Autism & Speech Delays Made Easy
289 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★ - 316 ratingsDr. 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!
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Episodes
#286: Which Autism Book is Best for You? Verbal Behavior Approach or Turn Autism Around?
June 25, 2024 07:00 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MBDr. 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
June 18, 2024 07:00 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MBIn 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 s...
#284: Developmental Delays with Dr. Erin Michaud
June 11, 2024 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBDr. 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
June 04, 2024 07:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBStruggling 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 graduall...
#282: 6 Strategies for Stopping Toddler Tantrums and Improving Language
May 28, 2024 07:00 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MBIn 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 lear...
#281: 3 ways to improve speech therapy goals
May 21, 2024 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBDr. 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?
May 14, 2024 07:00 - 37 minutes - 51.6 MBDr. 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
May 07, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBStruggling 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!
April 30, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBToday, 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 g...
#277: How can you stop a toddler from hitting and throwing?
April 23, 2024 07:00 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBIn 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 interaction...
#276: Preparing a Toddler for the New Baby...
April 16, 2024 07:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBDr. 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
April 09, 2024 07:00 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBIn 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...
#274: How can you teach group social skills? Help from Kelly Bermingham
April 02, 2024 07:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBLearn 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-be...
#273: 5 Lessons Learned from Love on the Spectrum Season 2
March 26, 2024 07:00 - 15 minutes - 21.4 MBDr. 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
March 19, 2024 07:00 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBMary 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBLearn 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 MBDr. 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 MBToday 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBToday, 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 MBMichelle 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBMary 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 MBIn 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 MBToday’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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBIn 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 MBDr. 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 MBIn 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBIn 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 MBDr. 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 MBIn 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 MBLearn 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBDr. 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 MBI 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.