The Autism Consultant
The Autism Consultant is a podcast hosted by Molly Johnson, a former autism teacher who now works as a consultant for parents of children on the autism spectrum. Each episode offers practical tips and strategies that families can use at home to support their child's development. The show aims to help parents navigate common difficulties and guide their child toward reaching their highest potential. Listeners can also follow the podcast on social media for additional updates and resources.
Episodes
Autism and Potty Training: Your potty training progress might start here…
Potty training isn't just about what happens in the bathroom. Stress, anxiety, sensory needs, and regulation all play a huge role in whether a child is ready to learn. Sometimes the biggest potty training breakthroughs happen when we start supporting our child outside of the bathroom. In this week's podcast episode, I'm sharing why stress can stall potty training and practical ways to help your ch
Autism & Potty Training: Signs Your Autistic Child is Ready to Potty Train
Wondering if your autistic child is ready for potty training? In this episode, I'm breaking down the readiness signs I look for before starting the potty training process. We'll talk about why age doesn't determine readiness, the foundational skills that make potty training easier, and what to focus on if your child isn't quite there yet. If you've been asking yourself, "Should we start potty trai
Autism & Skill Development: Teaching Strategies That Feel 'Too Simple'…But Actually Work
Are you constantly repeating yourself, modeling the same skills, and relying on visuals and wondering if you're doing enough? In this episode, we're talking about the teaching strategies that often feel too simple or too repetitive, but are actually some of the most effective ways to support autistic children. Learn why repetition, modeling, visual supports, slowing down expectations, and breaking
Autism & Behavior- The MOST powerful behavior tool
In this episode, we're talking about one of the most powerful behavior tools you use every single day…your attention. Learn how attention influences behavior, why some behaviors keep increasing, and how to use connection intentionally to decrease challenging behaviors and support emotional regulation in autistic children. If you're ready for more support, guidance, and practical strategies, join m
Autism and Skill Development: Your child can't follow expectations they don't fully understand
In this episode, we're talking all about HOW visual supports help autistic children build skills, increase independence, reduce frustration, and better understand expectations. I'm breaking down why visuals work so well, common mistakes parents make, and simple ways you can start using visual supports during everyday routines like potty training, transitions, emotional regulation, and more. Grab m
Autism and Potty Training: Stuck in Potty Withholding?
If your child is holding it, refusing the toilet, or only going in a diaper, you're not alone… and it's not what you think. In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind potty withholding in autistic children, including the roles of fear, sensory differences, and missing foundational skills....and what actually helps. 🎯 Ready for step-by-step support? Join my membership where I walk you t
Autism and behaviors: My child won't transition away from the tablet without big behaviors
It can be difficult for your autistic child to transition away from the ipad to do something less preferred. Today's episode provides you with a strategy to help this transition feel more manageable for both the parent and child. To access all of my visual support, click here! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/visualsupportsbundle
Communication strategies for your autistic child with Jamie Burch
We have the pleasure of learning from Jamie Burch from Inclusion Therapy Services. Jamie is a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric speech and language pathologist who specializes in supporting autistic youth. This episode discusses strategies and tips for parents that focus on communication progress, boosting motivation, and collaborating with your school team. Follow Jamie Burch here! https://www.i
Autism and potty training: Must do's BEFORE you sit your child on the toilet
Potty training isn't something that we can just jump right into. We have some work to do BEFORE we ever sit your child on the toilet. Listen to this episode to find out a few things we have to do on the frontend. If you need help potty training your autistic child, that is exactly what I help parents do inside The Autism Consultant membership! Let's collaborate and make sure you have a potty trai
Using visual supports with your autistic child- the most common mistakes made when creating a visual-rich environment
Creating a visual-rich environment is going to have such an impact on your child's independence, their behavior, their communication, their comprehension, their skill development, their anxiety, their confidence, and so much more. But in order to implement visual supports the right way, you also have to know what to avoid. Get all of my visual supports, my online course, live q&a calls + workshop
Autism & behavior: How to teach your autistic child to wait for an item or activity
Waiting can be hard on your child. Can you blame them?! We all want what we want right now. Listen to this episode to learn what strategies and tools to implement at home to help your child understand the concept of waiting. These tips will help wait time feel more manageable for your child. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram where I share hundreds of tips and tricks to help with potty train
Potty training your autistic child: how to help with potty refusals
You started potty training your autistic child and they are showing some refusal behaviors. Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to support your child through these potty refusals and what strategies will move you closer to a potty trained child.
