Turn Autism Around

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Dr. Mary Barbera, autism mom, BCBA-D, RN, best-selling author of The Verbal Behavior Approach, and online course creator discusses autism from several different angles for both parents as well as medical, educational, and behavioral professionals. Each week we discuss autism ideas to improve the li…

Dr. Mary Barbera


    • Jun 24, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 320 EPISODES

    4.4 from 315 ratings Listeners of Turn Autism Around that love the show mention: barbera, autism mom, aba, parents and professionals, diagnosed with autism, vb, children with autism, help my son, thanks mary, eye contact, asd, bcbas, around podcast, thank you mary, delays, many resources, bundle, verbal, autistic, read her book.


    Ivy Insights

    The Turn Autism Around podcast is an invaluable resource for parents and professionals seeking effective strategies for supporting individuals with autism. Mary Barbera, the host of the podcast, provides practical and easily implementable strategies that have been proven to work. The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to autism, from behavior management to language acquisition, making it a comprehensive and informative resource.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Mary's ability to break down complex concepts into simple and actionable steps. She provides clear guidance on how to address challenging behaviors and support language development in individuals with autism. This makes it accessible for both parents and professionals who may not have extensive training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) or other therapeutic approaches.

    Furthermore, the podcast regularly features interviews with experts in the field of autism, providing valuable insights and perspectives. These interviews expand on the topics discussed by Mary and offer additional strategies and approaches that listeners can incorporate into their own practices. The inclusion of personal stories from families navigating autism adds an extra layer of relatability and inspiration.

    While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential drawback is that it primarily focuses on non-verbal children with autism. While the strategies discussed are applicable to individuals across the spectrum, some parents or professionals working with verbally fluent individuals may feel that their specific needs are not addressed as thoroughly.

    In conclusion, The Turn Autism Around podcast is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone seeking practical strategies for supporting individuals with autism. Mary Barbera's expertise and her ability to break down complex concepts make this podcast accessible and actionable. While it primarily focuses on non-verbal children, the information provided can be beneficial for individuals at all levels of communication ability. Overall, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone involved in caring for or working with individuals with autism.



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    Latest episodes from Turn Autism Around

    #319: Doctors and Autism: How to Prepare Children for Appointments Without Meltdowns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 25:56


    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.

    #318: Speech Therapy at Home: Tips from Dr. Mary Barbera from the SpeakJoy Parent Academy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 39:48


    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.

    #317: Functional Medicine and Autism: Denise Voight on Key Nutrients, Blood Tests to Ask For, and the Link Between Zinc, Nutrition, and Behavior

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 41:28


    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.

    #316: Your Complete Guide to Daycare for Kids with Autism: Skills, Supports, and Success

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 40:53


    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.  

    #315: Autism Toys - Which Ones to Buy & How to Use Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 42:10


    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.

    #314: Behavior Breakthrough: Simple ABA Strategies That Make a Big Impact at Home and in the Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 34:30


    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.

    #313: Autism Out Loud: A Conversation with Kate Swenson, Adrian Wood and Carrie Cariello

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 43:44


    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.

    #312: How to Teach Intraverbals & Feature Function Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 23:41


    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.

    #311: Autism Coach for Families: 5 Lessons from High Touch Coaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 28:36


    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.

    #310: Autism and Nutrition - The Research and How to Implement Autism Diets

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 33:13


    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.

    #309: Insights from Kaelynn Partlow—An Autistic Therapist, Author, and Advocate

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 32:39


    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.

    #308: What is Autism in 2025? Understanding the Spectrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 30:52


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses what Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) looks like in 2025, breaking down its definition, rising prevalence, causes, and early signs. She goes over the diagnostic process, common controversies, and the power of early intervention in supporting children on the spectrum. She also touches on the controversial topics in the autism community—such as changing definitions, acceptance vs. awareness, and the lifelong impact of autism.

    #307: AngelSense for Families with Autism and My Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 33:31


    Dr. Mary Barbera shares her personal journey with autism safety and introduces an incredible tool that has transformed the way families like hers protect their loved ones—AngelSense. Joined by fellow BCBA and mom, Melissa Schiefelbein, we discuss how AngelSense's GPS tracking and safety features help prevent elopement, enhance independence, and provide peace of mind. From real-time tracking to two-way voice communication, AngelSense can support children and adults with autism, special needs, or dementia.

