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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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