Turn Autism Around artwork

Turn Autism Around

275 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★ - 316 ratings

Dr. Mary Barbera, RN, doctoral-level behavior analyst, best-selling author, and online course creator discusses autism and toddler parenting from several different angles for both parents as well as medical, educational, and behavioral professionals.

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 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! Learn more at www.marybarbera.com.

Education Kids & Family speechtherapy aba autism behavioranalyst medicationuse problembehaviors scripting signsofautism stimming
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Episodes

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

March 19, 2024 07:00 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MB

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

March 12, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MB

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...

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

March 05, 2024 07:00 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MB

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 a...

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

February 27, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MB

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.

#268: Dr. Ami Klin Reasearch - Can We Prevent Autism?

February 20, 2024 08:00 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera goes over the importance of early autism detection and treatment through Dr. Ami Klin's groundbreaking work in this rebroadcast. Learn about the impact of early intervention on a child's developmental trajectory, focusing on the crucial birth to age 3 period. Dr. Klin's insights on preventing behavioral and speech disorders, emphasizes the significance of treating autism early.

#267: The #1 Self-Care Tool You Need to Teach Children with Autism

February 13, 2024 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MB

Learn the #1 self-care tool for teaching children with autism essential skills like hand washing and tooth brushing. The Turn Autism Around® approach helps showcase the importance of task analysis in breaking down tasks. Embrace consistent practice, positive reinforcement, and personalized teaching methods for effective learning. For anyone supporting the development of self-care skills in children with autism or toddlers showing signs, this episode is a must watch.

#266: 5 Legal & Financial Tips Every Autism Parent Needs!

February 06, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera discusses 5 crucial legal and financial tips for parents of children with autism. From establishing a will and special needs trust to managing finances for social service eligibility, Dr. Barbera covers key strategies to secure your child's future. Learn about the importance of staying within the school system, accessing public benefits, and advocating for your child's education and healthcare needs. Empower yourself with knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid common...

#265: 3 FREE Autism Assessments to Do TODAY to Start Helping a Child with Autism

January 30, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MB

Today Dr. Mary Barbera goes over the essential three autism assessments, providing immediate support for children with autism. These free and user-friendly assessments are crucial for determining the right starting point in intervention. Dr. Mary Barbera emphasizes the significance of baseline videos, language samples, and an online digital assessment to monitor progress effectively. With clear instructions and accessible resources, this episode guides parents and caregivers on leveraging the...

#264: Was your child just diagnosed with autism? The information you need NOW...

January 23, 2024 08:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera addresses the top five questions surrounding a child's recent autism diagnosis. From processing emotions and seeking support to navigating systems and managing expectations, the episode provides essential guidance for families. The discussion emphasizes proactive planning, personalized intervention approaches, and the importance of communicating the diagnosis to family and friends.

#263: Are You an Autism Dad Who Needs Support? This is for you...

January 16, 2024 08:00 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MB

Dr. Charles Barbera, autism dad and husband to Dr. Mary Barbera, opens up about their family's autism journey. From breaking through denial to dealing with grief, Charles shares his perspective and the lessons learned. The discussion touches on challenges in setting up the future for their son, pride in unique achievements, and valuable advice for autism dads navigating family dynamics post-diagnosis.

#262: Carrie Cariello with the Tips You Need When Raising a Family with Autism

January 09, 2024 08:00 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

Today, Dr. Mary Barbera shares an interview with author and advocate Carrie Cariello. As a mother to five children, including Jack, diagnosed with autism at 18 months, Carrie shares her journey and insights from her latest book, "Half My Sky." Explore topics like raising children with autism, managing relationships, and sibling dynamics and get valuable perspectives on autism, marriage, and siblinghood. Carrie's authenticity and vulnerability offer support and wisdom to those navigating the c...

#261: Autism and Kindergarten: Transitioning from PreK to K with Michelle C

January 02, 2024 08:00 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

Michelle C. shares her journey with her daughter Elena's autism diagnosis at the age of two. From initial dismissals to remarkable progress through early intervention and Dr. Mary Barbera's course, Michelle discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning Elena into kindergarten, the decision not to disclose her autism to the school, Michelle reflects on Elena's language development and social skills progress.