IEP and parent rights tips from special education attorney Ashley Barlow
Today we have the pleasure of learning from Ashley Barlow, who is a repeat guest on the podcast because the topic of advocacy is so incredibly important. As a special education attorney, Ashley owns a law firm that focuses on special education while also having an online business, Ashely Barlow Company, that was established to empower parents and educators. Follow Ashley Barlow Co on Instagram ht
Autism and potty training: Answering YOUR potty questions!
I asked what YOUR questions were and I'm answering a few of them in this podcast episode. Subscribe to the podcast and/or follow me on Instagram (@Theautismconsultant) for more potty training advice!
Rob Gorski: Raising three young autistic adult children
Our guest is Rob Gorski, father to three autistic children, who is sharing his journey through podcasting, blogging, and social media. You might know him as TheAutismDad online. Rob's children are in their early adult years so I wanted to hear from the perspective of a parent who is supporting young adult autistic children. Most of our listeners here are in the stage of raising younger children
Visual supports: where to start, avoid teaching compliance, using technology, and more!
Molly recently presented on visual supports at The Autism Strong Conference in Charlotte, NC. This was a very interactive presentation with parent questions being asked throughout. Listen as she shares some parent questions and her response!
Improving sleep for children with ASD with Gabby Carmody
Our guest on today's episode is Gabby Carmody, who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed behavior analyst, and a certified behavioral sleep specialist. Gabby has been working in the field of special education for over 30 years in both Early intervention and preschool and is currently working with several public schools on training the district staff on implementation of behavioral strate
Using engaging visuals supports with Tara Phillips
Our guest, Tara Phillips, is a speech/language pathologist who has worked with young autistic children for over 2 decades. She founded Autism Little Learners in 2019 because it was difficult to find engaging resources for young autistic children. Tara has always loved learning new and innovative ways to help her students and their families. She now runs Autism Little Learners full-time. Tara
Ready set connect with Jessie Ginsburg, the sensory SLP
My guest Jessie Ginsburg is a sensory trained SLP, founder of a top rated pediatric clinic inLA, founder of the Inside Out sensory SLP certificate, and author of a top rated book. On top of being a mom to 4, Jessie is a leader in the field and changing the way therapists are supporting their autistic clients. This episode touches on addressing a child's sensory regulation needs, what it means to b
Why we are using visual supports during potty training
In this episode, Molly is describing the importance of presenting information to your child in a new way using visual supports. We can present information visually to your child during potty training to help improve the outcome. If you are wanting Molly's support with potty training, join The Autism Consultant memberhsip! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership
Making travel possible for special needs families with Kayla Castro
Kayla Castro is a military wife, mom of two boys, and travel advisor, helping families plan resourceful and inclusive vacations. When Kayla first became a travel agent, she saw a huge need for supporting special needs parents through the vacation planning process so she became the travel agent she wishes she had when her autistic son was younger. Her goal is to fill your family's cup with knowledg
What's really going on in your child's classroom...
Molly tells a story from her teaching days to present parents with a different perspective of what's really happening inside their child's classroom. This is a story about frustration, collaboration, and getting the support needed. If you are wanting Molly's support, check out The Autism Consultant membership! Learn more here: https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership
When should we start potty training?
There is a right and a wrong time to start potty training. Listen to this episode to get Molly's list of what needs to happen to move forward with potty training your child.
How I made regulation a priority in my classroom
I'm sharing a story from my classroom days where I made regulation a priority for every student. Listen to this episode to learn how I managed student overwhelm, increased focus, improved relationships, and more.
Collaborating with your school/therapy team during potty training
Many families start potty training while their child is in school, daycare, or therapy full time. Having the same expectations in multiple environments can help your child learn to use the toilet faster if it's done the right way! It starts with collaborating with your child's support team.
Setting boundaries visually
The One Visual Support You Need During Potty Training
Potty training is no easy task...but it can be a little easier on everyone when this particular visual support is used. You can find all of my visual supports and potty training online course inside my parent membership https://www.theautismconsultant.us/membership
What's Killing Your Motivation
Molly's interview on potty training, behavior, and more
Listen to my interview on Ashley Barlow's podcast about potty training, behavior, and more! You can follow Ashley on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarlowco/
Takeaways from a conversation about advocacy
Advocacy doesn't start when something goes wrong. It should be ongoing. This episode dives into my takeaways from a conversation I had with a parent on advocating for her son's needs and what other parents need to know to avoid this situation.
My interview from Dr. Taylor Day's podcast- potty training, visual schedules, behavior, and more!
