Turn Autism Around
Dr. Mary Barbera
Dr. Mary Barbera, RN, doctoral-level behavior analyst, best-selling author, and online course creator discusses autism and speech delays from several different angles for both parents as well as medical, educational, and behavioral professionals. Learn more at www.marybarbera.com.
Each week we discuss Mary's 4-step proven approach to tackle common parenting struggles including how to improve talking, reduce tantrums, and improve picky eating, sleeping, potty training and so much more for kids with and without autism!
Topics also include what to do when a toddler is delayed and how to identify the earliest signs of autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or even giftedness! And what to do if your child is diagnosed or requires early intervention or ABA therapy.
So, whether you're a parent of a child or a professional such as a behavior analyst, nurse, physician, speech pathologist, or teacher, you're going to want to listen and subscribe!
Each week we discuss Mary's 4-step proven approach to tackle common parenting struggles including how to improve talking, reduce tantrums, and improve picky eating, sleeping, potty training and so much more for kids with and without autism!
Topics also include what to do when a toddler is delayed and how to identify the earliest signs of autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or even giftedness! And what to do if your child is diagnosed or requires early intervention or ABA therapy.
So, whether you're a parent of a child or a professional such as a behavior analyst, nurse, physician, speech pathologist, or teacher, you're going to want to listen and subscribe!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 28, 2025 • 35min
#328: ADHD vs. Autism in Toddlers: Early Signs, Key Differences & What to Do Next
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.
Oct 14, 2025 • 15min
#327: Knows Letters and Numbers but Can't Talk? How to Teach These Kids to Talk.
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.
Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
#326: Child Kicked out of Daycare or Expelled From Preschool? Here's what to do!
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.
Sep 16, 2025 • 22min
#325: The BECA: An Autism Assessment for Physicians, Researchers, Parents, and Autism Professionals
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.
Sep 2, 2025 • 43min
#324: Leucovorin For Autism: Dr. Richard Frye on New Autism and Language Research Parents Need
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.
Aug 19, 2025 • 28min
#323: PDA in Autism: Signs and Strategies That Work
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.
Aug 5, 2025 • 44min
#322: Too Young for a Diagnosis? Why Early Intervention for Autism Can't Wait
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.
Jul 22, 2025 • 27min
#321: How to Start Potty Training? 5 Steps to Get Started for Children with Autism (Even If You've Tried Before!)
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.
Jul 8, 2025 • 42min
#320: Emotional Regulation for Kids with Autism: Insights and Tools from Suzanne Tucker at Generation Mindful
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.
Jun 24, 2025 • 26min
#319: Doctors and Autism: How to Prepare Children for Appointments Without Meltdowns
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.