#260: Turn Autism Around: Best Podcasts 2023

December 26, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera reveals the top 10 Turn Autism Around podcast episodes in 2023, as determined by listens, downloads, and views. These episodes give helpful insights for parents on the autism journey, covering subjects ranging from the gestalt language processing dispute to toilet training tactics and the influence of curated information. Dr. Barbera questions conventional wisdom about autism as a lifelong condition and investigates fresh studies on autism outcomes.

#259: Can a Toddler Outgrow Autism?? The New Study you Can't Miss....

December 19, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera sheds light on the research suggesting that nearly 40% of diagnosed toddlers may no longer meet autism criteria between ages five and seven. Explore the controversies, impacts of adaptive skills, and the critical role of early intervention. Dr. Mary Barbera goes over the intricacies of autism recovery, intervention nuances, and potential long-term effects.

#258: Izzy's Journey with Autism Therapy at Home and How you Can Do it Too!

December 12, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 60.2 MB

Mary Barbera covers the benefits of early assessment through a free digital assessment tool, the challenges of pacifier addiction, and explore the importance of tackling adaptive skills in autism. My guest Izzy's experience highlights the significance of early intervention, finding the right therapy provider, and the role of parents in creating a supportive environment.

#257: Should I Pay for Private Speech Therapy? The Ins and Outs Of How to Get Therapy Covered

December 05, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 25 MB

In this episode, I cover the decision of whether to pay for private speech therapy or ABA therapy for children with autism. Going into U.S. regulations, I explore avenues for free speech therapy through early intervention programs and school districts. Emphasizing parental involvement and awareness, I also discuss potential insurance coverage for therapy services.

#256: Teaching Life Skills to Children with Autism Featuring Julie Swanson

November 28, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MB

Today’s topic is on teaching life skills to children with autism featuring Julie Swanson, The Life Skills Lady. Julie shares her personal journey advocating for her son with autism, leading to her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and special education law. The episode emphasizes the importance of incorporating life skills into Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and addresses challenges faced by individuals with autism in various areas of life.

#255: Mastering Travel with Children: Tips for a Smooth Autism Travel Journey

November 21, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera and Rachel Smith discuss practical tips for traveling with children, addressing concerns for parents, including those with children on the autism spectrum. Rachel shares her recent travel experience with her two sons, offering valuable insights into keeping kids occupied during flights. The episode covers desensitizing kids to wearing headphones, essential items for air travel, and engaging activities to make the journey enjoyable. From introducing headphones gradually to pac...

#254: The Best Books for Toddlers and What To Do When They Don’t Want To Be Read To

November 14, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera shares valuable insights about using books to enhance language skills in toddlers, including those with autism or signs of autism, emphasizing the importance of pairing books with reinforcement and provides guidance on selecting the best books for different developmental stages.

#253: Expanding Expressive Language Skills in Children with Autism; Mistakes to Avoid

November 07, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MB

In this rebroadcast, Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the importance of building expressive language skills in toddlers with autism. She shares insights from her experience and her books, emphasizing the need to start with one-word utterances and gradually progress to two-word phrases to create a strong foundation for language development.

#252: 2 Year Old Not Talking? How to Support Speech Development

October 31, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera discusses speech development in two-year-olds. You'll learn the crucial milestones children should meet at this age and what to do if a 2-year-old isn't talking. Dr. Barbera emphasizes the significance of considering expressive and receptive language skills, highlighting the impact of prematurity on developmental delays.

#251: Rose Griffin from ABA Speech on Teaching Action Verbs

October 24, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MB

In today's episode, Dr. Mary Barbera speaks with Rose Griffin about the innovative ABA Speech Action Builder cards, designed to help autistic learners generalize language skills. The importance of planning and generalization when teaching action verbs is emphasized, promoting independent communication. This episode highlights collaboration between speech therapists and behavior analysts and offers valuable insights into improving outcomes in speech therapy for children with autism.

#250: HELP! My Child Hates Brushing Teeth; And Other Autism Self Care Questions

October 17, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MB

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.

#249: 3 Toys for Speech Therapy at Home and Easy Ways to Use Them

October 10, 2023 07:00 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MB

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.

