: Use lamps or string lights instead of harsh overheads Try background music, noise machines, or headphones Post a visual noise-level chart for student reminders You’ll hear how these changes helped students like Lily stay more engaged and regulated. 📆 Step 4: Build Predictable Routines Structure brings safety. I share how to: Use visual schedules to reduce anxiety Create smoother transitions with timers, songs, and movement Start the day calmly with predictable check-ins or greeting boards These small shifts have made mornings smoother and built more connection in my classroom. 🛠️ Free Support to Help You Get Started If you’re ready to calm the chaos, check out my Free Resource Library — it’s packed with over 200 free tools to help you simplify and organize your special ed classroom. 👉 Access the Free Resource Library 🧘 Final Thoughts Creating a calm and organized classroom doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start small. Maybe you declutter one shelf or set up a quiet space this week - and build from there. Your space should work for you and your students - not overwhelm you. Give yourself grace, experiment with what feels good, and know that it’s totally okay to evolve as your class changes. I’d love to hear how you’re creating a calming space - tag me @teachingautism or send me a DM and let’s chat about your setup! P.S. Don't forget to check out my Back to School Google Drive to help you get prepped for this new school year - and all the school years to come! Thanks so much for hanging out with me today - Until next time, stay calm, stay kind, and keep teaching. 💛 — Nikki
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • Bringing Board Games into the Special Ed Classroom

    Bringing Board Games into the Special Ed Classroom
    Jun 26 2025
    Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite classroom hacks that brings joy, engagement, and so much hidden learning into the day - board games! 🎲 If you’re thinking, “Wait, board games… in my special ed classroom?” - I get it! But trust me, these games can be a total game-changer (pun 100% intended). In this episode, I walk you through how I use board games to build social skills, academic knowledge, language, regulation, and more - and how I adapt them for all learners in my classroom. I’m also sharing budget-friendly ways to build your own classroom game stash without breaking the bank-— and some of my best repurposing hacks for when games come with missing pieces (because… yep, it happens!). 🎯 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 💛 Why Board Games Belong in Special Ed Board games are so much more than just fun - they help build: Social skills (turn-taking, sharing, teamwork) Language development (vocabulary, directions, conversations) Executive functioning (planning, focus, problem-solving) Fine + gross motor skills (spinners, dice, movement) Academic reinforcement (colors, numbers, literacy) Emotional regulation (learning to win/lose gracefully) Sensory engagement (textures, movement, visual supports) I even share a story about how Chutes and Ladders helped one of my students learn turn-taking with patience and joy! 🔧 How I Adapt Board Games for All Learners Board games don’t always come classroom-ready — so here are my favorite ways to tweak them: Simplify the rules Add visual supports and picture cues Swap tiny pieces for larger, sensory-friendly ones Use cooperative play instead of competition Add AAC or sentence starters for communication Shorten wait times and offer role choices Modify boards or enlarge components We even created a custom Guess Who? board with pictures of our classmates — it was a HUGE hit and helped with social language, peer recognition, and descriptive vocabulary. 💸 Where to Find Board Games on a Budget You don’t need to spend a fortune to build a great classroom game stash: Ask friends/family (a simple Facebook post can work wonders!) Thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace Buy Nothing groups and library sales Dollar stores + clearance aisles Parent donations (even games with missing pieces have value!) Apply for grants like DonorsChoose I’ve repurposed Scrabble tiles for spelling, Monopoly money for money skills, and even Jenga blocks for fine motor fun — nothing goes to waste! 🆓 Grab My FREE Visual Turn-Taking Support! If turn-taking is a challenge in your classroom (been there!), grab my free visual turn-taking tool from the Free Resource Library! It includes editable cards you can personalize with student or staff photos — so students know exactly whose turn it is, with a clear visual cue. 👉 Access the Free Resource Library - over 200 free special ed resources waiting for you! 🎲 Final Thoughts Board games are such a powerful way to build learning and connection in the special ed classroom - and they don’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. So here’s my challenge for you: Pick one board game - new or old - and try it out with your students this week. Start small, make it fun, and adapt as needed. You’ll be amazed at the engagement and progress that comes from something as simple as playing a game together. Let me know what you’re playing in your classroom - tag me @teachingautism, send me a DM, or email me your favorite board game hacks! P.S. Don't forget to head over and leave your Amazon wish list as a comment for us to help clear your list too! Thanks for listening — and until next time, happy gaming! 🎉 — Nikki
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • Using Task Boxes for Calm-Down Time and Regulation

