Positive Toddler Parenting™
Positive Toddler Parenting™
Dr. Mary Barbera
Reviews
via Podcasts
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 to help my child calm down and stop throwing and hitting. Soooo grateful!!!
KDQ70193
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 not engage in severe tantrum behavior and/or dangerous self-injurious behavior. Guidance with acquiring language is helpful too. ABA can be implemented with parents/caregivers aiding and involved with the goal setting. Mary has multiple degrees, and understands the challenges that families may experience. She invites a variety of guests on the podcast who provide well-informed perspectives. She cannot treat or give specific advice for anyone, but can share what she has learned with over twenty-five years of experience. I have gained so much insight from this podcast! Thank you!
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UpNorth7
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.
ACC240
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 of this complex condition. One aspect that stands out in 'Turn Autism Around' is the practicality of the advice offered. Mary's ability to break down complex concepts into actionable steps is particularly helpful for future healthcare professionals like me who aim to provide effective support to individuals with autism and their families. Her emphasis on early intervention and the importance of individualized approaches resonates deeply with the core principles of patient-centered care. Additionally, the podcast features interviews with experts in the field of autism, providing valuable perspectives and expanding my understanding of different therapeutic approaches. Mary's inclusion of personal stories from families navigating the challenges of autism further helps me appreciate the diverse experiences of these individuals. Mary Barbera's empathetic approach and her commitment to fostering hope in the face of autism. Her dedication to empowering parents and caregivers through education and support is truly inspiring. The 'Turn Autism Around' podcast creates a sense of community and encouragement for families and professionals alike, highlighting the potential for progress and growth in individuals with autism.
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Michellee T
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 mic when you need to swallow your spit. Good grief. Also, give your guests a chance to speak. You are so busy plugging your books, your website, and your classes that the guest sharing beneficial information is almost non existent. For an hour podcast you spend at least 1/2 if not more advertising your merchandise. Clearly most everyone has heard about you and your merchandise so a plug every other sentence is not necessary. How about sticking to the episode topic for a change.
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AuntJaime3
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. Some good podcasts that don’t try to mask the autistic community are 2 sides of the spectrum and Uniquely Human. This podcast is so disappointing.
suzie1925
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 harmful. Is pro ABA and places blame and shame on the parents of neurodivergent children. We now know that 80% of autism is linked to genes and autism is something people are born with. You cannot simply just “turn autism around.” ABA encourages masking and for autistic people to hide who they really are. It’s a type of conversion therapy that is proven to be harmful. Autistic adults who have been through ABA are more likely to experience long term post traumatic stress symptoms and higher rates of mental health issues as adults because they are told that who they were born to be is wrong. My suggestion is to find neurodivergent affirming podcasts that are empowering and don’t place shame on the parents. There are so many other podcasts that are helpful and up to date with the latest research. Please don’t waste your time here.
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raisingwildflowers
Abusive ABA
This approach is missing out on what these kids are trying to tell us! We should be teaching autistic folks and their families how to read and regulate these “problem behaviors” with healthy coping mechanisms. You are missing out on learning about what the stimming and scripting is telling us about the individual’s sensorimotor and communication needs. Please visit your skilled specialists (e.g. OT, PT, speech, mental health, psych, etc.) to learn about what your child/client is trying to tell you.
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Spanish minor student
Great resource
I love Mary Barbera and this podcast.
Lobomama
Great information
A huge variety of information and speakers. I have really enjoyed listening to the variety of topics. The tips I’ve learned have really helped me work better with my child with severe autism.
crneilsen
Autism Mom
These podcasts have been so helpful especially the replay of the latest episode because I’m trying to figure the medications with his Dr. This was really helpful!
Deanna Lynn Heath
Recommend to everyone especially parents and grandparents
To everyone who is against ABA: ABA is literally short of Applied Behavioral Analysis. ABA is just a method of analyzing what influences someone’s behavior. Saying that ABA itself is bad is like saying that the statistical method or bird watching is bad. However, I do believe HOW you APPLY ABA could be bad and any therapist or technician could be bad or good just like any dog trainers or teachers could be bad or good. I am very sorry if you personally had a bad experience or encountered an abusive therapist and I’m sure there were a lot of those especially in the past. When I interviewed multiple ABA providers for my son, I saw huge differences in the approach and at least one of them sounded borderline abusive. So I believe abusive ABA is a thing. But don’t think that ABA itself is bad from one isolated experience. When you see bad dog trainers, do you automatically become against ALL dog training? Also if ABA isn’t the right method what do you suggest? Do you have an alternative? I believe what is more abusive than anything is to NOT to teach your child any skills. Do you really believe that an adult, like a 25 year old, is happy in a harness and diaper locked up in his own bedroom because he’s nonverbal and aggressive and no one can understand him? Currently ABA is the only method with repeated evidence that is effective to teaching autistic individuals skills (even JASPER, PRT, and ESDM are just different approaches of ABA). When you are neurotypical or “high-functioning”, you can learn skills from simply observing others but a lot of autistic individuals can’t. They probably won’t ever learn to do anything, even simple tasks like crossing a road safely without getting hit by a car if they are not taught that. If you have an alternative, please propose it and publish your studies. What Mary is trying to do here is a spread method to positively apply ABA and her method is far from abusive. Please read her whole book before leaving judgmental comments on her page that could detour parents from information that can change the trajectory of their kids future. My only criticism is sound quality. I have sensitivity to certain sounds and I wish the audio was edited.