I was asked to be a guest on Dr. Taylor Day's podcast and it was too good not to share with you here. Listen in as I give you practical tips and advice for potty training, using visual supports, challenging behaviors, and more! If you want to hear more from Dr. Taylor Day, you can listen to her podcast, Evolve With Dr. Tay- Real Conversations Designed For Autism Parents. You can also follow her on
Potty training Q&A
As we roll into the summer months, many families are starting to potty train their child. I am taking a few questions that I've received on Instagram in the past few weeks and answering them for you on today's episode. Enjoy the tips and happy potty training!
4 lessons on behavior change
Throughout the years of supporting parents or my students with behaviors, there are a few lessons I've learned along the way. These lessons are going to help you as you learn to intervene with challenging behaviors that your child engages in.
Channing's Joy with Lauren Flack
Lauren Flack, founder of non-proffit Channing's Joy, is on a mission to promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism and other special needs. All proceeds from merchandise sold on the Channing's Joy website go to families of children with special needs. Shop here and use code PODCAST for 20% off: https://www.channingsjoy.com Follow Channing's Joy on Instagram: https://www.instagram
Important tips to keep in mind when creating your visual-rich environment
Have you started using visual supports with your autistic child? Today's episode is a replay of part of a Visual Supports Masterclass that I hosted for parents. You can get started with your visual supports here https://www.theautismconsultant.us/visualsupports
Special education attorney Ashley Barlow interview
The goal is to have a positive, collaborative relationship with your child's support team...but that isn't always the case. In this episode, I interview special education attorney and advocate Ashley Barlow. Ashley brings so much knowledge and experience to this conversation about how to handle disagreements with the IEP team and more! Find Ashley Barlow here: https://ashleybarlowco.com https://ww
Is my child ready for potty training?
You might be wondering if your child is showing all of the "signs" for potty training. This episode breaks down what your child needs in order to officially start the potty training process. You might be surprised by what's on this list!
Kick Challenging Behavior to the Curb
"Kick Challenging Behavior to the Curb" Masterclass replay Behaviors can be shaped with simple, proactive strategies that you can be implementing at home. Listen to this episode of a behavior masterclass replay that Molly hosted to learn what strategies to use to see real behavior change from your child.
Why your visual supports might not be working
Visual supports are something that I recommend using with every autistic child to play on their visual processing strength, provide a way to communicate, improve comprehension, increase independence, and more. But, implementation of these supports don't always go as planned. If you have tried using visual supports and they haven't worked for you, there is a reason why. This episode breaks down the
Becoming the expert on your child's behavior with Dr. Taylor Day
Listen to an interview with psychologist Dr. Taylor Day (Dr. Tay) where she discusses the following: •supporting a child's behavior needs •creating a community of support with other parents •improving collaboration with your child's team members •becoming an expert on your child's needs •supporting emotional regulation needs Join Dr. Tay's Facebook group for parents: https://www.facebook.com/g
When I first started potty training my students
Potty training wasn't always a smooth ride for me. When I first started as an autism teacher, I made plenty of mistakes that resulted in frustration and burnout. I'm sharing my potty training journey with you to help you avoid the mistakes that I made when I first started potty training my autistic students.
How to get ahead of the meltdown
Your child's meltdowns might happen frequently and leave you wondering how to intervene. Did you know that there is a way to get ahead of the meltdown to possibly prevent it from happening? In this episode, Molly breaks down the tips and strategies to understand and support your child's needs when it comes to overwhelm.
The quickest ways to go backwards with a child's behavior progress
Behavior might require some ongoing support to avoid a regression. In this episode, Molly is addressing 3 of the biggest reasons why she sees autistic children have a behavior regression. You will walk away with strategies to use, strategies to avoid, and real life examples that will help you support your child at home.
Answering your potty training questions Part 2
Potty training your autistic child can feel overwhelming. You might not know where to begin or what to do when you experience a setback. In this episode, Molly is answering your potty training questions that were submitted on Instagram. This is part 2 of answering your questions.
Answering your potty training questions Part 1
Potty training your autistic child can feel like overwhelming for families. In today's episode, Molly is answering your potty training questions from Instagram. These questions will be broken up into two different episodes.
Why you keep seeing the same behavior again and again
Behavior is not always as tricky as it seems. In this episode, Molly helps you understand the reasoning for your child's repeated challenging behaviors and what you can do to intervene.