#248: Autism Coaching: A Journey of Knowledge, Collaboration, and Resilience with Emily B

October 03, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MB

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.

#247: What Manners to Teach Kids with Autism

September 26, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MB

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."

#246: How to Find Quality Autism Therapy Near Me; Top 5 Q&A

September 19, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MB

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.

#245: Natural Environment Teaching: Resources for Building Pretend Play

September 12, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 27.5 MB

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.

#244: Premature Babies and Autism: A Success Story with Jannette

September 05, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MB

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.

#243: Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Teaching Language to Children with Autism

August 29, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 52 MB

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.

#242: Joint Attention and Eye Contact in Toddlers with Autism or Showing Signs with Dr. Francesca degli Espinosa

August 22, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 69.8 MB

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.

#241: Sensory Issues and Autism: Top 5 Questions You Have, Answered

August 15, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 16.9 MB

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 w...

#240: How to Treat Autism: 25 Years Later

August 08, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 14.2 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera reflects on 25 years of experience in treating autism and parenting a child with autism. The episode explores significant changes in autism treatment, including the increasing prevalence of autism, improvements in ABA therapy insurance coverage, and the importance of early intervention. We also discuss criticism of ABA therapy and advocates for positive, child-friendly approaches in early intervention, emphasizing the role of behavior analysts and parent training. This episod...

#239: The Power of Gene Therapy: Unlocking Hope for Rett Syndrome and ASD

August 01, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 15.2 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera and Monica Coenraads explore the potential of gene therapy to transform the lives of individuals with Rett Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Learn about the similarities and differences between Rett Syndrome and autism, emphasizing the specific gene mutation associated with Rett Syndrome. The episode features Monica Coenraads, co-founder of the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation, who shares her personal journey with Rett Syndrome and her insights on gene therapy's p...

#238: 18 Month Old Not Talking? 5 Action Steps for Speech Delays

July 25, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 9.42 MB

Dr. Mary Barbera offers practical steps to address speech delays in 18-month-old children. Action Step 1 advises staying calm and objectively assessing the child's development. Step 2 involves understanding typical milestones and language expectations. Step 3 highlights early signs of autism to differentiate between delays and autism. Step 4 introduces a digital assessment tool for valuable insights. Finally, Step 5 urges seeking professional guidance from pediatricians and early intervention...

#237: Speech Delay and Autism in Bilingual Toddlers; How Olga Helped Her Daughter

July 18, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 36 MB

I heard from Olga M. on a Q&A call with our community, and I had to have her on the show. Olga M shares her daughter’s ASD diagnosis story and how she got her from under 5 words after a speech regression to speaking conversationally in Russian and nearly fluent in English. Stay tuned for some really great tips to keep working with more advanced learners on stretching those language skills.   

#236: ACT Therapy for Kids with Brian Middleton

July 11, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 55.2 MB

Have you heard of ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Brian Middleton, BCBA, Father, and neurodivergent human, joins me to share how he uses ACT for kids with autism, even those that are nonverbal and nonvocal.     

#235: The BEST Autism Toys and How To Use Them

July 04, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

You don’t have to go out and buy a ton of new toys to help your child play! We talk about common examples you may already have in your playroom! The key is all about how you play with your autistic child. Kelsey and I share the best toys for autism, like cause and effect toys, and ideas for making them fun, engaging, and language enriched.  

#234: Autism Sensory Differences and Picky Eating: Hot Seat #8 with Lauren E

June 27, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

The Turn Autism Around approach is not just for the early signs and youngest learners; these practices are great for learners of any age. Lauren Emmett is a mother of two, and she sits in the Hot Seat for this episode to discuss her 9 year old son Wilson. This is a great opportunity to walk through a 1 page assessment of an older child and hear how a plan can be developed by really prioritizing their strengths, weaknesses, and needs. 

#233: Autism Marriage Counseling: The Struggles Parents of Children with Autism Face

June 20, 2023 07:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MB

Is autism, or signs of autism, putting stress on your marriage? This episode is a lecture I prepared for a conference for marriage counselors. I talk about my journey through the diagnosis and why my husband and I started counseling. This is helpful information for parents who are considering counseling or even as a resource for professionals who might recommend counseling to their clients' caregivers.   