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Iktokp
Essential Podcast for Families with Autism
Mary is an excellent podcaster and interviews incredible individuals who share inspiring stories of overcoming Autism and the challenges that come with living with autistic children. Very useful resource.
Guardian Gamer
As an actual person with autism, the sub par audio quality is what gets me the most.
ABA is no doubt a controversial subject between autistic individuals that felt they experienced abuse and the parents that want to simply develop life skilled for their children and want to just hear “I love you” or get a chance to hug their child. I do believe Dr. Barbera has best intentions to give an honest and kind ABA therapy. That said, I can’t stand the audio quality. I didn’t want to cast judgment until I listen to a handful of episodes. My only other criticism is I feel like she’s missing an opportunity to simply skim through some of the material from her book in her podcast and talking about treating children. There needs to be examples of real processes and applications. It really is irritating to just hear, “it’s in my book”.
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SoCalSuperSteve
Game Changer!
Mary’s approach to ABA is a game changer. As a mom to a young son with ASD, her strategies and practical advice have lead to my son making tremendous gains in speech and communication. I am grateful for her and the work she does.
kimbe2002
Mary is the Go to Guru on Autism
Thank you Mary. Your calm demeanor, delivery, and expertise matters.
cerutti5
Lots of self promotion
She has great guests, but doesn't ask enough of the questions listeners want to hear. She spends a lot of time talking about the importance of ABA and how her book would help parents and children, but doesn't discuss what those strategies are. There is a lot of time talking in circles and promoting her book.
MaryDG1
Early Intervention Provider for over 20 years
Really learned some good stuff, however, not enough actual hands on skills shared freely (you have to buy the book then take the courses in order to get any of the activities she uses) except for the “shoebox” which is great. Guests are really good but the repeated “stories” about Dr. B and her fall into the autism world, are getting old at this point. Please! Share more skills and actual hands on “what to do”
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Floppy2345
Thankful for this podcast!
I’m so thankful this podcast is available. Mary has helped so many children and parents, her methods are proven and work. Thank you, Mary! 🙏
V_crystal
Good topics, but revolves mostly about her book
UPDATE: I reduced the stars after listening to an episode that I would thought would be benefical to learning more about a client who has selective mutism. I was HOPING she would reduce the amount of times she brings up her book. I found it condescending that she sent her book to her guest to “review”. Reduced to two stars. I would like to hear more from the guests on the topic at hand. I really enjoy the topics that Dr. Barbera dives into and the professionals she interviews on the show. The reason why I gave 2 stars is because I feel I don’t hear enough from those being interviewed and the conversation gets turned around to Dr. Barbera talking about her experience for 3/5 of the conversational topic. Don’t get me wrong, I like hearing about her experience. But it takes away from the information I’m trying to learn from the guests on the show.
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haasebritt
Thank you!
Thank you for your help!
youngsteven7
Lots of self promotion
I listen to this podcasts purely for the guests, and Mary finds awesome guests. However, I find it difficult to listen to Mary herself. Her contributions to conversations lack substance because every time she talks she mentions her book(s) and her credentials.
Sunshine Meriweather
Great information!
I love listening to these pod casts and all of the many resources Dr. Barbera has to offer. As a parent I was so frustrated with the lack of good quality services. Everyday that went by my frustration and anxiety grew until I found Mary Barbera and all of her resources. The pod casts provide me with additional resources and perspectives.
admjmz
this is trash
Nothing about us without us; this podcast excludes and silences actually autistic people and tells parents that they need to fix and cure their autistic children. Please apologize for this embarrassment of a podcast.
acciohannahjune
DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST
“Dr” Barbara is spreading harmful rhetoric about the medicalization of autism and promotes treatment that increases risk for trauma. ABA is harmful and there are plenty of other options for helping your autistic kid.
aspie_isme
Just found this podcast
And I feel like I’ve found a jackpot of knowledge. So excited to learn more.
