Teaching Autism and Special Education by Nikki

Author: Teaching Autism

Hi, Im 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, Im here to make your teaching journey easier, more effective, and a lot more fun! With each episode, Ill 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, well dive deep into what worksand what doesntin the world of special education. Youll 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 youre 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 lets build better classrooms together! Hit subscribe and tune in to each episode to fill your teaching toolbox with fresh ideas, tools, and motivation. Lets make teaching less stressful and a whole lot more impactful!
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Kids & Family

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The Least Dangerous Assumption & The Presumption of Competence
Thursday, 15 January, 2026

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 Assumption means, and where it came from Why assuming competence matters so deeply in SPED classrooms The harm of underestimating students (and how it limits opportunity) Practical ways to live out this mindset every day Real-life examples that prove access + belief = possibility Quick Takeaways Give access first, then assess. Barriers often look like “can’t” when they’re really “can, with support.” Use age-respectful materials. Adapt the task, not the dignity. Provide real choices. Choice = voice = confidence. Watch your language. Replace “can’t” with “not yet” or “still learning.” Look for hidden understanding. Sometimes comprehension shows in the smallest cues. Expect growth, even slow growth. Small wins are still wins. When we presume competence, we teach from belief, not limitation. The “least dangerous assumption” means giving every student access, dignity, and the chance to show what they know, because the risk of assuming too little is far greater than assuming too much.