#232: Ethics for Behavior Analysts: The Top 3 Mistakes We Make With Behavior Babe, Dr. Amanda Kelly

June 13, 2023 07:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB

As BCBAs, we are often faced with ethical dilemmas. There is not always one right answer; sometimes it’s gray. Dr. Amanda Kelly, Behavior Babe, returns to the podcast to discuss the ABA code of ethics and some common mistakes behavior analysts make. We discuss scenarios and solutions that are relevant not just to BCBAs and professionals but also to families.

#231: Top 5 Questions About Stimming and Scripting

June 06, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

Join us for this new take on the Top 5 questions, where Kelsey and I talk via Facebook Live. We’re answering questions all about stimming and scripting. This episode will help you get clear on what is stimming in autism. Whether you’re noticing stimming in your child and have concerns of autism OR stimming and vocal stimming has become excessive or dangerous, we have some great information to help you move forward. 

#230: Autism and Stimming: What is a Stim?

May 30, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MB

In this classic rebroadcast, we are talking about a common question, but is it really a concern? I talk all about stimming and the 6 steps to reducing problem causing stimming. If you don’t know what stimming is, where and with whom it occurs, or if you have a child with injurious or disruptive stims, we cover all of that information. 

#229: Actively Caring for Your Child with Dr. Scott Geller

May 23, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MB

My principles and approach can help any child, not just those with autism. That is the same philosophy guest, Dr. Scott Geller takes with his movement, Actively Caring for People. He shares the 7 principles of this movement and how Applied Behavior Science can make the best difference in anyone's life with positivity and caring.

#228: Early Intervention and Special Education Professional Development with Kyle Lee Jones-Sherman

May 16, 2023 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

“Parents are the captain of the ship, but we are the wind beneath their sails.” That was what BCBA and retired special education teacher, Kyle Jones-Sherman had to say about her professional role and empowering parents! Kyle shares her experience after completing my courses and joining our online community and how it completely changed her early intervention work for the better.    

#227: Books on Autism with Ann Sheybani

May 09, 2023 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Have you wondered how I went from nurse and mother in autism denial to BCBA, two time author, and the creator of transformative courses and community? My friend and Harvard trained writer, Ann Sheybani, interviews me in this special episode where we talk about how I came to write my second book, Turn Autism Around. 

#226: My Toddler Is Obsessed with the Alphabet and Numbers but Can’t Talk; What Should I Do?

May 02, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

Does your young child have a unique interest in letters and numbers? Do they have other signs of autism? Kelsey, the Turn Autism Around community manager joins me for 5 of our most frequently asked questions about hyperlexia. Following up with last week's rebroadcast on this topic, we answer the questions all about hyperlexia and how you can help your child.  

#225: Hyperlexia in Children: Early Signs, Diagnosis and Treatments

April 25, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MB

Hyperlexia is an intellectual disability in which a child is hyper-fixated and obsessed with letters, words, and reading but has low language functionality. Early signs of Hyperlexia can be linked with early signs of Autism. In this classic rebroadcast of a show I did a couple years ago, I answer questions about identifying the symptoms and signs of Hyperlexia and how to teach children with Hyperlexia and Autism. I share stories of children with Hyperlexia I have worked with first-hand, and ...

#224: Coach Me If You Can Hosts Beth and Amie Interview Dr. Barbera on ABA in Public Schools

April 18, 2023 07:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

In this reverse interview, NSSEO District Coaches from the Coach Me If You Can podcast, Amie and Beth, ask me the questions! During our conversation, they asked me some great questions that I wanted to make sure my listeners got to hear. We talk about my fall into the autism world, the power of a positive teaching environment, ABA and BCBAs in schools, and more.  

#223: Using Talk Tools to Support Picky Eating and Speech with Risca Solomon

April 11, 2023 07:00 - 40 minutes - 46.9 MB

What if you think it’s behavioral but really the lack of oral motor skills is preventing your child from speaking and eating? Risca Solomon is a BCBA and director of her farm-based center Skybound Therapies. We are talking all about Talk Tools and the transformative and systematic way you can make progress with your child with autism.