Book: Synopsis | Reviews | Professional Endorsements | Parent Endorsements

An easy to follow guide that works. The Verbal Behavior Approach is motivation driven, creating the desire to learn.

Kathleen Ricca M.Ed., parent of a 3 year old boy with autism

What a wonderful book! I typically get glazed over with the intensity of ABA/VB. This was an easy read that provided clear cut, practical information that families and professionals can effectively use.

Traci L. Plunkett, Mother of a 9-year-old son with PDD-NOS

An amazing book that combines detailed instructions for parents on how to get started using ABA/VB with a little bit of emotional support to let them know that they are not alone. This book will provide a significant jumpstart for many kids as well as be therapeutic and empowering for parents.

Trish Cuce, Mother of Lindsay, an eight-year-old girl with Autism,
Teacher & Consultant for children with Autism, Founder of POAC of PA

Written with style, warmth and real know-how, Mary Barbera has managed to combine valuable therapeutic advice with her own eloquent story.

Eustacia Cutler, Author
A Thorn in My Pocket: Temple Grandin's Mother Tells the Family Story

Mary's book will be a nice companion for me as I frequently consult to families who have newly diagnosed children and want to learn more about Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. I found the book to be very informative at a level that will be easy for all families and caregivers to understand and benefit from.

Pamela Fowler, Mother of Matthew (ten-year-old boy with autism) and Ben

Mary Barbera's book is destined to be a top seller! The Verbal Behavior Approach, is both easy to understand and motivating. It's a must read for all Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students and teachers. The strategies outlined in this book even helped improve my parenting skills for my typically developing three-year old!

Jennifer Cunningham, ESE student

Mary's book is written in an organized, easy-to-understand format that will provide parents with a specific plan to begin meaningful language instruction with their child with autism. Readers will benefit from the clear and concise descriptions of behavioral procedures. Parents will feel empowered as they learn how to create significant, positive changes in their children's lives.

Amy Macfarlane, MBA, BCBA
Mom to 10 y/o son, diagnosed with autism at 3
Director/Consultant, Novel Responses, Inc.

This book is a must have for the parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with Autism and related disorders. Mary takes the guess work out of which approach is the most beneficial by providing empirically based research in the form of an easy "How-To" guide.

Tammy Maher, M.Ed., BCBA, Mother of a child with Autism

In her book, Mary Barbera provides scientfically sound procedures, based on the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the application of Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behavior(VB), that have proven to be effective in teaching language and other critical skills to children with autism. Mary gives a clear and easy to follow format while sharing her personal and touching experience with helping her son. What an empowering resource for parents and professionals!

Amiris Dipuglia, MD, BCBA, Mother of Alexander (9 y/o with autism)

Wow what an excellent book! I wish it would have been available when my daughter, Sarah, was first diagnosed. Mary has done a great service to children with autism and their families by writing this wonderful resource.

Liz Maher, Mother of a 10-year-old girl with autism

I just had to take a moment to tell you this book takes a lot of information and makes it feel like I can do this!!! My four-year-old son is autistic, and he is in a vb program at school 20 hours a week. I want to increase the number of hours. My daughter is 2, and may be autistic (not sure, yet) and I want to start her on vb because it sure can't hurt, and might help immensely. You have made a difference in both of these children's lives (and many more, I'm sure) by writing such a practical, easy to implement book. Thank you!

Christine Wolk

I just want to express how much I loved your book 'The Verbal Behavior Approach'!!! My son is 4 and has just been diagnosed - your book has saved my life!!!

Laura Ferguson, Lakewood, CO