    #306: Adulthood Begins in Preschool: Adaptive Skills for Autism with Peter Gerhardt & Shanna Bahry

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 31:50


    Dr. Mary Barbera covers the role of adaptive skills in creating meaningful futures for individuals with autism. In this conversation with Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shanna Bahry, we talk about the importance of focusing on these skills from an early age, especially in the preschool years. We will go over how to set meaningful goals, teach life skills for independence, and balance academic progress with essential self-care tasks. Dr. Gerhardt shares insights on how adaptive skills can pave the way for greater autonomy, while Dr. Bahry explains the pivotal age of 10 as a time to assess developmental paths.

    #305: Virtual Autism Evaluation: Reducing Autism Evaluation Wait Times with Dr. Cheryl Tierney

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 45:32


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses how virtual autism evaluations are helping reduce the long wait times for diagnoses, with insights from Dr. Cheryl Tierney, a board-certified developmental pediatrician. Dr. Tierney talks about her work at Meliora Health, which offers virtual autism and ADHD evaluations in multiple states. With waitlists stretching up to two years, virtual evaluations provide a faster, convenient option for families. There is a high importance on thorough assessments, what tools are used, and how to choose the right provider. See how virtual evaluations can open doors to early intervention and better outcomes for children.

    #304: Teaching Prepositions to Children with Autism: 3 Mistakes to Avoid

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 15:23


    Teaching prepositions to children with autism or speech delays can be challenging, especially if introduced too early. Dr. Mary Barbera goes over three common mistakes parents and educators often make when teaching prepositions, like "in," "on," and "under." Learn how to avoid these pitfalls and set your child up for success with clear, structured approaches and practical strategies.

    #303: ARFID & Autism: What Is It & How Can You Help? | with Feeding Matters OT - Cuyler Romeo

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 25:45


    Dr. Mary Barbera is joined by occupational therapist and Feeding Matters' Director of Strategic Initiatives, Cuyler Romeo. They discuss the connection between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and autism, and how these feeding challenges impact children and families. Cuyler shares valuable insights from her clinical experience, as well as actionable tips for navigating feeding issues, from picky eating to severe food avoidance and how to identify ARFID and differentiate it from typical picky eating.

    #302: 3 Steps To Teach a Child to Respond to Their Name

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 21:23


    Is your child or client not responding to their name? Dr. Mary Barbera shares three essential steps to help teach a child to respond, drawing from her experience as both a parent and professional. Response to name is a key skill for safety, social development, and communication. She'll also discuss a common concern: does this mean autism? Learn practical tips to reinforce name response in a positive way and ensure your child stays engaged and safe.

    #301: Fostering joint attention and social engagement with an autistic child

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 37:28


    Dr. Mary Barbera sits down with Dr. Jamie Hughes-Lika, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to talk about effective strategies for fostering joint attention, social engagement, and motivation in young children with autism. Learn how to meet children where they are, engage them in meaningful ways, and build foundational skills that support their social and communicative development. Implementing these strategies today can help enhance your interactions with children with autism and help them thrive.

    #300: Autism Advice for Parents and Professionals Helping Toddlers Through Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 27:09


    Dr. Mary Barbera shares her top 3 pieces of advice for parents and professionals supporting children with autism, from toddlers through teens. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Barbera explains the importance of starting with a comprehensive assessment, preventing problem behaviors by fostering positive environments, and building strong collaboration between parents and professionals. 

    #299: The Early Signs of Autism: 10 You May Not Know and What You Can Do!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 29:04


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the 10 early signs of autism in young children. Drawing from her personal experience as a mom and professional background as a registered nurse and behavior analyst, she breaks down common signs such as speech delays, lack of pointing, repetitive behaviors, and more. She also shares practical strategies that parents and caregivers can use to support children showing early developmental delays, regardless of diagnosis. Tune in to learn how early intervention can make a big difference.

    drawing autism early signs autism in toddlers
    #298: Virtual Autism: Can Screen Time Cause Autism? How to Prevent Virtual Autism

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 23:20


    Dr. Mary Barbera explores the growing conversation around virtual autism—a term used to describe autism-like symptoms in young children, potentially linked to excessive screen time. Is virtual autism real, and can it be prevented? She'll share insights from my professional experience and personal journey with my son, Lucas, as well as real-life examples from my clients. She explain the potential effects of too much screen time on children's development and provide actionable strategies to prevent virtual autism. She will also review screen time guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), offering tips on how to balance screen use with engaging activities that support healthy growth.

    #297: The Cry-It Out Method - Why I Wouldn't Use It and What to Do Instead

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 23:06


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the controversial cry-it-out method often used in sleep training. As a behavior analyst and mother, Dr. Mary Barbera has seen firsthand how this method can negatively impact a child's emotional development, particularly for children with autism or speech delays. She explains why she doesn't recommend the cry-it-out method, explores its potential downsides, and shares alternative strategies that focus on positive reinforcement and building secure attachments. She also discusses how this method can exacerbate separation anxiety and what you can do instead to foster a trusting and supportive environment for your child.