hdhcueks
Insensitive woman making money off others struggles
Just watched episode 92. She continuously repeated “fall into autism”. No one falls into autism. Even her guest was like “that’s the first time I’ve heard someone say “fall” into autism. Her word language has a negative connotation it which is not helpful to new parents trying to come to terms with their child. Words matter. This lady is just making money...
saraiSteph1
Quality material
I am giving this podcast five stars because it overall contains a lot of information and cover wide variety of concerns most parents have for their kids with Autism. For example I didn’t know selective eating was a common issue with kids on spectrum and I always felt like it was my fault that my kid was very selective with food and I was not doing enough as a parent until I listened to the episode with Dr Keith and realized I can discuss it with my BCBA and pediatrician and not be embarrassed about it. I loved the episodes where adult with Autism are interviewed and I would love to hear from more Autistic Adults and what they advocate for. There is a lot of work and effort that is put in to each episode. Keep up the good work Mary.
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tayqewr
Brilliant
I am a mother of a phenomenal 2.75 year old son. He was recently diagnosed with Autism. Your podcasts have empowered me to seek second private evaluation to get as many experts recommendations/supports in place for him as early as possible. I listen to two episodes on my treadmill and cannot thank you enough for sharing your expertise tailored to parents. The advocacy you are promoting leaves a far reaching legacy with your name behind it. We appreciate you!!! -Mary from Hershey, PA
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holycowyourpodcastisBOMB.com
Awesome episode about the importance of early intervention!
Mary! I have listed to your podcast, since you started, completed your courses and bought your book. This is such important information that Dr. Klin is doing and as a professional, I have been utilizing this within my practice and am so glad you’re extending this out to your audience. So much can be done if we work together and share with each other along the way! Excited to see what’s to come!
melinda.may
Great guests and topics
I love the guests and the topics! I read your book and so I feel like I know your/Lucas’ story so I’d love to see more focus on your guests and what they have to share in the podcast.
SorchaCB
Thank you!!
I read The Verbal Behavior Approach years ago and I remember feeling like it was the first time anybody every truly understood some of the struggles I was going through trying to teach my child certain things. Years have passed and the quarantine hit!! We were seeing major language regressions amongst other things. I decided to break the book out again. Then I looked through podcasts to see if there were any podcasts related to the book! I was elated to find out she had over 80 podcast episodes available!!! I’m up to episode 10!! I was shocked at how many techniques she taught in her book that I loved that slowly faded out of our routine over time. This has been an amazing refresher course that has me going back to basics to hopefully regain the language we once had her using. It’s also reminded me of so many tools we use to use to help with behavior struggles!! So thankful for her desire and passion to help alleviate some of the stressful situations we all encounter!! Sometimes just knowing that others can relate is a feeling that doesn’t make you feel so isolated during your journey.
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Char2719
So glad to find this!
Such a great podcast! Informational, interesting, and gives hope to those of us trying to navigate what to do with children who have speech delays, ASD, etc. Just ordered Mary’s book and am looking forward to reading it! Thank you Mary!
LacieCarmichael
I loved episode 80
Thank you Mary! I loved this episode with Denise Voight! So much Amazing information I’m going to listen to it again 😊💙
RussllG76
Big improvements!!!
Mary-thank you for your dedication to this field! All of us are so fortunate to have your knowledge, guidance and experience! Some good things came from covid!!! As a dietitian and history working in public health with children I recognized that something was off. I had been home more with my son and recognizing lack of speech, eye contact, and imitation. I couldn’t understand why my son couldn’t say “mama” requesting and wanting me. This is my first and only son (21 months old now) was diagnosed with ASD, 2 months ago during covid. Luckily, I searched high and low to get the appropriate resources and came across this podcast! Then took Mary’s toddler course...and never looked back! Within a month our sons words increased, making eye contact, responding to his name, social play and interaction with others ALL improved! It’s so amazing!!! I’m so grateful for what you do!!!!
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RDCPTCDE
Great way to disseminate!
As a professional, I don’t always have the time I want for prentice training. It’s great to have a resource to point parents toward to learn more about specific issues.
tlvail
Valuable Resource
As a parent if 2 autistic kids, I find Mary’s podcasts to be inspirational. Many resources will present a problem and give vague solutions or none at all. The “Turn Autism Around ” podcast has given me info that is not often talked about, such as legal issues with Autism and possible causes of night time urinating. As a BCBA, I am given reminders of going back to the roots of ABA, cautioning of pitfalls with professionals and best practices. BCBAs who work alone can get isolated and into routines. Mary has helped me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow as a parent and professionals. Can’t wait to start the Verbal Behavior Bundle. Read her book! Awesome! Thanks for keeping us all up to date and informed. It’s evident that your passion is to help improve the quality of life for autistic individuals and their parents.