Sleep Solutions with Nakayla Von Raeder
When your child has trouble falling and staying asleep, the entire household feels the stress. Neurodivergent Sleep Constultant, Nakayla Von Raeder, discusses how to get started with establishing healthy, developmentally appropriate sleep habits for your child. Follwo Nakayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slumberacademy/ Explore Nakayla's website: https://www.theslumberacademy.com
Potty training advice to AVOID!
There is a lot of bad advice given to parents about potty training. This episode addresses some of the advice that should not be followed and how it slows down the potty training process. Tune in to today's episode to learn the potty training advice to AVOID at all costs!
Is anxiety playing a role in behaviors?
In this episode, Molly talks about what to do at home if anxiety is playing a key role in your child's behaviors. There ARE proactive strategies that we can implement to help your child manage their anxiousness. LINK Explore the Potty Training Online Course Explore the Behavior & Coping Online Course Follow Molly on Instagram
When your autistic child struggles to transition from a highly preferred item (like the iPad)
Molly shares her strategy to reduce challenging behaviors and improve transitions away from a highly preferred item, like an ipad. Listen as she shares her step-by-step plan that she used with several of her former students. LINNKS: Explore the Potty Training Online Course Explore the Behavior & Coping Online Course Follow Molly on Instagram
What's triggering the behavior?
Once you know the behavior trigger, you are able to get ahead of the challenging behavior. My POTTY TRAINING online course is launching on June 12. Get on the waitlist to get a free 1:1 consultation with me! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/pottytrainingbootcamp
Taking Visual Supports to a New Level with Tanna from Goally
Learn how to take visuals on the go on your phone or tablet during my conversation with Tanna from Goally app! You can find more information on Goally by visiting https://getgoally.com/
School collaboration with Jennifer Hofferber
Learn from Special Education expert, Jennifer Hofferber about what steps to take to collaborate with your child's school team. Follow Jennifer on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/spedprepacademy/
What to do about my autistic child biting and hitting?
Challenging behavior can be a struggle. But it gets easier to take action once we know WHY your child is doing something. I'll be teaching you how visual supports can help with your child's challenging behavior in my free masterclass. Are you signed up?! Limited seats available! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/workshop-opt-in
Your autistic child's visual processing strength
One thing to know about supporting an autistic child is that you can improve their ability to process information with the use of a visual support. Have you tried creating a visual-rich environment at home?!
How a mom's determination turned into a communication book series helping autistic children communicate
Natashia shares her journey of frustration with the traditional communication systems that were suggested for her son. After many attempts, her son showed no interests in using these systems. This is when Natashia took matter into her own hands and used her son's interest to create I Want to Tell You Books. Listen to hear more about Natashia and her journey to help her son communicate with his wan
Sleep solutions with George Bailey
George Bailey, a father of an autistic son, stumbled across a solution for his son's sleep struggles and is now helping families get the same relief. Tune in to hear George's story behind his company, ZPods, and how he is changing sleep for autistic children. Learn more about ZPods here! https://www.instagram.com/zpodsforsleep/ https://www.zpodsforsleep.com/
Potty training myths
There are a few myths regarding potty training an autistic child that I am busting through in this episode. Are you attending potty training boot camp with me??! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/pottytrainingbootcamp
Teaching strategies to children experiencing big emotions with Brody the Lion
Dr. Kristin Wegner joins me to share her experiences working with autistic children and creating an award winning children's book series, Brody the Lion. Follow Dr. Wegner here https://www.instagram.com/brody.the.lion/ Explore the book series https://www.brodythelion.com/
From rejection in the workplace to creating a company that embraces neurodiversity with Suzie from SavorStreet
When Suzie's autistic daughter was fired from a well-known retail store that wasn't equipped to support her needs, Suzie took matters into her own hands. Now her snack company, SavorStreet, is creating impact in her community by hiring neurodiverse employees. Listen to Suzie's story of how she turned her daughter's rejection in the workplace into creating an inclusive company that truly brings ou
You can't change your child's mind but you can change their behavior
Little progress will be made if you are focusing on changing your child's mind regarding their behavior. Follow the tips in this episode to better understand what's on your child's mind when they are engaging in challenging behavior. If you are ready to get my support inside of Autism Action Plans, join here and get the 3 bonuses! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Building Sensory Strong Kids with OT Kelsea Newman
Learn from Kelsea as she explains how to understand your child's sensory needs and how to best respond to those needs! Follow Kelsea here! https://www.instagram.com/sensory_therapist/ Get her free sensory diet guide here! https://mailchi.mp/8e763d408b58/sensoryseries
When you're in a period of regression or not making progress...
