"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."

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

"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."

"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!!!"

"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."

"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."

"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. 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!"

"… 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."

"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."

"I am impressed with both the content and the clarity of your writing. I taught a class on verbal behavior once a year for 25 years. How I wish I could have had your book during that time….Your dedication to Lucas and Spencer brought tears to my eyes."

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

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

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."