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
Jun 2, 2020 • 49min
#074: Autism Story with Amanda V. | From Non-verbal to Conversational & Straight A's
I met Amanda V. about eight years ago when her son was newly diagnosed with autism. Imagine my delight when she contacted me to share that her son was starting middle school in a mainstream classroom, and was on the football team. Early intervention in the birth-to-three program, and the ABA techniques I taught her gave her the support she needed to reach him.
May 26, 2020 • 53min
#073: Dore Blanchet: Occupational Therapy for Autism & Telehealth
There are many professions in the autism community, and one very helpful person to have on your team is an OT. Dore Blanchet is one of my favorite OTs that I've worked with, and today we're going to cover fine motor skills; the role of an OT; and how Dore continues to work with her clients in the midst of COVID-19.
May 19, 2020 • 21min
#072: Teaching Receptive Language Language Skills & Following Directions
My ultimate goal is for our children to live their happiest, most independent lives; that's why language comprehension is so essential. Today I'm going to focus on how to build receptive language abilities; how to assess comprehension; when and how to use visuals, and more!
May 12, 2020 • 1h
#071: Dr. Missy Olive: Medical Conditions Associated with Autism
Medication in the autism community can be a touchy subject. As a professional in the autism community, I feel it's part of my responsibility to shine a light on autism conditions and medications and give you factual information. That's why I'm interviewing Dr. Missy Olive, a doctoral-level BCBA and a licensed behavior analyst with experience in the medical autism field.
May 5, 2020 • 46min
#070: Kate Swenson: Finding Cooper's Voice
Today's guest is a highly requested one, and I finally have the pleasure of interviewing her: please welcome Kate Swenson! Kate is most recognized for her Facebook pages Finding Cooper's Voice and Coop's Troops. Kate shares the ups and downs that come with being a mom to three boys, including one with severe nonverbal autism.
Apr 28, 2020 • 31min
#069: Autism Self Care Skills: Potty Training, Sleep, Dressing & More
It's safe to say that right now, we are in the middle of a global pandemic; but with so much sheltering going on, this is the perfect time to start working with your children about self-care skills! Today I'm going to cover several skills such as potty-training and hand-washing, and where to begin with introducing these new skills.
Apr 21, 2020 • 53min
#068: Challenges of Autism Bullying, Dating Someone with Autism and Learning to Drive with Autism
I have been good friends with Suzie and Kelly Carpenter for almost two decades, and I'm so excited to introduce you to them! Suzie is an author and coach, and Kelly is an aspiring photographer who was diagnosed with 'high-functioning' autism when she was four years old. This mother-daughter duo has had to overcome a lot of challenges, but they have a ton of fantastic stories to share as well as provide a unique perspective.
Apr 14, 2020 • 45min
#067: Global Autism Project: Autism Around the World with Molly O.
The Global Autism Project is a nonprofit organization that helps people in 15 countries provide better treatment for children with autism. My interviewee this episode is Molly Ola Pinney, the founder, and EO of the Global Autism Project, and today we discuss why the Global Autism Project was founded; how they help treat autism in other countries; and how the recent Coronavirus has affected their mission.
Apr 7, 2020 • 31min
#066: The History of Autism & Autism Moms Becoming Experts in the Field
I'm kicking off autism awareness month with a quick course in autism history; specifically, the mothers to children with autism who went on to become professionals in the field. The autism world has made great strides since the 1940s, and we owe so much of it to the mothers who fought for their children.
Mar 31, 2020 • 59min
#065: Positive Parenting Solutions Without Coercion|Interview with ABA Inside Track
It's my pleasure to introduce you to the ABA Inside Track team: Dr. Jackie MacDonald, Dr. Robert Parry- Cruwys, and Dr. Diana Parry-Cruwys. We cover a lot of topics today, including positive parenting and avoiding coercion. We also discuss the rule of five-to-eight positive comments to every negative comment; a rule that should be applied to anyone's everyday life.
