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
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.
Mar 4, 2025 • 29min
#311: Autism Coach for Families: 5 Lessons from High Touch Coaching
Dr. Mary Barbera shares five key lessons she has learned from working with high-wealth families navigating autism. These insights are applicable to all parents, regardless of financial status, and offer strategies for managing an autism diagnosis, implementing therapy options, and addressing problem behaviors. Dr. Barbera also explains the creation of her High Touch Coaching program, a personalized, hands-on support system that bridges the gap between learning and real-world application for families seeking individualized guidance. See how you can move forward in your autism journey with proven techniques and expert advice.
Feb 18, 2025 • 33min
#310: Autism and Nutrition - The Research and How to Implement Autism Diets
Dr. Mary Barbera and Julie Matthews, a leading expert in autism nutrition, discuss the critical connection between nutrition and autism management. With over 22 years of experience, Julie shares insights on how diet can significantly influence behavior, cognitive function, and overall well-being for children with autism. She covers the importance of gut health, inflammation, and mitochondrial function, as well as practical dietary tips for parents looking to make positive changes. Julie also highlights research on therapeutic diets and shares actionable steps for creating a nutrition plan, including eliminating junk food and addressing picky eating.
Feb 4, 2025 • 33min
#309: Insights from Kaelynn Partlow—An Autistic Therapist, Author, and Advocate
Dr. Mary Barbera sits down with Kaelynn Partlow, an autistic therapist, author, and advocate, to discuss her inspiring journey from being diagnosed with autism at age ten to becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and public speaker. Kaelynn shares her experiences navigating the challenges of autism, her work at the Project Hope Foundation, and how she uses social media to advocate for inclusion and understanding. She also discusses her new book, Life on the Bridge, her appearance on Netflix's Love on the Spectrum, and her views on ABA therapy. Listen as we explore Kaelynn's remarkable contributions to the autism community and her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals.