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KatieCat212
Any advice for a very bad case of Echolalia?
I really enjoy your podcast and have found lots of useful information about how to deal with some of my 6-year-old son's problem behaviors but I find that the podcast mainly focuses on none verbal children. Do you have any advice or information to help me deal with my son’s Echolalia?
Sasofia22
It’s a rough path
I wake up every Tuesday morning waiting to hear Dr Barbera’s new pod cast. I am a physician mom and I spend most of my time listening to her podcasts while driving. I cannot thank Dr Barbera enough for making these available. Each podcast answers a very important question. I throughly enjoy listening to her asking every speaker to give tips to parents on how to be less stressed. Every parent in the autism world deserves to know all this information which is usually not presented so comprehensively at the time of diagnosis. My insight into management of autism and understanding my son has changed significantly after I started listening these podcasts. I also bought the VB bundle course online which is another very useful resource for parents. Dr Barbera, this is a wonderful initiative and your experience as a registered nurse and an autism mom truly shows in your determination to help these children.
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ASCA9999
Very Helpful and Insightful Podcast
As an Autism Mom I have found this to be a very helpful tool with lots of helpful information. This has given me the knowledge I need, the confidence that I can help my son, and the tools to continue learning everything I can to be the best parent and help my son reach his fullest potential.
BakerBoyMom
Tried But Can’t Enjoy It
The host has a nice voice and seems like a great mom and person. BUT I tried really hard to like this podcast. I gave a few episodes a listen and EVERY time I felt the episode was just a lot of fluff or talking about herself and her book. Every episode I’ve listened to I don’t feel like I learned anything or got anything from her. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I was hoping for actual tools and advice not...fluff.
DanicaCalifornia
Much Needed
This is a great podcast and I find it personally very useful. So far all the episodes have been amazingly helpful
A Fighter’s Parents in Ireland
A Really Great Show🎧🎤
Dr Mary’s content is really helpful and insightful. Her podcast episodes and videos are so to the point and can really impact a person to a whole another level. I highly recommend it
Mario87 Medford
Turn Autism Around
Many thanks to Mary for this podcast, which is an awesome addition to her book, blogs and online courses. Mary is a true hero and champion in the field of autism, and her trailblazing efforts make my daily work with special needs kiddos in a K-8 setting much easier. I read her book years ago and take her online VB Bundle class too and I highly recommend them. Mary is like my trainer, I listen to these podcasts to and from work and they ground me with insightful tips, offering a roadmap that helps me feel less stressed and stronger in my technique. Mary is always so positive in her approach and I just can't say enough about her as an incredibly vital resource.
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Suz Good
Amazing podcast and insight
As a BCBA, I always learn something every time I listen to the podcast. It always gives me great insight and empathy into my clients and their families as I support families in their home. I recommend Mary Barbara’s podcast and book to all my families and anyone who work with people with Autism. Keep doing what you do Mary!
Dobbadee
Thank you, Mary!
My son has recently been diagnosed with Autism and your podcast’s, YouTube videos, ebooks, and courses are absolutely incredible! I have learned so much and still have so much to learn. Thank you for everything you have done for our community. Anyone with a child diagnosed with Autism or developmental delays should one thousand percent listen to Mary Barbera! She is a wealth of knowledge. One person you should interview on your podcasts is Kate with Finding Cooper’s voice.
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Tanner'sMom
I appreciate this podcast.
I appreciate this podcast. Mary provides many helpful insights that I can directly use in my home with my son. Thank you, Mary.
Ms. Katie E
Super-useful for Autism Parents!
Super-useful podcast. Balanced and very informative. Great variety of topics each week - I learn something new each week. Thanks Mary for putting this put there - it will help so many!
EmpoweredParentsUnite
About us Without us
I’ve noticed something while reading the information of every episode of this podcast. Not a single autistic person was actually included in the making of this. This is obvious, considering the “functioning labels” which are widely regarded across the community of people who are ACTUALLY AUTISTIC to be harmful. Not to mention, “autism reversal”?! No. However hard your autistic child is for you to cope with, you aren’t the one who’s being treated like a burden. The goal for autistics shouldn’t be to look and act as neurotypical as possible. The problem is the ableist standard and cure methodology that “professionals” like you support. Do everyone a favor and spend time researching the social and medical models of disability, and maybe, idk, consult a single autistic person about your show ever? Thanks, An Angry self advocating autistic.
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beenhereforfiveyearz
Into Episode
Great job! Move how you outlined your intro and related to listeners with your story. I have two nephews with ASD and my sister is going to love your show. Thanks!
David RD
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