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
Mar 21, 2023 • 1h 2min
#220: EESA Assessment: Dr. Barbara Esch on Building Vocal Language and Avoiding Carrier Phrases
Creator of the EESA, the echoics assessment in the VB-Mapp, Dr. Barbara Esch joins me to share her knowledge when it comes to speech therapy for autistic learners. Dr. Esch has the unique certification of SLP, BCBA-D. We discuss common discrepancies in teaching speech to new speakers, like articulation, carrier phrases, and the use of AAC with nonverbal learners.
Mar 14, 2023 • 1h 13min
#219: Dr. Mark Sundberg : Verbal Operants and Using the VB-Mapp Assessment to Build Language
In early 2020 I recorded this classic episode that became one of our most popular episodes across the show. Enjoy this look back at an important interview with a leader in the field, the creator of the VB-Mapp, and one of my favorite mentors, Dr. Mark Sundberg. Get refreshed on important topics from the VB-Mapp, Intraverbals, and skills such as mands, tacts, and echoic control.
Mar 7, 2023 • 33min
#218: Using Miss Rachel Songs for Littles to Help with Speech Delays and Autism
Ms. Rachel is a growing sensation with parents on TikTok and Youtube. Her channel, Songs for Littles, has over 1 billion views. I'm talking about her videos, the proven techniques she uses, and how I've used them in my own "Ms. Mary" videos. I cover how these techniques and strategies can impact language for toddlers with autism or showing signs and even tips for creating your own videos.
Feb 28, 2023 • 36min
#217: Jillian Benfield: Working Through Grief After Diagnosis and Transforming as a Parent
Receiving a special needs diagnosis for your child is a moment you will never forget. Jillian Benfield Down Syndrome mom and author of The Gift of the Unexpected joins me today for a really great conversation. We talk about Jillian's journey through grief and parenting, how ableism might affect your vision of a diagnosis, and finding hope despite life's expectations.
Feb 21, 2023 • 47min
#216: Top 5 Questions: Picking Daycare, Preschool, or Special Education Placements
Finding the right placement or program for a child with autism can be a daunting task for your family. Rachel Smith joins me to discuss and answer the top 5 questions from the community about this important topic. We offer tips and advice for parents whether you're considering in-center or in-home care.
Feb 14, 2023 • 25min
#215: ABA In-home vs. Center vs. Special Needs School Placements : How Do You Choose What is Best?
Is it better for your child to have ABA in-home or is it better to have a center? The truth is there are many factors and questions to consider when making this choice for your family. I will go over some of the important things you should look at when choosing therapy and care for your autistic child.
Feb 7, 2023 • 45min
#214: Regressive Autism and Learning How to Rebuild Skills with Ruth Cassell
Long-time follower and dedicated listener, Ruth Cassell joins me in this episode. Ruth shares how she discovered my platform and her insights on the podcast as someone who has listened to every single episode. We discuss her son, his diagnosis, and their journey through therapy and at-home support.
Jan 31, 2023 • 40min
#213: Parent Coaching for Autism Families with The Autism Mom Coach, Lisa Candera
Being a parent is a challenge, add in a diagnosis of autism or even other additional diagnoses the challenges seem to never stop growing. Lisa Candera, lawyer, autism mom, and life coach, joined me today to talk about common struggles for autism parents and how she helps support autism moms. You don't have to be stuck worrying about the future or handling every problem alone, Lisa offers advice and tips for these problems and more.
Jan 24, 2023 • 42min
#212: Ron Sandison: Jobs for Autistic Adults
Ron Sandison is an author, mental health professional, and autistic adult. Today he shares his story and his passion for increasing the rate of gainfully employed autistic individuals. We discuss his upcoming book focusing on jobs for autistic adults while talking about other important topics for autistic adults like marriage and parenthood.
Jan 17, 2023 • 52min
#211: Potty Training Accidents: Top 5 Questions About Potty Training
You ask and we answer! Kelsey General joins me for our Top 5 Question series. In this episode we are talking all about potty training, whether they have autism or not, potty training is one of the most critical and essential skills your child will ever learn. We're covering potty training prep, handling accidents, the important steps in the training process, and more great tips.