    Using Task Boxes for Calm-Down Time and Regulation
    Jun 19 2025
    Hey friend! In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most underrated (but totally magical) ways I use task boxes in my classroom - to support calm-down time and emotional regulation. When most people hear “task boxes,” they think academics - letter matching, counting, sorting colors… and yes, I love them for that too. But today, I’m showing you how these little boxes can become absolute lifesavers during meltdowns, transitions, and emotionally wobbly moments. From sensory supports to quiet fine motor tasks, I’m walking you through my go-to calm-down box ideas, how I organize and rotate them, and how I make it all work without adding stress. And yes - I’ll share how my Task Box Library makes setting this up so much easier. Let’s jump in! 🧠 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 💬 What Regulation Really Means in SPED It’s not just about calming down after a meltdown - it’s: Transition support Brain breaks Emotional reset Building independence with self-regulation And let’s be honest - some days I need a calm-down box too. 😂 💡 Why Task Boxes Work So Well for Regulation The best regulation tools are: Predictable Visual Low demand Hands-on Easy to use independently And that’s exactly what task boxes are. 🙌 🎯 When I Use Calm-Down Boxes: After emotional overwhelm As a soft start to the school day During transitions from high-demand activities On rainy/stormy days when everyone’s a little dysregulated In our calm-down space or at a quiet table 🧺 What Makes a Great Calm-Down Task Box? I look for: Repetitive motions Simple, visual setups Quiet or soothing sensory input Tasks that feel like wins - no pressure, no failure 🧩 My Favorite Types of Calm-Down Task Boxes: ✂️ Fine motor: threading, play dough poking, tweezers, cutting strips 🔶 Matching/sorting: colors, shapes, emotions, photos 🍦 Sensory-friendly: water beads, Velcro, fabric swatches, rice bins Everything is visual, hands-on, and calming - perfect for those high-emotion moments. 🎒 How I Store & Rotate Them: I use rainbow photo cases (shocking, I know 😉) Labeled by skill, sensory level, or theme I keep a drawer labeled Calm Choices that students can choose from using a visual menu I rotate them every few weeks to keep them fresh and engaging 📋 Do I Track Calm-Down Box Use? Kind of! If a student is using the same one regularly — or it’s part of their IEP or regulation plan — I’ll jot down what works. This helps me: Tailor supports Communicate with families Build stronger routines 💾 Task Box Library = Your Calm-Down Box Shortcut Everything I’ve talked about today is inside my Task Box Library, including: Sensory and regulation-friendly boxes Matching, threading, fine motor, and play dough tasks Visual labels + instructions 1,100+ academic, life skills, and SEL task boxes Training + assessment tools 👉 Check it out here 💛 Final Thoughts If you’ve ever had a moment where a student was overwhelmed and you weren’t sure what to offer - calm-down task boxes can change everything. They’re: Quiet Engaging Low-prep And they give your students the tools to feel successful and safe. You don’t need a full sensory room or a fancy setup - you just need a few visual, structured supports your students can access when they need them most. 👉 Grab the Task Box Library and start building your calm-down collection today. 📲 Let’s Connect! Already using task boxes in your calm-down corner? I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @teachingautism or DM me your favorite setup. Thanks for listening.. Until next time, breathe deep, keep it visual, and let your students squish the play dough. 💛Nikki
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins

What listeners say about Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.