Claim OwnershipTurn Autism Around
Subscribed: 1,106Played: 32,773
Subscribe
© 2024 Barbera Behavior Consulting, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Description
If you're a parent with a child diagnosed with Level 1, 2, or Level 3 autism or worried about speech delays, tantrums, autism signs, hitting, potty training struggles, picky eating, meltdowns, sensory issues, or toddler behavior that feels confusing or overwhelming, you're in the right place: www.marybarbera.com
Hosted by Dr. Mary Barbera — RN, doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), best-selling author, and creator of widely used online programs for toddlers and preschoolers — this bi-weekly podcast breaks down complex child development topics into simple, actionable steps any parent or professional can use immediately.
Every other week, Mary shares her proven 4-step approach to help children (with and without autism or ADHD) make measurable progress at home, school, and in the community. Episodes cover highly searched topics such as:
🗣️ Speech & Language Development
How to get your toddler to talk
What to do when your toddler isn't talking
Late talking, first words, echolalia, scripting, and vocal stimming
Strategies to build interaction, joint attention, and social engagement
😭 Behavior & Tantrums
How to stop hitting, biting, throwing, and daily meltdowns
What causes tantrums and how to reduce them
Simple behavior plans any parent can use
Emotional regulation for toddlers and preschoolers
🧠 Autism, ADHD & Early Signs
Early signs of autism in toddlers
What to do if you suspect autism — or if someone told you to "wait and see"
Screening vs. diagnosis
Sensory processing disorder, hyperlexia, giftedness vs. autism traits
Navigating early intervention, speech therapy, OT, or ABA therapy
👶 Daily Life Skills
Potty training for toddlers with speech delays or autism
Picky eating and feeding challenges
Sleep issues and bedtime routines
Safety, wandering, transitions, and managing hard outings
Preparing for doctor, dentist, or haircut visits
👨👩👦 Parent Coaching & Real-Life Stories
Real parent success stories (like toddlers going from 0 words to hundreds)
How to create calm, confident routines at home
Reducing stress for the whole family
Mindset support for overwhelmed parents
This show is designed to help parents, but is also widely followed by behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists, teachers, pediatricians, nurses, and early-intervention professionals who want child-friendly, research-backed strategies that work in real homes.
Whether you're dealing with a diagnosis of autism or a late talker with frequent tantrums, sensory challenges, or early signs of autism… or you simply want a clear, compassionate, step-by-step plan to help your child thrive — this podcast is here to guide you.
Subscribe and learn how to improve talking, reduce problem behaviors, and help your child gain confidence, independence, and skills — starting today.
Hosted by Dr. Mary Barbera — RN, doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), best-selling author, and creator of widely used online programs for toddlers and preschoolers — this bi-weekly podcast breaks down complex child development topics into simple, actionable steps any parent or professional can use immediately.
Every other week, Mary shares her proven 4-step approach to help children (with and without autism or ADHD) make measurable progress at home, school, and in the community. Episodes cover highly searched topics such as:
🗣️ Speech & Language Development
How to get your toddler to talk
What to do when your toddler isn't talking
Late talking, first words, echolalia, scripting, and vocal stimming
Strategies to build interaction, joint attention, and social engagement
😭 Behavior & Tantrums
How to stop hitting, biting, throwing, and daily meltdowns
What causes tantrums and how to reduce them
Simple behavior plans any parent can use
Emotional regulation for toddlers and preschoolers
🧠 Autism, ADHD & Early Signs
Early signs of autism in toddlers
What to do if you suspect autism — or if someone told you to "wait and see"
Screening vs. diagnosis
Sensory processing disorder, hyperlexia, giftedness vs. autism traits
Navigating early intervention, speech therapy, OT, or ABA therapy
👶 Daily Life Skills
Potty training for toddlers with speech delays or autism
Picky eating and feeding challenges
Sleep issues and bedtime routines
Safety, wandering, transitions, and managing hard outings
Preparing for doctor, dentist, or haircut visits
👨👩👦 Parent Coaching & Real-Life Stories
Real parent success stories (like toddlers going from 0 words to hundreds)
How to create calm, confident routines at home
Reducing stress for the whole family
Mindset support for overwhelmed parents
This show is designed to help parents, but is also widely followed by behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists, teachers, pediatricians, nurses, and early-intervention professionals who want child-friendly, research-backed strategies that work in real homes.
Whether you're dealing with a diagnosis of autism or a late talker with frequent tantrums, sensory challenges, or early signs of autism… or you simply want a clear, compassionate, step-by-step plan to help your child thrive — this podcast is here to guide you.
Subscribe and learn how to improve talking, reduce problem behaviors, and help your child gain confidence, independence, and skills — starting today.