    #296: Good Inside by Dr. Becky Book Review:  5 Big Ideas and Adaptations for Kids with Autism by Dr. Mary Barbera

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 22:40


    Dr. Mary Barbera reviews the popular parenting book "Good Inside" by Dr. Becky Kennedy, which has gained significant attention in the gentle parenting community. As both a parent and a professional working with children with autism, Dr. Barbera has wanted to explore how Dr. Becky's insights can be adapted to support kids with autism and speech delays. She'll share the five big ideas from the book that resonated with me the most and offer practical strategies on how to modify these concepts for children with developmental delays.

    #295: Multidisciplinary Teams for Autism: 3 Ways to Partner with Parents in Therapy or IEP meetings

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 27:50


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the critical role that parents play in multidisciplinary teams, especially during IEP meetings and autism therapy sessions. As both a parent and professional, Dr. Mary Barbera shares practical strategies on how to partner effectively with parents to create the most impactful IEP goals and intervention plans for children with autism. Learn about the importance of assessing not just the child's needs but the entire family's needs across home, school, and community settings and how to train parents to implement evidence-based practices at home, reinforcing the skills their child is learning in therapy or at school.

    #294: Is it autism?? Diagnosis and screening tools you need to know about

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 21:18


    Dr. Mary Barbera guides you through the essential autism screening process by exploring and comparing key assessment tools, including the M-CHAT, ADOS, Vineland, and her own BECA assessment. She'll discuss how each tool functions—whether it's identifying early signs of autism, diagnosing developmental delays, or crafting effective intervention plans. She also shares how the BECA assessment she developed can help provide a comprehensive view of a child's developmental baseline, making it easier to tailor interventions that lead to meaningful progress.

    #293: Is Your Child a Gestalt Language Processor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 27:05


    Dr. Mary Barbera reviews new research and gives a critical analysis of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), going over its definition and implications for children with autism. Dr. Barbera discusses what she has learned about the Natural Language Acquisition Protocol (NLA) teaching methods for GLP and evaluates whether these are the best approaches. 

    #292: Ready to Teach Pronouns? Mistakes to Avoid & Procedures to Follow

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 25:16


    Dr. Mary Barbera highlights three common mistakes with teaching pronouns: introducing pronouns too early, using turn-taking pronouns like “my turn” and “your turn” with minimal language skills, and starting with receptive pronouns instead of expressive ones. She provides strategies to avoid these pitfalls, focusing on building vocabulary first, using simple language, and starting with expressive pronouns. By following these steps, children can effectively learn pronouns without confusion or pronoun reversals.

    #291: Ready to help your child with autism tackle the dentist? 5 Tips you need!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 22:32


    Taking a child with autism to the dentist can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, Dr. Mary Barbera share five steps to make dentist visits positive experiences. Learn why holding kids down at the dentist should be avoided, and strategies for desensitizing dental visits, creating realistic plans, and practicing in familiar settings. With preparation and gradual exposure, dental visits can become manageable and even enjoyable for your child.

    #290: Autism and Sleep: 3 Tips to Save your Sleep!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 29:56


    Dr. Mary Barbera shares three effective tips for improving sleep issues in children with autism, drawing from her personal experience with her son, Lucas. These tips include preventing bed entry, calmly returning the child to their bed, and using positive reinforcement. She also discusses common sleep problems in children with autism, such as irregular melatonin levels, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral patterns, and emphasizes the importance of consistent bedtime routines and provides resources like her autism and sleep Kindle ebook to guide parents. 

    #289: Step by Step Guide to Improving Autism and Speech Delays in 2 Year Olds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 36:45


    Dr. Mary Barbera interviews Nadia, a mother who successfully supported her 2-year-old son Muhammad's speech development and managed his autism-related behaviors using Dr. Barbera's verbal behavior techniques. Nadia shares her journey from Pakistan to Australia, the challenges of long waitlists, and how her son's speech and behavior have improved significantly. Dr. Mary Barbera covers strategies for early diagnosis, intervention, using effective reinforcers, and addressing picky eating, highlighting the importance of parental involvement, professional guidance, and consistent application of learned techniques to support children with speech delays and autism.

