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 and Audra Jensen, BCBAs and 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
🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!
The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals
Misfit Minute 29: That Time I Learned About Literal Language and the “Down” Internet
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A quick story from an ABA clinic about a student checking the floor to see if the “down” internet had literally fallen down. This Misfit Minute is a reminder that language is not always interpreted the way we expect, especially for students who process communication very literally.
Key Takeaways
• Literal language can create confusion—Common phrases may not mean what we think they mean to every learner
• Everyday expressions are learned skills—Sarcasm, metaphors, and slang often need direct teaching
• Clarity matters—Sometimes clearer language reduces frustration and misunderstandings
• “Extra support” may just be clearer communication—Simple wording can make a huge difference
• Think about your audience—Different learners process language differently
• Everyday moments create teaching opportunities—Small interactions can build long-term communication understanding
• Communication goes both ways—Sometimes we need to adjust our language, not just expectations
Resources
• Another fun story here about sensory overload → https://abainschool.com/mm27
• And a cute story about how a puppy taught us a lesson → https://abainschool.com/mm26
Join Us
• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
• Subscribe for more real-life ABA and special education stories
• Share your own “that time I learned…” moments with us
Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists
😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!
- Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
- YouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists
👋 Find us!
- Audra | ABA in School
- Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!
