Book: Synopsis | Reviews | Professional Endorsements | Parent Endorsements

One of the most valuable books for parents of children with autism since Let me hear your voice by Catherine Maurice.

Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Co-author of the books Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities, and The ABLLS.

I completely agree with Mark Sundberg. For autistic children and adults this is clearly a very valuable addition to the Catherine Maurice book. In addition this book elaborates on the importance of the verbal behavior approach, and does it in a conceptually thorough and accurate manner. For teaching a graduate course on Skinner's approach to language the Barbera book and Skinner's Verbal Behavior are the only texts necessary for effectively teaching language to those who have none. However, Barbera is not only accurate, but easy to understand. And her personal experience in this area makes her explanations and instructions entertaining and easy to apply. It is a very good book in all respects.

Dr. Jack Michael, Editor, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior

This is an easy to follow, engaging book which is a wonderful starting point for parents and professionals to work together in changing behavior and increasing language in children with delays. Ms. Barbera's thoughtful insights and experiences empower parents, teachers, and therapists by giving them the knowledge base and confidence to begin to work with their children using an ABA/VB approach.

Dore Blanchet MS., OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

As a dedicated and caring parent, Mary has demonstrated her commitment to all children with autism by writing such a thoughtful and useful book.

Rick Kubina, Ph.D., BCBA,
Associate Professor, The Pennsylvania State University

This book provides parents with down-to-earth information. A welcome addition to the literature for parents of young children with autistic spectrum disorder, or other developmental disabilities requiring intensive behavioral intervention.

James Coplan, MD, Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician

Mary's book nicely presents what Verbal Behavior is, why we teach it the way we do and how to get started with your child's VB program. All of this is written in an easy to understand and entertaining manner. What a great resource especially for parents! With clear, concise explanations and examples, heartfelt stories and helpful resources listed throughout, Mary has provided the community with a nice description of teaching verbal behavior. Every parent of a newly diagnosed child should own a copy of this book.

Holly Kibbe, MS, BCBA, Establishing Operations, Inc.

A truly remarkable book that is clearly written, well organized, and a thorough compilation of important information and advice. This book provides a friendly voice that will assist parents, educators, and other professionals in utilizing these techniques with children with autism. It is a must have for anyone who knows, lives with, or teaches a child with autism spectrum disorder.

Kimberly Barnes M.S. CCC-SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist

This extraordinary book is at once both a human portrait of success in the face of struggle and a technical manual offering guidance to parents in an approach that Ms. Barbera found to be so very helpful - the Verbal Behavior Approach. But I believe that the book offers more than this. It is a practical approach and a testament to a person who needed to struggle to grasp very abstract concepts and integrate complex theoretical arguments from a field to help her child. How that gets mixed together is the core of this book.

Joseph Cautilli, Ph.D, LPC, BCBA

After seven years of teaching pre-school children with and without delays, The Verbal Behavior Approach taught me better ways to handle problem behavior and it helped me improve my ability to teach language and other skills to children with and without disabilities. This book will be a great reference guide for me for years to come.

Carrie Ann Gougler, ABA/VB therapist

This book is sure to provide parents and professionals with practical guidance in implementing a verbal behavior program. Using a behavioral analysis of language as described by B.F. Skinner, this approach teaches language across functions, which Mary explains with easy to understand examples and language. Written from the perspective of both a parent and a professional this book will prove valuable to a variety of readers.

Catherine B. Doran, MA, CCC/SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist

I highly recommend Mary's book. It is excellent! Although it's very short and easy to read, it seems to cover everything! I'm recommending it to every parent and professional I come in contact with. It's very affordable as well! I got mine from amazon.com.

Sharon Zamrin, M.S.Ed., BCBA

This book accomplishes many things that few such works do–it pairs sound research with concrete examples; is accessible to the expert and novice alike, and touches the heart without sacrificing professionalism.

Anne A. Skleder, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Alvernia College

This ground breaking, how-to-do-it manual is a must-have reference for every professional and parent working with an individual with autism. Rarely does a reader experience the depth and scope of a treatment program from the perspective of both a professional and a parent, who has been in the trenches. Through a series of realistic vignettes, the reader immediately relates to the scenarios. Simply an outstanding how-to manual for Verbal Behavior.

Mary Gebert. M.ED
Director, Australian Centre for Autism Services