Turn Autism Around

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Mary Barbera talks with Suzanne Tucker of Generation Mindful about teaching emotional regulation to kids with autism. They go over how co-regulation, mindfulness, and compassionate routines can help children manage meltdowns and build emotional skills—especially when traditional methods fall short. Suzanne shares practical tools like calming corners, time-ins, and sensory strategies, while emphasizing that emotional regulation starts with the adults. Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, newly diagnosed or undiagnosed, these science-backed insights offer hope and real-life solutions. Learn more at genmindful.com.

If your child has a speech delay or signs of autism, you don't have to wait for a diagnosis to begin helping. Dr. Mary Barbera shares how parents can start speech therapy at home using simple daily routines like meals, getting dressed, and brushing teeth. These moments become powerful learning opportunities that build language skills, confidence, and connection. With tools like the BECA™ assessment and the Turn Autism Around® approach, parents can confidently support their child's progress—right from home. Speech therapy at home is not only possible—it's effective, empowering, and starts with your everyday routines.