333 Episodes
Reverse
A Level 3 autism diagnosis means a child currently needs very substantial support, not that their future is fixed or limited. Dr Mary Barbera explains what Level 3 autism is, how it differs from Levels 1 and 2, common traits and evidence‑based treatment options. Autism levels describe present support needs, not intelligence or long‑term outcomes and levels can change over time. With early intervention, effective therapies, and strong parent involvement, many children make meaningful progress. The goal is clarity, realistic expectations, and hope grounded in action rather than fear.
Dr. Mary Barbera shares five "autism rants" based on her 27 years of experience as a mom, nurse, and BCBA-D. These unpopular opinions challenge outdated advice and highlight what truly helps children with autism make progress, like acting early, using one cohesive plan, and empowering parents to lead daily routines. Whether you're overwhelmed by delays, therapy contradictions, or mixed messages, this guide gives you the clarity and tools to take effective action now.
Is your 18-month-old not talking yet? Dr. Mary Barbera shares five essential action steps to help parents navigate early speech delays with clarity and confidence. From checking developmental milestones to understanding early signs of autism and using a free digital assessment, this guide empowers you to take early, effective action without panic or overwhelm. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, these strategies can spark real progress at home. Early help leads to big gains!
Dr. Mary Barbera and Rachel Smith share a simple, effective 3-step plan to stop toddlers from hitting and throwing things, even when they're overwhelmed or frustrated. Based on positive parenting and behavior science, this approach helps toddlers with or without delays learn calm behavior fast. Rachel used it to stop her son's hitting and throwing in just two days, and it can work for you too.
Dr. Mary Barbera answers the top questions about stimming and scripting in children with autism, explaining why they happen and when to be concerned. Stimming isn't bad, but when it's constant, unsafe, or disruptive, it's time to take action. Instead of trying to stop vocal stimming directly, Dr. Barbera recommends teaching language, play, and daily-living skills so stimming naturally decreases over time. Learn when to let it be, when to intervene, and how to use stimming as a clue to better support your child.
When toddlers show signs like hyperactivity, tantrums, or language delays, it can be hard to tell if it's ADHD, autism, or both. Dr. Mary Barbera shares how to spot early signs, understand the key differences, and take action before a diagnosis. Using her 4-step approach, assess, plan, teach, and evaluate, parents can start meaningful intervention right away. Whether your child has ADHD, autism, or early red flags, early support builds language, reduces problem behaviors, and leads to better long-term outcomes.
Dr. Mary Barbera explains what it means when toddlers are obsessed with the alphabet or numbers but struggle to talk. This pattern, often linked to hyperlexia, can signal giftedness or early signs of autism, especially when paired with delays in communication, pretend play, and social interaction. The key is using letter and number strengths as teaching tools while focusing on functional language, comprehension, and social skills. Learn how to assess your child's development and support real progress with balanced strategies that reduce obsession and promote talking.
If your child has been kicked out of daycare or preschool, you're not alone, this happens more often for kids with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays. Dr. Mary Barbera shares why expulsions happen, what it means, and how to move forward with confidence. Learn key steps like tracking milestones, getting evaluations, and using positive ABA strategies at home. You'll also get tips on partnering with staff, preventing future expulsions, and finding environments better suited to your child's needs. With the right tools and support, your child can thrive - starting today.
The Barbera Early Childhood Assessment (BECA) is a free, 10-minute digital autism screener designed for parents, physicians, researchers, and autism professionals. Created by Dr. Mary Barbera, the BECA assesses self-care, language, and behavior to provide a quick, reliable snapshot of a child's development. It's ideal for early detection, tracking progress, and guiding intervention, without long waitlists or costly evaluations. With over 65,000 users and 3 million data points collected, the BECA is transforming how we screen for autism and developmental delays.
Many children with autism face hidden medical challenges that affect speech, behavior, and sleep. Dr. Richard Frye, a Harvard-trained pediatric neurologist, explains how folinic acid (leucovorin) may help, especially in kids with folate receptor autoantibodies. Backed by research, leucovorin has shown promise in improving communication and behavior. Listen in to Dr. Mary Barbera and Dr. Richard Frye and learn how to identify if your child might benefit, what to ask your pediatrician, and how functional medicine can support deeper healing.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile within autism marked by extreme resistance to everyday demands due to anxiety and a need for control. Though not officially recognized in the U.S., many families find PDA-informed strategies helpful. BCBA Amelia Dalphonse shares signs of PDA, like creative avoidance, surface sociability, and hidden anxiety and offers proven strategies focused on trust, flexibility, and indirect language. Understanding PDA can reduce power struggles and improve support. In this epsideo, Dr. Mary Barbera discusses PDA with Ameila Dalphonse.
