Autism and The Neuroverse
Episodes
Designing Spaces Where Everyone Belongs: Adaptive Playgrounds in Spanish Fork
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #58 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta speaks with Bart Morrill and Dale Robinson from Spanish Fork Parks and Recreation about the vision b...
Disconnect to Reconnect: Helping Autistic Teens Build Healthy Tech Habits with Dr. Neil Christensen
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 57, Dr. Neil Christensen joins Dr. Park and Alta to break down why neurodivergent teens—especially autistic and ADHD youth—are signific...
Predictive Autonomy: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Build Real-World Independence with Dr. Park
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this final installment of the Predictive Process series, Dr. Park breaks down the crucial last phase: generalizing fluency and building predictive ...
ARFID & Neurodiversity: How Sensory, Trauma, and Anxiety Shape Eating with Lauren Sharifi
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Alta sits down with Lauren Sharifi, MPH, RD, LDN, a leading dietitian specializing in ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), to unp...
Inside Salt Lake City's Neurodiverse-Friendly Airport with Mark Cheminant
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #54 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta talks with Mark Cheminant, ADA Coordinator for the Salt Lake City International Airport, about trans...
Adapting Clothes, Empowering Lives with Hilary Pham from Equability
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #53 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Hilary Pham, founder and CEO of Equability, a company that transforms existing clothi...
Masking and Burnout in Autism: Understanding the Hidden Cost of Fitting In With Blankenship
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #52 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta and Dr. Park speak with therapist and Autism Learning Lab founder Chris Blankenship, LCSW, about one...
Beauty in Pain with Author Corey Hatfield
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author and mother Corey Hatfield joins Alta on episode 51 to share her journey of raising a son with autism, finding compassion for herself, and learn...
From Fear to Calm: Sensory-Friendly Barbering with Henry Tribes
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On episode #50, Alta talks with master barber, educator, and inventor Henry Tribes about creating sensory-friendly haircuts for autistic and neurodive...
Synesthesia and Storytelling: Nicola Rose on Magnetosphere and Depicting Neurodiversity on Screen
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #49 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta and Dr. Park speak with filmmaker Nicola Rose about her film Magnetosphere. Set in the 1990s, the fi...
ADHD, Motherhood, and Advocacy: Charlotte Shores on Turning Neurodivergence into Strength
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #48 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Charlotte Shores — chef, entrepreneur, Mrs. Utah America 2025, and mother of three ...
Predictive Strategies for Autism: Dr. Park on Building Safety, Flexibility, and Forward Thinking
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #47 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta and Dr. Park continue their series on helping neurodiverse children thrive by exploring predictive s...
Autism Awareness & Law Enforcement: Building Safe Community Connections with Chief Sever
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #46 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta speaks with Heber City Police Chief Parker Sever about how law enforcement can better serve neurodiv...
Executive Functioning and Autism: Building Emotional Regulation, Flexibility, and Independence with Jay Williams
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #45 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta speaks with Jay Williams, New Focus Academy's special education coordinator, about the critical ...
Music Therapy for Autism: Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Family Connection with Mary White
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode #44 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Mary White, founder and clinical director of Pure Progression Music Therapy. Mary sha...
Helping Autistic Children and Teens Build Safety, Security, and Stability with Dr. Park
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, hosts Alta and Dr. Park explore how parents, teachers, and professionals can support autistic children a...
Radical Acceptance & the Autism Spectrum with Adam Durrant
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with unfair situations may be a daily challenge, especially for individuals on the spectrum. But what if we could channel that energy towar...
Why Does Reciprocity Feel Like a Puzzle for Kids with Autism?
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why mutual give-and-take in relationships can feel so challenging for kids with autism? Dr. Park explores the complexities of social int...
Building a Village in Education with Irene Summers
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to truly support neurodiverse students in their educational journeys? On this episode of Autism and the Neurodiverse, we’re joined...
Internal Family Systems with Adam Durant
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in this in-depth conversation with Alta and Adam. This episode unpacks the ...
Speech Therapy with Betina Workman
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alta sits down with Betina Workman, a seasoned speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience. Betina shares her personal and profession...
Vocational Services with Meta-Mindfulness Connection
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Autism and the Neuroverse by New Focus Academy brings you an insightful conversation this week with Jacki Burnham and Burkley Probst from Meta Mindful...
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Dr. Brandon Park
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and how does it fit within the autism spectrum? Join Dr. Park and Alta on this episode of Autism and the ...
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Dr. CJ Powers
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. C.J. Powers, a clinical psychologist, breaks down Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Powers explains ACT’s core principles of acceptan...
Problem Solving & The Autistic Mind with Dr. Brandon Park
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the unique way individuals on the autism spectrum perceive their surroundings and manage challenges, all while highlighting the ...
The Process of Growth with Brandon Park
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does real growth look like, especially for neurodiverse children and teens?Join Alta Swarnes and Dr. Brandon Park in this insightful discussion a...
Self Care with Brandon Park
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.In this heartfelt episode ofAutism and the Neurodiverse, Dr. Brandon Park and Alta Swarnes ...
Addiction Insights with Winslow Morrell
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Alta as she welcomes Winslow Morrell, a new therapist at New Focus Academy, for an insightful conversation about addiction’s impact on young pe...
