Sick of saying “no” and getting big reactions? Audra shares an easy-to-remember acronym—R.E.D.O.—to help reframe your redirections and get more buy-in from students without the meltdown.

💡 Teach them it’s not “No forever,” it’s “Yes, just not yet.”

🔑 Key Takeaways
✅ R – Reframe the No: Say what they can do instead
✅ E – Engage with Warmth: Invite, don’t command
✅ D – Define the Next Step: Be clear about what’s first/next
✅ O – Offer Motivation: Use reinforcers that actually matter to that learner
✅ “Yes… after…” can prevent behavior and build trust

📚 Resources & Inspiration
📝 Pair this with our longer Episode 51 Antecedent Strategies in Behavior Plans and Episode 12 Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills
📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!
🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Planning an IEP can feel like a whirlwind—deadlines, data, collaboration, and student needs all rolled into one big meeting. In this episode, Caitlin and Audra walk through a practical timeline for IEP prep, from parent check-ins to drafting goals and reviewing behavior plans.

Whether you’re a teacher, BCBA, or case manager, this one’s packed with real-talk and ready-to-use tips to make your IEPs more effective and less stressful.

🔑 Key Takeaways
📅 Start early—draft a prep timeline 4–6 weeks in advance if possible
📬 Reach out to families before the meeting to check in on their priorities and updates
✏️ Don't blindly carry over goals—use progress data, probe skills, and adjust accordingly
🔄 Always review behavior plans—don’t let them autopilot year to year
🧑‍🎓 Involve students when appropriate—yes, even younger learners!
🗣️ Drafts are okay—just be clear it’s a starting point, not a final plan
💬 No surprises! Build trust with families by keeping communication open and collaborative

📚 Resources and Ideas
📌 Download the free IEP Prep Timeline Visual
📌 Related Episode: Ep. 29 – Functions of Behavior

Join Us...
🎙 Next Episode: Prepping for IEPs!
🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
💬 Get Involved: Share your ideas in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. @TheMisfitBehaviorists
📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

🎙️ Misfit Minute #2: W.A.I.T. – Why Am I Talking?

Sometimes, the most powerful support you can offer during a student’s escalation… is silence. Caitlin introduces the W.A.I.T. strategy ("Why Am I Talking?")—a simple but transformative tool for de-escalation and emotional regulation.

🔑 Key Takeaways
✅ Silence can be a strategy—not avoidance
✅ Extra words = extra demands during escalation
✅ Give students space to feel, process, and reset
✅ Speak with purpose: clear, calm, and kind
✅ “I’m here when you’re ready” can be magic

📚 Resources & Inspiration
📝 Pair this with our longer episode 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors with Trauma-Informed Care and Building Relationships with Students
📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies!
🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehavioristspodcast
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!