Mary Barbera joins BCBA and autism mom Rachel Freedman, as she shares how recognizing early signs in her son Max led to an autism diagnosis at just 13 months, and how early intervention transformed his development. By acting quickly, Rachel helped Max go from nonverbal to thriving in preschool by age four. Her story highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, advocating early, and using compassionate, individualized ABA. Parents don't need to wait for a doctor's referral—early action can change the trajectory of a child's life.
Dr. Mary Barbera shares a proven 5-step approach to help parents and professionals start or restart potty training for children with autism or developmental delays. Assessing readiness, preparing with small steps, gathering the right tools and creating consistency across environments, it's all covered. This method focuses on positivity, not pressure. Whether your child is 2 or over 5, progress is possible with the right support.
Dr. Mary Barbera talks with Suzanne Tucker of Generation Mindful about teaching emotional regulation to kids with autism. They go over how co-regulation, mindfulness, and compassionate routines can help children manage meltdowns and build emotional skills—especially when traditional methods fall short. Suzanne shares practical tools like calming corners, time-ins, and sensory strategies, while emphasizing that emotional regulation starts with the adults. Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, newly diagnosed or undiagnosed, these science-backed insights offer hope and real-life solutions. Learn more at genmindful.com.
Dr. Mary Barbera discusses how doctor visits can be overwhelming for children with autism, but systematic desensitization can make a big difference. This simple approach uses gradual exposure and positive reinforcement to reduce fear and build cooperation—even for kids with past medical trauma. Start with pretend play, visual schedules, and breaking visits into small steps. For emergencies, prep a go-bag and summary sheet in advance. With the right tools and a little planning, you can reduce meltdowns and make medical visits more manageable.
If your child has a speech delay or signs of autism, you don't have to wait for a diagnosis to begin helping. Dr. Mary Barbera shares how parents can start speech therapy at home using simple daily routines like meals, getting dressed, and brushing teeth. These moments become powerful learning opportunities that build language skills, confidence, and connection. With tools like the BECA™ assessment and the Turn Autism Around® approach, parents can confidently support their child's progress—right from home. Speech therapy at home is not only possible—it's effective, empowering, and starts with your everyday routines.
If you're a parent, caregiver, or professional supporting a child with autism, you've likely asked: can nutrition and supplements really make a difference? Dr. Mary Barbera is joined by Functional Medicine Nutritionist Denise Voigt to explore how diet, nutrient deficiencies, and functional medicine approaches can significantly impact behavior, development, and overall wellness in children with autism. They break down the science behind picky eating, the critical role of zinc, and why a skewed zinc-to-copper ratio may be driving symptoms like agitation, sleep disturbances, and poor focus. You'll also learn what blood tests to ask for, what to look out for in low-quality supplements, and how to choose safe, high-potency options tailored for neurodiverse kids. With real-world insight and expert guidance, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you better support your child's health journey—starting from the inside out.
Is your child ready for autism daycare? In this podcast, Dr. Mary Barbera—autism mom, behavior analyst, and nurse—explains how to tell if your child is ready and how to help them thrive in a daycare environment. With special guest Kelsey General, we dive into how to assess daycare readiness, what core skills to teach at home, and how to reduce anxiety through visual supports and gradual exposure. We also talk about what makes a daycare autism-friendly, how to handle drop-off struggles, and how to advocate for the support your child needs.
Looking for the best toys for children with autism—and how to actually use them to boost communication, play, and social skills? In this rebroadcast, Kelsey General and Dr. Mary Barbera dive into simple strategies and toy recommendations for children with autism or early signs of autism. But spoiler alert: it's not just about the toys themselves. It's about the procedures—how you play, how you teach, and how you engage. Whether you're a parent or a professional, you'll learn what to consider before choosing a toy and how to make cause-and-effect toys more meaningful for your child. We'll share practical ideas for building language using everyday toys and simple ways to organize your play space for success. You'll also learn what to do if your child doesn't seem interested in toys at all.
Feeling overwhelmed by behavior challenges in your classroom or at home? In this video, we're diving into practical, real-life strategies from Behavior Breakthrough by Bailey Payne—a must-read for parents, teachers, and therapists working with kids who have autism, ADHD, or developmental delays. Bailey, a behavior analyst and clinical psychologist, breaks down 12 foundational ABA principles in a way that's approachable and impactful. We'll explore key ideas like the First-Then Contingency (Premack Principle), the difference between reinforcement and bribery, and how to shift your focus to the behaviors you want to see more of. Plus, you'll hear about Bailey's journey, how she created this book during the pandemic, and why she's so passionate about helping families and educators thrive with small, consistent changes.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
The sound quality is not good
Great episode! Our expertise is in feeding and pica and we are available in Australia. https://www.paediatricfeedingintl.com/
Awesome podcast for parents and professionals! Dr. Barbera does an amazing job relating to both sides an Autism Professional and parent of a child with Autism. I am excited to continue to learn more through her podcast series!