    #288: How to solve speech articulation errors with Rose Griffin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 34:51


    Dr. Mary Barbera interviews Rose Griffin, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, about solving speech articulation errors in children, particularly those with autism and speech delays. They discuss the importance of early identification and intervention, typical speech sound development, and practical strategies for improving speech articulation. Rose emphasizes the need for a structured, individualized approach, integrating playful techniques, and ensuring generalization of skills.

    #287: The activity you need to teach colors to children with autism and speech delays

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 15:57


    Dr. Mary Barbera goes over the importance of timing and effective methods for teaching colors. Teaching colors too early to children with autism or speech delays can hinder language development, it's important to wait until children have a solid vocabulary of 50-100 nouns and are developmentally ready (typically around 30 months). You should also be focusing on using sorting activities with construction paper to teach colors separately from nouns, and pairing and labeling colors before combining them with objects.

    #286: Which Autism Book is Best for You? Verbal Behavior Approach or Turn Autism Around?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 26:44


    Dr. Mary Barbera compares her two bestselling autism books, "The Verbal Behavior Approach" and "Turn Autism Around." Mary also touches on which book best fits your needs for supporting children with autism. You'll learn about unique strengths and insights each book offers, discussing their differences.

    #285: Using Miss Rachel Videos for Speech Delays and Autism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 35:45


    In this rebroadcast, Dr. Mary Barbera discusses how to use techniques from Miss Rachel's popular YouTube channel, "Miss Rachel Songs for Littles," to support children with speech delays or autism. Miss Rachel's videos, which employ video modeling and proven speech therapy methods, offer valuable resources for language development. While screen time should be limited, using educational content like Miss Rachel's can be beneficial. Creating personalized videos can also help to enhance speech skills.

    #284: Developmental Delays with Dr. Erin Michaud

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 37:32


    Dr. Mary Barbera interviews Dr. Erin Michaud, an expert in autism research, discussing early detection and intervention for developmental delays and autism. They cover topics such as recognizing early markers like eye contact and cooing, the importance of parent training, and tailored interventions such as speech and behavioral therapy. Dr. Michaud also highlights the differences between developmental delays and autism, emphasizing early action and continuous support to improve outcomes.

    #283: Autism and Picky Eating: 7 Tips to Solve Feeding Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 33:20


    Struggling with picky eating in your child? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the common causes of picky eating, the link between autism and selective eating, and the potential for serious issues like failure to thrive. Learn seven practical tips to address picky eating, including conducting assessments, creating an easy-medium-hard food list, stopping snacking between meals, introducing nutrient-dense foods, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, and gradually introducing new foods. 

    #282: 6 Strategies for Stopping Toddler Tantrums and Improving Language

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 32:07


    In this classic rebroadcast, Dr. Mary Barbera goes over six strategies based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to manage toddler tantrums and enhance communication. There are three preventative measures focused on positive reinforcement, one-word repetition, and structured interactions to reduce tantrum occurrences. There are also three reactive strategies emphasizing safety, stopping attention, and planned ignoring to handle tantrums effectively. Using these tools to create a positive learning environment and minimize attention to negative behavior, parents and educators can foster better communication and reduce tantrums in kids.

    #281: 3 ways to improve speech therapy goals

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 23:25


    Dr. Mary Barbera covers how to enhance speech therapy goals for children with delays. Learn from real-life experiences, including insight from Lucas's speech therapy journey. Avoid common pitfalls like generic goal banks and ensure goals are tailored to each child's unique needs, strategies for toddlers, emphasizing realistic milestones and parental involvement. Use these tips and see how therapy sessions become more effective and empowering for children's development.

    #280: gentle parenting...can it help stop tantrums?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 37:35


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses contrasting methods of gentle parenting and Positive Toddler Parenting™ in addressing toddler behavior, focusing on the response to hitting. While gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and teaching moments, Positive Toddler Parenting™ advocates for immediate intervention and minimal acknowledgment of negative emotions during the incident.Both approaches aim to nurture emotionally intelligent children, yet differ in their strategies for managing challenging behaviors.

    #279: OUCH! How to stop toddler biting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 19:34


    Struggling with toddler biting? Dr. Mary Barbera offers a 4-step method to address biting behavior, emphasizing understanding the underlying causes and implementing positive strategies. Learn why biting isn't just a phase and explore assessments to determine triggers and give proactive responses and alternatives to prevent and manage biting incidents, fostering positive behavior in toddlers. Tune in to stop biting and promote a safe, supportive environment for your toddler's development.

