Turn Autism Around
Dr. Mary Barbera
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 3, 2022 • 56min
#174: Global Development Delay and Autism: Hot Seat #5 with Grandma Tina
When grandparents are able to collaborate with their families for the benefit of a child, it is really amazing. In this hot seat, I am talking with Grandma Tina about her 2 and a half year old Grandson Wyatt, diagnosed with Global Delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder before the age of 2. We are going over Wyatt's One-Page Assessment and some of the struggles they are facing despite some great progress already.
Apr 26, 2022 • 49min
#173: Dr. Cheryl Tierney : Explaining the New CDC Milestones
The recent changes made to the CDC Developmental Milestones are not a cause for concern as shown recently on social media. This important interview with Dr. Cheryl Tierney explains the research and experts involved in the change, what the change really means, and why this milestone surveillance is so important for identifying delays in young children. Dr. Cheryl Tierney also debunks a viral myth, are COVID restrictions causing widespread developmental delays
Apr 19, 2022 • 43min
#172: Jess Plus the Mess on Supporting Special Needs Caregivers
A child is only as healthy as their caregiver, this is Jess Ronne's motivation to support caregivers of special needs families. Jess is an author, documentary producer, podcaster and mother of 8. In this interview, she shares her story and caregiver advocacy journey. Jess has great advice, ideas, and tips on how we can come together to rally around an often unseen community.
Apr 12, 2022 • 49min
#171: Tackling Autism Tantrums and Other Common Problem Behaviors: Q and A Series
Kelsey General, Community Manager, joins me again on the podcast to tackle the top 5 questions on common behavior problems. As a mom of two boys diagnosed with autism, she has great insight and perspective. We provide examples and resources, as we talk about behavior prevention and keeping kids safe among serious behavior concerns.
Apr 5, 2022 • 35min
#170: Forever Boy, A New Autism Memoir with Kate Swenson
From the creator of Finding Cooper's Voice, comes the book Forever Boy. Kate Swenson joins me for the second time on the Turn Autism Around podcast to share her new book, available now. Forever Boy is an autism memoir about Kate's real experiences navigating parenting and life with her son Cooper, pre-diagnosis and beyond. Kate shares a beautiful excerpt in today's interview, along with some insight on the inspiration behind the book and the reality of having a large social media following.
Mar 29, 2022 • 34min
#169: Why Timeouts Don't Work and Alternatives You Can Use Instead
Timeouts, punishment, and threats of punishment are an overused and ineffective strategy for changing problem behavior. Today, I am sharing the three big reasons timeouts do not work. I cover the base level problems with punishment, discipline, and why I do not recommend these strategies. You can find out more about this topic in my brand new online mini course, No More Time Out.
Mar 22, 2022 • 49min
#168: Using a Behavior Change Contract to Promote Positive Behaviors with Dr. William Heward and Dr. Jill Dardig
"Sign Here", you may have heard your child say with a loose leaf scribbled contract in hand to get something they desire. This is actually a research based tool that you can use to get real change and meet real goals. Today I am interviewing Dr. William Heward and Dr. Jill Dardig, authors of the book, Let's Make a Contract, a family friendly book about changing your child's behavior in a positive way. We get into what a behavior contract is, who it's for, and how you can make it work.
Mar 15, 2022 • 58min
#167: How To Help Your Toddler Talk! Hot Seat #4 with Elissa
Do you have a toddler who was recently diagnosed with ASD? Elissa M is in the hot seat to share her beginnings of early intervention with her 2 and a half-year-old Lexi. After reading my book, Turn Autism Around, and working on my online Toddler Course, Elissa is ready to review Lexi's assessments and discuss how her therapy is going and what Lexi's future therapy may look like for Early Intervention ABA. Not only do we discuss all of the assessments included in my free book resources, we go over tips and new activities to get Lexi talking!
Mar 8, 2022 • 30min
#166: 10 Early Warning Signs of Autism
Are there signs that can lead to an early diagnosis of autism? In chapter two of my book, Turn Autism Around, I discuss possible warning signs for autism. I am going over these 10 signs in today's episode. These signs include lack of pointing, speech delays, and many more. Having these signs does not automatically mean autism but even without a diagnosis they can be worked on to help your child with my proven four-step approach, Turn Autism Around.
Mar 1, 2022 • 56min
#165: Research Topics in ABA for Practitioners with Dr. Amber Valentino
Research and new research conducted by practitioners working within the field is critical to the development of practice and the betterment of our children. In this interview with Dr. Amber Valentino of Trumpet Behavior Health, we are discussing applied research, the importance of conducting studies, the barriers for practitioners, and getting published. We discuss some of my own peer-reviewed journal articles and other studies I've completed. The goal of the research is to share knowledge, procedures that work, and make the world a better place.
