11. Is 80% Accuracy the Best Way to Measure Autistic Students' Progress?

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In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the complexities and challenges of writing effective therapy goals, particularly focusing on the common practice of measuring progress with 80% accuracy. She reflects on her personal struggles with goal writing and emphasizes the need for more meaningful and individualized goals that align with a child-led approach. The discussion encourages therapists to rethink traditional measurement methods and consider how they can better support their students' unique needs. In this conversation, Nicole Casey discusses the complexities of setting effective communication goals for children, particularly those with autism. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful, individualized goals that reflect authentic communication rather than rigid metrics. Nicole introduces the concept of using an Aligned Rubric to track progress in a more nuanced way, focusing on frequency and context rather than strict accuracy. She also announces the launch of the Child-Led Collective, a membership aimed at supporting professionals in child-led therapy practices.

• 80% accuracy is often misapplied in goal writing.
• Goals should be meaningful and individualized.
• Therapists often feel pressured to conform to traditional metrics.
• Child-led approaches require flexibility in goal measurement.
• Overthinking can hinder effective goal writing.
• Goals should reflect authentic communication, not just compliance.
• The history of 80% accuracy is rooted in tradition, not necessity.
• Vague goals can lead to less progress for students.
• Therapists need creative liberty to measure progress effectively.
• It's important to challenge the status quo in goal writing. It's important to lead by example in team discussions.
• Goals should reflect authentic communication, not just metrics.
• Communication success should not be solely based on word count.
• Goals need to be individualized for each child's needs.
• Research supports the need for meaningful, flexible goals.
• Using rubrics can help track progress in a child-led way.
• Rubrics allow for customization and creativity in goal setting.
• The Child-Led Collective will provide resources for professionals.
• You can measure growth in ways that honor student development.

This podcast is reviewed by our team member, Meghann Beaton, who is an autistic adult. Meghann provides feedback and recommended edits priort to releasing our episodes to help ensure our content remains aligned with neuroaffirming principles and lived experience. We are deeply grateful for her insights, which continue to shape this space into one that centers safety, connection, and authentic communication.