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.

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#349
Tuesday · 15 min
#349: Child Talking Too Quietly? How to Improve Voice Volume in a New Talker
When a child has words but speaks too quietly to hear, low volume may be connected to confidence, fluency, and how difficult the word feels. In this coaching call excerpt, Dr. Mary Barbera explains how to increase talking and voice volume by giving the answer, modeling words clearly, slowing down practice, using 3D objects, matching, microphones, mirrors, songs, outdoor play, and weekly word lists. The goal is to shape louder, clearer communication without constant correction or pressure.
#348
August 11 · 12 min
#348: Siblings, Autism & Speech Delays: Why You Can't Predict the Future
Dr. Mary Barbera shares the story of her sons Lucas and Spencer, two boys who looked very similar as toddlers but had very different outcomes. Through their journey, she explains why parents can't predict a child's future with a "crystal ball," but should still take action early when they notice speech delays, autism signs, or developmental concerns. She also introduces her 5 Weeks to More Talking program as a step-by-step way to start helping children right away.
#347
July 28 · 41 min
#347: Could Autism Be Detected at Birth? One Father's Mission to Change Autism Care
Dr. Mary Barbera interviews Amol Deshpande, creator of the Frontera app and father of a son with autism, about his mission to improve early autism detection and access to care. They discuss biomarker testing that may help identify autism risk as early as birth, the importance of parent support, the role of AI and technology, concerns about misinformation, and why earlier intervention could dramatically improve outcomes for children and families.
#346
July 14 · 14 min
#346: 30 Years After My Son's Autism Diagnosis: What I Know Now
Dr. Mary Barbera reflects on nearly three decades in the autism world as both a mom and professional. She shares how denial, long waitlists and limited early support can delay progress for children with autism or developmental delays. She emphasizes the importance of assessment, early action, parent-led intervention and individualized plans, while introducing the free Barbera Early Childhood Assessment (BECA) as a starting point for families seeking clarity and next steps.
#345
June 30 · 37 min
#345: Can Autism Be Reversed? Stem Cells, Early Intervention & New Research
Dr. Mary Barbera speaks with Dr. Joseph Cautilli about autism research, including cautious optimism around university-based stem cell studies and stronger evidence for early behavioral intervention. They discuss a 2023 study showing some children diagnosed as toddlers were no longer diagnosable by age five, especially with early intervention and parent-supported engagement. The conversation emphasizes that parents should not wait for a diagnosis to begin helping their child build language, adaptive skills, communication, engagement, and quality of life through fun, child-friendly strategies.
#344
June 16 · 15 min
#344: Why "He'll Be Fine" Is the Most Dangerous Advice in Autism
"He'll probably be fine." That's what most parents hear when their toddler shows early signs of autism. After 25 years in the field - and raising a son who looked "mild" at 2 but needs 24/7 care at 30 - Dr. Mary Barbera explains why that reassurance may be the most dangerous sentence in child development. In this video, Dr. Mary Barbera breaks down: Why the question "Can autism be prevented or reversed?" has become politically incorrect - and why it's the most important question to ask anyway The river parable: why we can't just keep pulling children from the water without going upstream The "golden year" of neuroplasticity - and why almost every autism family misses it Why kids who look "mild" at 2 can end up needing lifelong care - while kids who looked severe are graduating college Dr. Glenn Dunlap's career-changing advice: "Treat it like the most severe case of autism" Why early intervention systems haven't changed since the 1990s - and what parents can do right now Dr. Mary Barbera is an RN turned BCBA-D and bestselling author of Turn Autism Around. As both a doctoral-level behavior analyst and the mother of a 30-year-old son with severe autism, she bridges clinical credibility with lived experience to empower parents as the lead in their child's progress. 🤔 QUESTION OF THE DAY: Did someone tell you to "wait and see" when you first noticed delays? What happened next? Share your story below - we read every comment. 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 👉 Turn Autism Around book: https://marybarbera.com/new-book/ 👉 White paper with Dr. Rick Cabena - Elena's case study (2 words to 180 in 33 days): https://marybarbera.com/whitepaper 👉 2023 Boston study - 40% of early-diagnosed children no longer meeting criteria: https://marybarbera.com/can-you-outgrow-autism-study/ 👉 Dr. Ami Klin's eye tracking research: https://marybarbera.com/turn-autism-around-book-owners/ 👉 Five-minute questionnaire - find your best starting place: https://forms.gle/KW4TGN1xia4gqsrQ6 👉 Subscribe to the Dr. Mary Barbera Newsletter: https://marybarbera.com/ Monthly deep dives on where the autism field is headed, what the research actually says, and practical strategies you can start using today - from someone who's both a doctoral-level behavior analyst and an autism mom. 🔍 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Can autism be prevented or reversed? 0:29 The river parable - going upstream to find the cause 1:19 "I'm the person going upstream" 1:42 The most important question in the autism world 2:40 Why prevention became politically incorrect in 2026 3:23 The 2023 Boston study - 40% no longer meeting criteria 3:46 Dr. Ami Klin's eye tracking research 5:25 Waiting for a diagnosis is almost always a bad idea 5:41 The "golden year" of neuroplasticity - and why most miss it 7:08 There is no time to wait and worry 7:32 The danger of "he'll probably be fine" 8:31 Lucas's story - mild signs at 2, preschool with no issues 9:26 Lucas at 30 - and the kids who looked worse but thrived 942 Dr. Dunlap's advice treat it like the most severe case 10:48 Why Mary's approach puts parents in the lead 12:44 The Turn Autism Around approach - what makes it different 14:27 Can autism symptoms be prevented? Mary's verdict 15:11 Never too early, never too late
#343
June 2 · 28 min
#343: Joint Attention Explained: The Foundation of Communication in Autism
Joint attention is the shared focus between a child and another person, and it is one of the most important foundational communication skills for children with autism and developmental delays. Dr. Mary Barbera talks with Rose Griffin, who explains why joint attention matters, how it supports language, play, and social interaction, and how parents and professionals can build it through simple daily activities like books, songs, bubbles, and games. They also highlight the importance of collaboration between ABA and speech therapy so children get practical, individualized support that strengthens communication through connection and engagement.
