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
Jan 10, 2023 • 43min
#210: Autism Potty Training - When to Start and Steps to Take
Potty training is a critical life skill, but it can be a struggle for every parent especially those with a child with autism. Enjoy this classic rebroadcast from episode 34, originally recorded in 2019, where I cover steps to potty train, as well as possible solutions to common issues and problems that can occur.
Jan 3, 2023 • 38min
#209: Gestalt Language Processing: What Is It and How Does It Relate to Scripting and Echolalia in Autism
Sari Risen, SLP-BCBA, discusses Gestalt Language Processing, its connection to Echolalia and Scripting in autism. Explore its impact on language learning, challenges in recognizing scripted speech, and effective intervention strategies. Emphasizes presuming competence and utilizing systematic programming for teaching individuals with autism.
Dec 27, 2022 • 38min
#208: Best Autism Podcasts: Top 10 Episodes of 2022
The 4th annual Top 10 list looking back at the top 10 episodes we recorded this year. Check out episodes featuring parents and professionals with hot seats, success stories, top 5 questions, classic rebroadcasts and more!
Dec 20, 2022 • 43min
#207: Speech Delay vs. Autism: Top 5 Questions on Diagnosis, Denial, and Regression
Last week featured a classic rebroadcast of episode 4 from 2019, Does my child have ADHD, a speech delay, or autism? Today we continue with our Top 5 Questions on this topic. Kelsey General joins me to discuss diagnosis, getting started at home, and understanding the difference between autism, ADHD, and speech delays.
Dec 13, 2022 • 26min
#206: Does my child have ADHD, a speech delay, or autism? Classic Rebroadcast
This is a classic rebroadcast of Episode 4, where I discuss the steps from my free guide: Is it Autism, ADHD, "Just" a Speech Delay, or Typical Toddler Tantrums? I cover what you need to do when you start seeing concerning signs and how to proceed whether you get a diagnosis of autism or not. Next week I'll be back with my top 5 questions on this important topic.
Dec 6, 2022 • 56min
#205: Is Your 2-year-old Not Talking? How Katty Turned Her Son's Speech Delay Around
Katty T and her son Santiago are proof that the Turn Autism Around programs can help any child, with or without an autism diagnosis. Katty shares her journey on catching up with her son's speech delay in her bilingual household using my course, community, and tools!
Nov 29, 2022 • 51min
#204: Severe Autism in Adults: A Parent's Key to Happiness with Denise D
If you have a young child with autism it can be scary to think about the demands of the future. Denise D is a positive light in the autism community. Her TikTok highlights her adult son Vincent who has severe autism and requires 24/7 care. She shares how she stays positive and navigates the needs of the family.
Nov 22, 2022 • 42min
#203: Autism Mom Burnout with More Than a Caregiver Founders Kate Swenson and Amanda Deluca
Kate Swenson and Amanda Deluca return to the Turn Autism Around Podcast to talk about their nonprofit, The More Than Project. This project supports caregivers, siblings, teachers and those that support and provide for special needs children. We discuss how they support initiatives and big events that are so meaningful to caregivers.
Nov 15, 2022 • 41min
#202: How To Deal with Autism Meltdowns: Hot Seat with Zulekha Part 2
Zulekha Williams is a mom from the Autism TikTok community. Today she takes the Hot Seat as we discuss her 4 year old, non-speaking son with autism. In Part 2 of this special episode, we pick back up with the interview discussing self-injurious behavior, meltdowns, tantrums, and some feeding concerns.
Nov 8, 2022 • 48min
#201: Assessing a Child with Non-speaking Autism: Hot Seat #7 with Zulekha
Zulekha Williams is a mom from the Autism TikTok community. Today she takes the Hot Seat as we discuss her 4-year-old, non-speaking son with autism. In Part 1 of this special episode, we review key questions from the One Page Assessment and cover topics like potty training, picky eating, table time activities and more.
