#303: ARFID & Autism: What Is It & How Can You Help? | with Feeding Matters OT - Cuyler Romeo
Release Date: 11/12/2024
#329: Should you stop stimming in autism?
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#328: ADHD vs. Autism in Toddlers: Early Signs, Key Differences & What to Do Next
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#327: Knows Letters and Numbers but Can't Talk? How to Teach These Kids to Talk.
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#326: Child Kicked out of Daycare or Expelled From Preschool? Here's what to do!
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#325: The BECA: An Autism Assessment for Physicians, Researchers, Parents, and Autism Professionals
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#324: Leucovorin For Autism: Dr. Richard Frye on New Autism and Language Research Parents Need
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#323: PDA in Autism: Signs and Strategies That Work
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#322: Too Young for a Diagnosis? Why Early Intervention for Autism Can’t Wait
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#321: How to Start Potty Training? 5 Steps to Get Started for Children with Autism (Even If You’ve Tried Before!)
Turn Autism Around
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.
info_outline
#320: Emotional Regulation for Kids with Autism: Insights and Tools from Suzanne Tucker at Generation Mindful
Turn Autism Around
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...
info_outlineDr. Mary Barbera is joined by occupational therapist and Feeding Matters’ Director of Strategic Initiatives, Cuyler Romeo. They discuss the connection between Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and autism, and how these feeding challenges impact children and families. Cuyler shares valuable insights from her clinical experience, as well as actionable tips for navigating feeding issues, from picky eating to severe food avoidance and how to identify ARFID and differentiate it from typical picky eating.