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.

  1. #342: The Autism Tipping Point - 3 Trends Changing Everything

    2D AGO

    #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.

    20 min
4.3
out of 5
338 Ratings

About

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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