Advertise on podcast: Turn Autism Around

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★★★★☆

4.3

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337 reviews

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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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Child Not Talking? The Imitation Skills You Need to Build First for Children with Autism

2026/02/03

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.

Concerned About a 4 Year Old Speech Delay? Start Here

2026/01/20

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.

What is level 3 autism? Everything you need to know!

2026/01/06

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.

5 Autism Rants You Need to Hear in 2026 | Unpopular Autism Opinions That Improve Progress

2025/12/23

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.

18 month old not talking? 5 Steps you need today!

2025/12/09

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!

How to Stop Toddler Hitting and Throwing in Just 2 Days!

2025/11/25

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.

Should you stop stimming in autism?

2025/11/11

Dr. Mary Barbera answers the top questions about stimming and scripting in children with autism, explaining why they happen and when to be concerned. Stimming isn't bad, but when it's constant, unsafe, or disruptive, it's time to take action. Instead of trying to stop vocal stimming directly, Dr. Barbera recommends teaching language, play, and daily-living skills so stimming naturally decreases over time. Learn when to let it be, when to intervene, and how to use stimming as a clue to better support your child.

#328: ADHD vs. Autism in Toddlers: Early Signs, Key Differences & What to Do Next

2025/10/28

When toddlers show signs like hyperactivity, tantrums, or language delays, it can be hard to tell if it's ADHD, autism, or both. Dr. Mary Barbera shares how to spot early signs, understand the key differences, and take action before a diagnosis. Using her 4-step approach, assess, plan, teach, and evaluate, parents can start meaningful intervention right away. Whether your child has ADHD, autism, or early red flags, early support builds language, reduces problem behaviors, and leads to better long-term outcomes.

Knows Letters and Numbers but Can't Talk? How to Teach These Kids to Talk.

2025/10/14

Dr. Mary Barbera explains what it means when toddlers are obsessed with the alphabet or numbers but struggle to talk. This pattern, often linked to hyperlexia, can signal giftedness or early signs of autism, especially when paired with delays in communication, pretend play, and social interaction. The key is using letter and number strengths as teaching tools while focusing on functional language, comprehension, and social skills. Learn how to assess your child's development and support real progress with balanced strategies that reduce obsession and promote talking.

Child Kicked out of Daycare or Expelled From Preschool? Here's what to do!

2025/09/30

If your child has been kicked out of daycare or preschool, you're not alone, this happens more often for kids with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays. Dr. Mary Barbera shares why expulsions happen, what it means, and how to move forward with confidence. Learn key steps like tracking milestones, getting evaluations, and using positive ABA strategies at home. You'll also get tips on partnering with staff, preventing future expulsions, and finding environments better suited to your child's needs. With the right tools and support, your child can thrive - starting today.

The BECA: An Autism Assessment for Physicians, Researchers, Parents, and Autism Professionals

2025/09/16

The Barbera Early Childhood Assessment (BECA) is a free, 10-minute digital autism screener designed for parents, physicians, researchers, and autism professionals. Created by Dr. Mary Barbera, the BECA assesses self-care, language, and behavior to provide a quick, reliable snapshot of a child's development. It's ideal for early detection, tracking progress, and guiding intervention, without long waitlists or costly evaluations. With over 65,000 users and 3 million data points collected, the BECA is transforming how we screen for autism and developmental delays.

Leucovorin For Autism: Dr. Richard Frye on New Autism and Language Research Parents Need

2025/09/02

Many children with autism face hidden medical challenges that affect speech, behavior, and sleep. Dr. Richard Frye, a Harvard-trained pediatric neurologist, explains how folinic acid (leucovorin) may help, especially in kids with folate receptor autoantibodies. Backed by research, leucovorin has shown promise in improving communication and behavior. Listen in to Dr. Mary Barbera and Dr. Richard Frye and learn how to identify if your child might benefit, what to ask your pediatrician, and how functional medicine can support deeper healing.

PDA in Autism: Signs and Strategies That Work

2025/08/19

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile within autism marked by extreme resistance to everyday demands due to anxiety and a need for control. Though not officially recognized in the U.S., many families find PDA-informed strategies helpful. BCBA Amelia Dalphonse shares signs of PDA, like creative avoidance, surface sociability, and hidden anxiety and offers proven strategies focused on trust, flexibility, and indirect language. Understanding PDA can reduce power struggles and improve support. In this epsideo, Dr. Mary Barbera discusses PDA with Ameila Dalphonse.

Too Young for a Diagnosis? Why Early Intervention for Autism Can't Wait

2025/08/05

Mary Barbera joins BCBA and autism mom Rachel Freedman, as she shares how recognizing early signs in her son Max led to an autism diagnosis at just 13 months, and how early intervention transformed his development. By acting quickly, Rachel helped Max go from nonverbal to thriving in preschool by age four. Her story highlights the importance of trusting your instincts, advocating early, and using compassionate, individualized ABA. Parents don't need to wait for a doctor's referral—early action can change the trajectory of a child's life.

How to Start Potty Training? 5 Steps to Get Started for Children with Autism (Even If You've Tried Before!)

2025/07/22

Dr. Mary Barbera shares a proven 5-step approach to help parents and professionals start or restart potty training for children with autism or developmental delays. Assessing readiness, preparing with small steps, gathering the right tools and creating consistency across environments, it's all covered. This method focuses on positivity, not pressure. Whether your child is 2 or over 5, progress is possible with the right support.

Podcast reviews

Read Turn Autism Around podcast reviews

4.3 out of 5

337 reviews

★★★★☆

TinyT. 2025/04/29

Share the stage

I do love this information. It is very helpful. I do wonder if the people who come to speak get to say all that they came to say. Maybe Mary can save ...

★☆☆☆☆

Science Matters! 2025/09/02

Pseudoscience

Promotes pseudoscience, for example, non-science-based functional medicine recommendations for kids with autism

★★★★★

KDQ70193 2023/11/18

Doable and effective. Mom and professional friendly.

This podcast provides strategies that truly work and are simple to implement. I am so thankful that a friend shared this with me. I have the tools now...

★☆☆☆☆

jooliek 2025/03/30

100% repetitive sales pitch

Very little useful content vs rambling self-promotion. Don’t waste your time.

★★★★★

UpNorth7 2023/08/27

Helpful conversations

In my experience ABA is about skill building, not taking away a person’s unique interests. I want my child to learn about cars if they like cars, but ...

★★★★★

Michellee T 2023/06/07

Essential podcast for anyone wanting to learn about autism!

This podcast provides valuable insights into the world of autism, equipping future healthcare professionals such as myself with a deeper understanding...

★☆☆☆☆

AA09876AA 2023/08/27

Inappropriate and disrespectful

Autistic people aren’t broken and don’t need fixing. This podcast and similar other ones harm autistic people and make our lives worse.

★☆☆☆☆

AuntJaime3 2023/06/03

Mouth noise

I think most of the information you share is extremely helpful but your mouth noise is SO BAD that I can’t listen to you. Perhaps move AWAY from the m...

★☆☆☆☆

suzie1925 2023/05/31

So disappointing

I can’t believe this podcasts exists in 2023. She does not understand stimming or scripting. She surely doesn’t understand Gestalt language processing...

★☆☆☆☆

raisingwildflowers 2023/03/23

Dangerous information that is outdated on autism research

Run! This is ableist and harmful information. Not up to date with the latest neurodivergent research. Gives information that is now researched to be h...

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