When you feel like your child is in a period of regression or making limited progress on skills, you have some options. We are exploring those options on today's episode! Watch my free masterclass learning how to implement 5 strategies to support your autistic child at home! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Where your child is stuck
Today's episode explores your child's executive functioning difficulties and how they could be impacting their day-to-day activities. If you are looking for support from Molly, make sure to watch this free masterclass to learn how you can get the support of an autism consultant when you join Autism Action Plans. https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Why you're not making progress on potty training
Since working with parents of autistic children, I've seen 5 reasons why progress is not being made when it comes to potty training. You might need to take a step back and first implement the 5 ways to support your autistic child before you move forward with a new skill. You can learn those 5 supports here by watching my free masterclass! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Why does your child keep engaging in this challenging behavior?
The behavior keeps showing up for a reason. Once we find out that reason, the behaviors can have a positive change. If you want to learn more about supporting your child's challenging behavior, make sure to watch my free masterclass! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Potty training Q&A with Kim from The Pottys
If potty training is on your mind, this Q&A interview is for you! Listen as Kim and I discuss questions asked by our Instagram followers. Follow Kim here https://www.instagram.com/thepottys_training/
The biggest mistake I made as an autism teacher
I'm sharing the biggest mistake that I made when I was an autism teacher with the hope that it helps change how you see your child's ability. You can watch my free masterclass to learn the 5 ways to support your autistic child here! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Gaining confidence parenting an autistic child with Elizabeth Ratliff
Elizabeth shares part of her journey of making the switch from fear to confidence regarding her son's autism diagnosis. If you are looking for the same support that Elizabeth receives, Autism Action Plans online course + community is for you! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/autismactionplans
Addressing IEP questions with Lisa Wright
Navigating the IEP process can lead to frustration and confusion for families. Lisa Wright is working with parents to take the overwhelm out and support you through developing your child's IEP with their school team. Make sure you're following Lisa here! https://www.instagram.com/lisabaskinwright/
Answering your behavior questions PART 2
Questions that I get asked the most are regarding behavior....challenging behavior to be exact. I'm answering more for you today! Have you watched my free 30 minute behavior masterclass yet? This will give you the information needed to start taking action on your child's challenging behaviors. https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Why your child might be lacking motivation
Is it a struggle to motivate your child? Here are my reasons why your child could be lacking motivation. Have you watched my free behavior masterclass? Get instant access here! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
Your child's behavior will never change until
I'm telling you exactly what needs to change before we expect a change in a child's behavior in this episode. Watch me free behavior masterclass here! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
A conversation with Markeisha Hall about supporting your autistic child
Listen in on a conversation I had with Markeisha Hall, IEP expert and mom to an autistic son. Follow Markeisha on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/markeisha_hall/ Don't forget to enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card! 1- leave a 5 star written review on my podcast 2-screenshot your review and send it to me by Instagram messaging or email me at molly@theautismconsultant.us Winners will be announce
Answering listener BEHAVIOR questions
Hear listener questions and how to support a child in each situation. Do the following to enter the $50 Amazon gift card giveaway: •leave a 5 star WRITTEN review for this podcast •screen shot the review •send me the review by messaging me on Instagram OR email it to me at molly@theautismconsultant.us •a winner will be announced November 26
Autistic relationships with Stephanie Churma
Listen in as I bring a guest Stephanie Chruma to discuss autistic relationships. Stehpanie is autistic as well as her partner and she is teaching us about her experience with relationships and how you can support your child! Connect with Stephanie here https://www.instagram.com/goodloveco/
A token board changes everyone's behavior
A token board is just one of many ways to positively support your child's behavior. Do you have my free download? https://www.theautismconsultant.us/freeresources Make sure you sign up to attend my FREE behavior masterclass on November 1! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
5 tips to know for your next IEP meeting
The IEP process has been a hot topic with my clients as the new school year starts. I'm giving you 5 tips in today's episode to prepare for your next IEP meeting. Are you coming to my free behavior masterclass? I'm bringing back one of my best freebies! Make sure to register to save your spot! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/masterclass
A behavior story from when I was an autism teacher
Today I'm showing you a real life behavior example from my time in the classroom. I hope this scenario helps understand how to view and act on behavior that you might find to be challenging. Have you considered joining us inside the Autism Parent Inner Circle?! Get more information on how to join here! https://www.theautismconsultant.us/innercircle
Learning about autism from an autistic adult, Wes Langford
Wes Langford joined me yo answer YOUR questions! We talk about how to best support your child, the ABA debate and more!
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