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
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.
Jun 10, 2025 • 40min
#318: Speech Therapy at Home: Tips from Dr. Mary Barbera from the SpeakJoy Parent Academy
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.
May 27, 2025 • 41min
#317: Functional Medicine and Autism: Denise Voight on Key Nutrients, Blood Tests to Ask For, and the Link Between Zinc, Nutrition, and Behavior
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.
May 13, 2025 • 41min
#316: Your Complete Guide to Daycare for Kids with Autism: Skills, Supports, and Success
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.
Apr 29, 2025 • 42min
#315: Autism Toys - Which Ones to Buy & How to Use Them
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.
Apr 15, 2025 • 35min
#314: Behavior Breakthrough: Simple ABA Strategies That Make a Big Impact at Home and in the Classroom
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.
Apr 1, 2025 • 44min
#313: Autism Out Loud: A Conversation with Kate Swenson, Adrian Wood and Carrie Cariello
Join Dr. Mary Barbera for an inspiring conversation with three incredible autism advocates: Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice, Adrian Wood from Tales of an Educated Debutante, and Carrie Cariello. We dive into their powerful new book Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood, where they share deeply personal stories of raising children with autism. Through their diverse experiences, they provide insight into topics like caregiving, anxiety, independence, and the unique challenges of young adulthood. This conversation offers support and valuable strategies for navigating life with autism.
Mar 18, 2025 • 24min
#312: How to Teach Intraverbals & Feature Function Class
Dr. Mary Barbera discusses practical strategies for expanding intraverbals, feature function class (FFC), and language skills in children with autism or speech delays. Learn effective techniques to improve your child’s conversational abilities, including using songs, real-life objects, and category-based language building. Dr. Mary Barbera also covers fluency training and how to integrate language practice into everyday activities. These actionable steps will help move your child forward in language development.