    #278: Terrible Twos? Or Something More? 3 Assessments you can do NOW!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 18:08


    Today, Dr. Mary Barbera offers three simple assessments for parents concerned about their toddler's behavior. These assessments include language sampling, baseline video recordings of play, and the Barbera Early Childhood Assessment™ (BECA). By utilizing these tools, parents can gain insights into their child's development and identify potential areas of concern or strength. These assessments empower parents to take proactive steps in supporting their child's development and seeking further guidance if needed.

    #277: How can you stop a toddler from hitting and throwing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 36:51


    In today's rebroadcast, learn effective strategies to address toddler hitting and throwing behaviors. Join Dr. Mary Barbera and Rachel Smith, Program Director for Positive Toddler Parenting™, as she shares her experience with her son Everett and discusses child-friendly solutions, prevention techniques, neutral discussions, and attention removal strategies to curb problem behaviors. These methods, adaptable for children with or without developmental delays, aim to promote positive interactions and reduce incidents.

    #276: Preparing a Toddler for the New Baby...

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 28:11


    Dr. Mary Barbera and Rachel discusses how to start preparing toddlers for a new sibling. You'll learn about timing considerations, practical strategies, emphasizing safety and smooth transitions. These tips include involving children in preparations, maintaining routines, and fostering a supportive environment. All of these tips should help ease your child into the addition of a new family member more readily.

    #275: Turn Autism Around is Ending...BUT WAIT...a New One is Starting

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 22:31


    In this episode, Dr. Mary Barbera announces the end of the Turn Autism Around® podcast, but embraces a new journey as Positive Toddler Parenting™. The transition reflects a broader focus on toddler development and parenting, aiming to support all families. The rebranding introduces the Barbera Early Childhood Assessment (BECA)™ tool and offers practical solutions for various developmental challenges. While still valuable for autism families, the podcast now caters to a wider audience. Join us in this journey, ensuring every toddler reaches their full potential. Together, let's make a difference, one toddler at a time.

    starting ending new one turn autism around
    #274: How can you teach group social skills? Help from Kelly Bermingham

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 28:41


    Learn about the essence of social skills development with BCBA Kelly McKinnon-Birmingham. She and Dr. Mary Barbera go over the significance of joint attention beyond mere eye contact and its role in transitioning to group learning, effective classroom management strategies and the power of positive reinforcement in fostering a conducive learning environment. Learn about Kelly's unique stress reduction practices, including the transformative concept of non-contingent Sundays for family well-being.

    #273: 5 Lessons Learned from Love on the Spectrum Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 15:36


    Dr. Mary Barbera explores the intricacies of love and autism with insights from "Love on the Spectrum" Season 2. Learn about the series' portrayal of love, challenges, and misconceptions surrounding autism, highlighting the significance of representation and support in media. The show involves and empowers autistic adults while showcasing the diverse spectrum of experiences.

    #272: What is it like being an autism sibling? With Spencer Barbera

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 48:27


    Dr. Mary Barbera interviews her son Spencer, sharing his experiences growing up with a brother with autism. Spencer, now entering medical school, offers valuable insights and advice for siblings of autism, highlighting resilience, compassion, and the importance of family support. Discover their journey, challenges, and decisions regarding guardianship for Lucas. A touching exploration of sibling dynamics and the strength of family bonds in navigating autism.

    #271: Are You Interested in Autism Research? How Intranasal Vasopressin May Improve Autism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 26:46


    Dr. Mary Barbera explores the latest in autism research, focusing on Dr. Karen Parker's study on intranasal vasopressin. Despite challenges, such as translating animal model research to human application, vasopressin shows promise in improving social behavior and reducing anxiety in children with autism. Supported by the Simons Foundation, this research highlights potential breakthroughs in autism treatment. Join the movement through initiatives like the SPARK program, fostering collaboration and hope for a brighter future in autism care.

    #270: Cruising with Kruz; a Journey from Early Intervention to Autism Preschool

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 41:40


    Mary Barbera and Lisa Houseworth, an ABA expert, mother, and blogger from Cruising with Kruz discuss navigating autism preschool choices. From recognizing early signs to embracing intensive ABA therapy, Lisa discusses the transformative impact of personalized interventions. Discover the challenges of transitioning to school-based programs and the importance of parental advocacy. Lisa's journey offers practical advice and hope for families seeking the right placement for their children with autism.

    #269: Stop Waiting Around for an Autism Diagnosis...

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 27:08


    Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the realities of autism waitlists and steps to navigate them effectively in this podcast. She addresses the emotional toll of waiting, reasons for long waitlists, and strategies for proactive engagement while waiting. Learn how to leverage resources and advocate for your child's needs, transforming waiting time into a proactive path toward support and understanding.

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