#342
May 19 · 20 min
#342: The Autism Tipping Point - 3 Trends Changing Everything
#342: The Autism Tipping Point - 3 Trends Changing Everything Autism is now 1 in 31 - and three massive forces are about to reshape everything parents and professionals think they know. Episode Summary In this episode of Turn Autism Around, host Dr. Mary Barbera breaks down the three megatrends converging to create what she calls the autism tipping point. You'll learn why rising autism rates represent a real increase (not just better diagnosis), how confusion in the field is costing families critical intervention time, and discover how AI breakthroughs could collapse diagnostic timelines from years to minutes. Question of the Day Which of these three megatrends do you think will have the biggest impact on your family or practice? Leave a comment or reply to let us know. Key Takeaways Autism rates went from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 31 - and the data shows a real increase, not just better screening The explosion of conflicting advice is causing parents to hesitate during the most critical developmental window AI studies detected autism biomarkers from blood samples with 93% accuracy 40% of children diagnosed between ages 1-3 no longer met autism criteria by school age AI tips without a clear framework create more confusion - structured systems drive real progress Timestamped Outline 00:00 - Introduction and newsletter series launch 00:26 - Mary's origin story - when her husband first said "autism" 02:06 - From denial to doctoral-level behavior analyst 03:01 - Who this newsletter series is for 04:08 - Megatrend 1: The explosion of autism rates 05:40 - The staggering costs of autism for families 06:53 - Megatrend 2: More confusion and complexity than ever 08:54 - Polarized narratives around autism 09:56 - Laura Clery interview on ABA 11:57 - Research shows early outcomes are changeable 12:42 - Megatrend 3: AI creating opportunities and risks 13:56 - AI blood test study detecting autism with 93% accuracy 16:45 - AI must support a framework, not replace one 18:33 - The autism tipping point - pulling it all together Links & Resources Free on-demand workshop - Start making progress this week: https://marybarbera.com/free-training-on-demand-v1b1/ Laura Clery podcast interview - ABA harmful or helpful?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgL3SaRliMg Turn Autism Around book - Chapter 1 on the surge in rates: https://marybarbera.com/new-book/ Dr. Mary Barbera Newsletter: https://marybarbera.com/ Connect & CTA Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other parents and professionals find the show. Join the Dr. Mary Barbera Newsletter for the latest autism research in plain language, strategies you can start using today, and clinical truth from someone who's both a BCBA-D and an autism mom: https://marybarbera.com/ Credits Host: Dr. Mary Barbera © 2026 Barbera Behavior Consulting LLC. All rights reserved.
#341
April 28 · 33 min
#341: What Is ABA Therapy… REALLY? (4 Myths Parents Need to Know)
ABA therapy is the science of behavior and learning, not just a treatment for autism. Dr Mary Barbera clears up four common myths about ABA, explains why the science is always at work, and shows how quality, child-friendly implementation matters most. Mary also highlights that ABA can be used at home, in school, and in daily life as well so parents can learn practical strategies to increase talking, reduce tantrums, and support meaningful progress without relying only on intensive clinic-based services.
#340
April 14 · 26 min
#340: 3 Mistakes When Teaching Manners to Kids with Autism (And What Works Instead)
Teaching manners to children with autism is important, but teaching them too early can interfere with communication development. Before focusing on words like "please" and "thank you," children should first be able to request what they want, use simple phrases, and show basic learning skills like imitation and labeling. Dr. Mary Barbera explains common mistakes parents make, why phrases like "I'm sorry" can backfire, and how to teach manners like "thank you" and "excuse me" in natural, meaningful ways that support real progress.
#339
March 31 · 29 min
#339: Parent Training for Autism: The Key to Faster Progress Autism Professionals Need to Know!