TMPRR Approach with Dr. Brandon Park
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join hosts Alta Swarnes and Dr. Brandon Park as they unpack the TMPRR approach (Teach, Model, Practice, Reinforce, Reflect). Developed by Dr. Park du...
Concept Driven Learning with Dr. Park
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Doctor Park and Alta explore concept-driven learning and forward thinking. They discuss the importance of understanding the meaning a...
Academics and the School Year with Kris Thacker
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the intricacies of education, community engagement, and supportive interventions for neurodiverse students at New Focus Aca...
Attachment in Early Childhood with Phil Francis
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Alta talks with Phil, a therapist at New Focus, and they delve deep into the complexities of attachment styles and their impact on em...
"Why am I here?" with Dr. Brandon Park
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Park delves into the intricacies of tracking anomalies and its profound impact on individuals, particularly those with autism and PTSD. Explorin...
Division of Services for People with Disabilities with Liz
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of New Focus Academy's podcast, Alta sits down with vocational coordinator, Liz, to delve into the comprehensive prog...
New Focus Teacher Highlight- Johnny Young
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Alta sits down with Johnny, one of our dedicated teachers, to discuss his unique teaching experiences and insights at New Focus Academ...
Adaptive Goals with Dr. Brandon Park
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of New Focus Academy's Podcast, Dr. Park engages in a thoughtful dialogue with Alta about the nuances of setting adaptive goals fo...
Life in the Autonomy House with Lee Langham
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Alta and Lee dive into the dynamic world of the Autonomy House at New Focus Academy, sharing insights on how young individuals are en...
Building Autonomy: Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Students with D. Wymer
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Autism and the Neurodiverse, we feature insightful discussions between D. and Alta, who share their experiences and strategies for ...
Hands-on Science with Bonny Armstrong
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of Autism and the Neurodiverse, Alta sits down with Bonnie Armstrong, the dedicated science teacher from New Focus Academ...
The Importance of Personal Values with Dr. Brandon Park
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we highlight the significance of joy and happiness as core values, not only for personal well-being but also as essential components ...
Neurofeedback and Brain Mapping with Dr. Ingrid Boveda
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
6/17/24 In this episode, Alta engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Ingrid Boveda, a specialist in neurofeedback. Dr. Boveda delves into the ...
P&G Support Metrics with Dr. Brandon Park
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, Dr. Park delves into the intricacies of P&G Support Metrics and how they play a crucial...
Unique Teaching Methods with Kristi Pulsipher
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Autism and the NeuroVerse," Kristi Pulsipher, the Academic Director at New Focus Academy, discusses the unique education...
Vocational Learning at LiFT and NFA with Liz
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
5/13/24 Welcome to the "Autism and the NeuroVerse" podcast by Dr. Park and Alta from New Focus Academy! In this episode, we're excited ...
Boundaries and Connection with Dr. Brandon Park
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Park and Alta explore the importance of boundaries in relationships, especially for individuals on the autism spectrum. They disc...
Medical Protocols with Lindsay Foster
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
3/11/24 In this episode, Alta welcomes Lindsay Foster, the dedicated nurse at New Focus Academy, for a discussion on medical protocols. Lindsay shares...
The Road Home with Ruben Jimenez
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
3/04/24 In this insightful episode, Alta and Dr. Park are joined by Ruben Jimenez, Author of “The Road Home: A Guide for Parents with Teens or Young...
Positive Reinforcement with Dr. Brandon Park
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
2/5/24 In this episode, Dr. Park and Alta delve into the intricacies of positive reinforcement, discussing its role in understanding and supporting ne...
De-escalation With Dr. Brandon Park
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
2/12/24 In this episode, Dr. Park and Alta share essential insights into de-escalating tense situations with children. From acknowledging emotions to ...
Pre-Employment Transition Services
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1/22/24 Join Alta from New Focus Academy as she discusses pre-employment transition services for individuals with disabilities. Learn about job explo...
Normalcy And the Desire to Fit in with Dr. Brandon Park
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1/8/24 In this episode, Dr. Park and Alta discuss the concept of normalcy in today's society and its impact on individuals with autism. They share...
The Good and Bad of Video Games with Franco Bernard
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
12/11/23 In this episode, therapist Franco Bernard sheds light on the complex relationship between video games and the neurodivergent population. From...
Home Visits with Dr. Brandon Park
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
12/4/23 In this episode, we explore practical strategies for setting up supportive systems at home, handling overwhelm in public spaces, and fostering...
Cognitive Distortions with Chloe Bikman
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
11/27/23 Join hosts Alta and Chloe as they delve into the intricacies of parenting and the psychology of cognitive distortions. In this enlightening p...
Diffusing Power Struggles with Dr. Brandon Park
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
11/6/23 In this podcast, Dr. Brandon Park and Alta delve into strategies for managing power struggles and promoting emotional regulation in interactio...
EMDR Techniques with Chris McLaws
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
9/18/23 In this episode, Alta sits down with therapist Chris McLaws from New Focus Academy to delve into EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reproc...
Body Dysmorphia & Sexual Identity with Dr. Brandon Park
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
9/11/23 Join Dr. Park and Alta in New Focus Academy's podcast, "Autism and the Neuroverse," as they delve into the intricate world of ne...
Community Outreach with Kristi Pulsipher
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
8/28/23 Welcome to "Autism & The Neuroverse," presented by New Focus Academy. In this episode, Alta Swarnes, the Family Connections Dir...