Mary Lynch Barbera earned a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from West Chester University and a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving these degrees, she worked with neurologically impaired patients as a staff nurse at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She then served as staff development coordinator and nurse manager at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Mary is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership at Alvernia College.

In 1999, Mary learned that the eldest of her two sons, Lucas had autism. Since Lucas' diagnosis one day before his third birthday, Mary has focused her attention and research on autism and related disorders. In 2000, she was the Founding President of the Autism Society of Berks County. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2003 and has since been working as the Lead Behavior Analyst for the Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project. Through the PA VB Project as well as through her private consulting business, Mary has had the privilege of working with over 100 children on the autism spectrum and has assisted in providing training to hundreds of professionals and parents. Mary is a frequent speaker at workshops and conferences at the local, state and national levels.

Upcoming Presentations

July 11 - Autism Society of America International Conference - Orlando, Florida

August 1 - Sydney, Australia

August 4-5, 2008 - Melbourne, Australia

Monthly Radio Show

Listen to Mary Barbera's new monthly radio show on the 2nd Friday of every month at 12 noon on Autism One Radio. You can also listen to archived shows:

09/2007 | 10/2007 | 11/2007 | 12/2007 | 01/2008 | 02/2008 | 03/2008 | 04/2008

In the News

Mary Barbera and her book were featured in the Lifestyle section of the Reading Eagle on July 9, 2007. <http://verbalbehaviorapproach.com/readingeagle.pdf>

A story about Mary Barbera and her book appeared on page 6 in the February 2007 Alvernian (Alvernia college newspaper). <http://www.alvernia.edu/alvernian/pdf/FebAlvernian.pdf>

Mary was also featured on page 20 in Issue 1 of the Winter 2007 Alvernian Magazine. <http://www.alvernia.edu/magazine/PDF/Winter07_issue1.pdf>

On Feb 9, 2007, WFMZ-TV Channel 69 - Allentown, PA featured Mary's family as they covered the recent CDC study raising the rate of autism to 1:150. Read the story and see the video clip: <http://wfmz.com/view/?id=59840>

Other Publications by the Author

Barbera, M. L.(2007). The experiences of "autism mothers" who become Behavior Analysts: A qualitative study. The Journal of Speech and Language Pathology--Applied Behavior Analysis,2(3), 287-305. <http://verbalbehaviorapproach.com/mom_bcba.pdf>

Barbera, M. L., & Kubina, R. M. (2005). Using transfer procedures to teach tacts to a child with autism. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 21, 155-161. <http://verbalbehaviorapproach.com/transfer.pdf>

Barbera, M. (Spring 2005). The Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project. Autism Society of Berks Newlsetter, The Puzzle.

Barbera, M. & Wiseman, N. (2004). Early Detection and Intervention is Key. The Puzzle, volume 13.

Barbera, M. (Winter 2003/2004). Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Verbal Behavior. Autism Society of Berks Newsletter, The Puzzle.

Barbera, M. (April 2003). Solving the Autism Puzzle. Parent Source. <http://www.parentssource.com/3.03.article.asp>

Barbera, M. (April 2002). When Your Child is Developmentally Delayed. About Families.

Barbera, M. (2003). Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Verbal Behavior. The Puzzle. Volume 11.

Barbera, M. (2003). Myths and Facts Regarding PECS. The Puzzle. Volume 10.

Barbera, M. (2002). Aaron's Acres: A Great Camp Experience. The Puzzle. Volume 9.

Barbera, M. (2002). Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Potty Training. The Puzzle. Volume 8.

Barbera, M. (2001) Inclusion: Making it Happen from First Grade Through Graduation and Beyond. The Puzzle. Volume 5.

Barbera, M. (2001). Ten Tips for Picky Eaters. The Puzzle. Volume 4.