
Turn Autism Around
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!
Latest episodes

Oct 17, 2023 • 32min
#250: HELP! My Child Hates Brushing Teeth; And Other Autism Self Care Questions
Dr. Mary Barbera addresses the top five questions regarding teaching self-care skills to children with autism or those displaying signs of autism. Learn about the significance of self-care in child development, debunking the misconception that language is a prerequisite for its teaching.

Oct 10, 2023 • 17min
#249: 3 Toys for Speech Therapy at Home and Easy Ways to Use Them
Dr. Mary Barbera presents three invaluable toys for speech therapy at home including the shoebox program, a hands-on, multisensory learning activity that aids children's language development, Potato Head, a simple yet powerful tool for language and body part recognition and inset puzzles for building vocabulary and fostering engagement.

Oct 3, 2023 • 36min
#248: Autism Coaching: A Journey of Knowledge, Collaboration, and Resilience with Emily B
Dr. Mary Barbera discusses Emily's autism coaching journey with her. Emily shares her touching journey as a parent of a child recently diagnosed with autism and how the Turn Autism Around® approach transformed their lives. They discuss early signs, toddler regression, and the vital role of early identification and intervention. This episode highlights the power of collaboration, communication, and resilience in supporting children with autism.

Sep 26, 2023 • 27min
#247: What Manners to Teach Kids with Autism
In this rebroadcast, Dr. Mary Barbera shares personal experiences and common mistakes to avoid when teaching manners, like chaining phrases together and teaching manners too early. Learn about the importance of assessing a child's language abilities before introducing polite phrases like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me."

Sep 19, 2023 • 38min
#246: How to Find Quality Autism Therapy Near Me; Top 5 Q&A
Dr. Mary Barbera and Kelsey General tackle the task of finding quality therapy for children with autism or signs of autism. They address the top five questions about locating effective therapy, emphasizing the need for early intervention and tailoring therapy to individual needs. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is recommended as evidence-based, but flexibility, collaboration, and positive approaches are key.

Sep 12, 2023 • 20min
#245: Natural Environment Teaching: Resources for Building Pretend Play
In today's episode, the focus is on play skills and natural environment teaching. Discover how to seamlessly incorporate teaching moments into a child's everyday life, both at home and in a classroom setting. Dr Mary Barbera highlights the importance of pretend play and introduces the valuable resource "Playtime Social Time" from the University of Minnesota, offering creative play scene ideas and organization tips for play materials.

Sep 5, 2023 • 37min
#244: Premature Babies and Autism: A Success Story with Jannette
Learn about the relationship between prematurity and autism! Jannette shares her journey with her prematurely born son, delving into the challenges of distinguishing developmental delays from autism. We discuss the significance of early intervention and the impact of online courses like Turn Autism Around® on child development. Recognize the signs of autism in premature babies, language delays, and the role of parents in fostering positive changes.

Aug 29, 2023 • 38min
#243: Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Teaching Language to Children with Autism
Dr. Mary Barbera shares valuable insights in this episode about teaching language to children with autism. Discover and avoid the top 5 common mistakes parents and professionals make in language instruction, and the importance of shaping joint attention and vocal behavior while focusing on functional language and syllable length. Dr. Barbera's expertise empowers you to help your child or clients thrive and reach their full potential.

Aug 22, 2023 • 51min
#242: Joint Attention and Eye Contact in Toddlers with Autism or Showing Signs with Dr. Francesca degli Espinosa
Dr. Mary Barbera and Dr. Francesca degli Espinosa talk about the power of joint attention and eye contact in autism. Learn how to foster a deeper connection, navigate milestones, and enhance social engagement. Dr. Espinosa, a seasoned expert in Applied Behaviour Analysis, offers practical tips to enhance these skills in a enjoyable, family-oriented manner. Tune in to empower yourself on the journey of turning autism around, fostering brighter connections for these children.

Aug 15, 2023 • 33min
#241: Sensory Issues and Autism: Top 5 Questions You Have, Answered
Dr. Mary Barbera and Kelsey General tackle the top five questions about sensory issues in children with autism. Exploring sensory sensitivities, they clarify the distinction between sensory issues and problem behavior, offering effective strategies for intervention. They delve into sensory seeking behaviors, the complexity of sensory manifestations, and the correlation between sensory issues and autism. Discover practical insights and learn how to create supportive environments for children with sensory differences. Tune in for expert advice and valuable strategies to navigate sensory challenges in individuals showing signs of autism.