Parent training is one of the most important drivers of progress in autism intervention because parents are with their children far more than therapists are. Dr. Mary Barbera and Leanne Page explain how autism professionals can improve parent training by keeping strategies simple, using clear language, showing empathy, modeling skills, practicing together, and ending each session with a realistic plan. When parents feel supported and empowered instead of overwhelmed, they are more likely to follow through and help their child make meaningful progress across everyday routines.
#338
March 17 · 32 min
#338: Autism Safety: Solving elopement, PICA, Fire Safety & More with Dr. Amy Foxman
Children with autism face increased safety risks, including wandering, drowning, fire emergencies, PICA, and traffic dangers. In this podcast, Dr. Mary Barbera and Dr. Amy Foxman explain why safety skills should be a top priority and how parents and professionals can begin teaching them using practical, evidence-based strategies like Behavior Skills Training. They also highlight the SAFE-T Assessment, a free tool that helps identify a child's most urgent safety risks so families can take meaningful steps to improve safety, independence, and emergency preparedness.
#337
March 3 · 28 min
#337: Real Advice to Get a Toddler Talking and Melting Down Less From a Behavior Analyst
Dr. Mary Barbera sits down with Elissa in this rebroadcast to show exactly how to help a late-talking toddler using a clear 4-step plan. After identifying that Lexi understood more than she could say, Elissa used structured table time, fun materials, and the "1 word × 3" strategy to build imitation, requesting, and labeling. By assessing skills, creating predictable learning routines, and tracking language, Lexi went from babbling to consistent word approximations in just weeks, which is progress any parent can start working toward at home.
#336
February 17 · 28 min
#336: The 10 Early Signs of Autism
Dr. Mary Barbera outlines 10 early signs of autism in toddlers, such as lack of pointing and joint attention, language delays, excessive tantrums, not responding to name and poor imitation skills. She explains how these signs can overlap with speech delay or ADHD, why they matter for social communication, and how parents and professionals can use the Turn Autism Around® approach to take action and start early intervention now.
#335
February 3 · 42 min
#335: Child Not Talking? The Imitation Skills You Need to Build First for Children with Autism
Imitation is a crucial early skill for language, play and social development. Delays in imitation are common in toddlers with autism or signs of autism. Dr. Mary Barbera breaks down the 4 key steps to building imitation skills: assessment, planning, teaching, and simple data collection. She shares practical tips, real examples, and tools from her Turn Autism Around book and course to help parents and professionals teach this pivotal skill in a fun, gentle, and effective way. Early intervention matters, and building imitation can create powerful learning momentum for young children.
#334
January 20 · 40 min
#334: Concerned About a 4 Year Old Speech Delay? Start Here
If you're worried that your 4-year-old isn't talking or meeting speech milestones, you're not alone and you don't need to wait. By age four, kids should be speaking in full sentences, asking questions, and using language to solve problems. Speech delays at this age often signal a need for targeted support, not just time. Dr. Mary Barbera explains key signs to watch for, how to tell if autism may be involved, and what parents can do right now to help. With the right strategies, you can turn everyday routines into powerful opportunities for communication and independence, whether your child has a diagnosis or not.
#333
January 6 · 35 min
#333: What is level 3 autism? Everything you need to know!
A Level 3 autism diagnosis means a child currently needs very substantial support, not that their future is fixed or limited. Dr Mary Barbera explains what Level 3 autism is, how it differs from Levels 1 and 2, common traits and evidence‑based treatment options. Autism levels describe present support needs, not intelligence or long‑term outcomes and levels can change over time. With early intervention, effective therapies, and strong parent involvement, many children make meaningful progress. The goal is clarity, realistic expectations, and hope grounded in action rather than fear.
#332
Dec 23, 2025 · 24 min
#332: 5 Autism Rants You Need to Hear in 2026 | Unpopular Autism Opinions That Improve Progress
Dr. Mary Barbera shares five "autism rants" based on her 27 years of experience as a mom, nurse, and BCBA-D. These unpopular opinions challenge outdated advice and highlight what truly helps children with autism make progress, like acting early, using one cohesive plan, and empowering parents to lead daily routines. Whether you're overwhelmed by delays, therapy contradictions, or mixed messages, this guide gives you the clarity and tools to take effective action now.
#331
Dec 9, 2025 · 19 min
#331: 18 month old not talking? 5 Steps you need today!
Is your 18-month-old not talking yet? Dr. Mary Barbera shares five essential action steps to help parents navigate early speech delays with clarity and confidence. From checking developmental milestones to understanding early signs of autism and using a free digital assessment, this guide empowers you to take early, effective action without panic or overwhelm. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, these strategies can spark real progress at home. Early help leads to big gains!
#330
Nov 25, 2025 · 17 min
#330: How to Stop Toddler Hitting and Throwing in Just 2 Days!
Dr. Mary Barbera and Rachel Smith share a simple, effective 3-step plan to stop toddlers from hitting and throwing things, even when they're overwhelmed or frustrated. Based on positive parenting and behavior science, this approach helps toddlers with or without delays learn calm behavior fast. Rachel used it to stop her son's hitting and throwing in just two days, and it can work for you too.

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