Autism and The Neuroverse

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 of the most overlooked challenges in autism: masking and burnout . Chris explains how masking—the effort autistic individuals make to appear “neurotypical”—can lead to exhaustion, depression, anxiety, and disconnection. He breaks down how burnout...

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 learning to see beauty in pain. Through heartbreak, humor, and faith, Corey’s story—captured in her memoir The Light from a Thousand Wounds —reminds us that even our hardest moments can become the places where light enters in. 9-25-25

On episode #50, Alta talks with master barber, educator, and inventor Henry Tribes about creating sensory-friendly haircuts for autistic and neurodivergent clients. Henry shares how a weighted blanket inspired his weighted haircut cape , why he pursued Sensory Safe certification, and the strategies he uses to reduce overwhelm—questionnaires, gradual desensitization, music, fidgets, flexible pacing...

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 film follows a teenage girl with synesthesia — a neurological condition where senses blend, allowing people to see sounds, taste shapes, or feel emotions as colors. Nicola shares her research process, including interviews with individuals who live wi...

In episode #48 of Autism and the Neuroverse , Alta sits down with Charlotte Shores — chef, entrepreneur, Mrs. Utah America 2025, and mother of three neurodivergent children. Charlotte shares her personal journey with ADHD, the challenges of undiagnosed neurodivergence growing up, and how she has turned her differences into strengths. She opens up about perfectionism, overstimulation in motherhood,...

In episode #47 of Autism and the Neuroverse , Alta and Dr. Park continue their series on helping neurodiverse children thrive by exploring predictive strategies. Dr. Park explains how parents can move beyond safety and stability to teach kids forecasting, consequential reasoning, and predictive questioning. He shares practical tools like using social stories, role-play, mirrors, and visual mapping...

In episode #46 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta speaks with Heber City Police Chief Parker Sever about how law enforcement can better serve neurodiverse individuals. With nearly 30 years of experience, Chief Sever shares how his department uses crisis intervention training, autism awareness workshops, sensory kits, and proactive community events to improve interactions with autistic children, te...

In episode #45 of Autism and the Neuroverse , Alta speaks with Jay Williams, New Focus Academy's special education coordinator, about the critical role of executive functioning skills in the lives of autistic children and teens. Jay explains how skills like emotional regulation, flexible thinking, impulse control, and organization form the foundation for independence and success. Through real-...

In episode #44 of Autism and the Neuroverse , Alta sits down with Mary White, founder and clinical director of Pure Progression Music Therapy. Mary shares how music therapy helps autistic children and teens build communication, regulate emotions, and develop social and sensory skills. From drumming and songwriting to group improvisation and family sessions, music becomes a powerful tool for connec...

In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse , hosts Alta and Dr. Park explore how parents, teachers, and professionals can support autistic children and teens by building a strong foundation of safety, security, and stability. Dr. Park explains how predictive gaps —moments when the world feels confusing or unpredictable—can create anxiety, meltdowns, and shutdowns for many neurodiverse young peop...

Struggling with unfair situations may be a daily challenge, especially for individuals on the spectrum. But what if we could channel that energy towards something more constructive? Adam Durrant explores the concept of Radical Acceptance, a part of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with roots in Buddhist philosophy and Greek stoicism. Learn how this practice can help individuals accept life&#39...

Ever wondered why mutual give-and-take in relationships can feel so challenging for kids with autism? Dr. Park explores the complexities of social interactions, from understanding the "reciprocal circle" to challenges in switching perspectives during conversations. This episode uncovers the unique risks neurodiverse kids may face, like manipulation or misplaced trust, and highlights how...

What does it take to truly support neurodiverse students in their educational journeys? On this episode of Autism and the Neurodiverse , we’re joined by Irene Summers, Academic Director at New Focus Academy. Irene shares her inspiring path into education, driven by a deep belief in the power of teamwork and community to help students thrive. From reimagining education schedules to implementing fle...

Discover the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in this in-depth conversation with Alta and Adam. This episode unpacks the intricacies of IFS, a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals connect with their inner selves, understand complex emotions, and heal deep-seated trauma. Together, Alta and Adam explore how IFS promotes self-compassion and balance by address...

Alta sits down with Betina Workman, a seasoned speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience. Betina shares her personal and professional journey into working with neurodiverse populations, including her inspiring story of raising her own neurodiverse child. Together, they explore how speech therapy goes far beyond articulation and sound-making, encompassing social language, cogniti...

Autism and the Neuroverse by New Focus Academy brings you an insightful conversation this week with Jacki Burnham and Burkley Probst from Meta Mindfulness Connection. Jacki and Burkley share their expertise as part of the vocational team, explaining their innovative approach to supporting neurodiverse students on their paths to independence. Hear about their life-changing 10-week vocational progra...

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 Neuroverse , where they explore the complex nature of PDA, discussing why some experts prefer calling it "persistent demand avoidance" and whether it should even be classified separately. This episode dives into key distinctions between PDA...

Dr. C.J. Powers, a clinical psychologist, breaks down Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Powers explains ACT’s core principles of acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action and illuminates its impact on psychological flexibility. Especially for individuals with neurodivergence, like autism, ACT offers game-changing tools for overcoming rigidity and aligning actions with values. Discov...

This episode explores the unique way individuals on the autism spectrum perceive their surroundings and manage challenges, all while highlighting the importance of prediction and emotional regulation. Dr. Park shares evidence-based insights into key brain functions, strategies to support learning, and actionable advice for creating a more adaptive and supportive environment for neurodivergent indi...

What does real growth look like, especially for neurodiverse children and teens? Join Alta Swarnes and Dr. Brandon Park in this insightful discussion as he unpacks "The Process of Growth," breaking it down into practical, actionable steps designed to help families support their neurodiverse loved ones. Through his compassionate approach, Dr. Park emphasizes the importance of perspective-...

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. In this heartfelt episode of Autism and the Neurodiverse , Dr. Brandon Park and Alta Swarnes explore the often-overlooked topic of self-care for parents, particularly those raising neurodivergent children. Together, they unpack the importance of meeting your own needs, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies that highlight how self-k...

Join Alta as she welcomes Winslow Morrell, a new therapist at New Focus Academy, for an insightful conversation about addiction’s impact on young people. Winslow shares his extensive experience working with addiction in its many forms—substance abuse, technology dependency, and more—offering expert insights on how understanding connection can play a pivotal role in recovery and healing. Listeners...

Join hosts Alta Swarnes and Dr. Brandon Park as they unpack the TMPRR approach (Teach, Model, Practice, Reinforce, Reflect). Developed by Dr. Park during his time at a state hospital, TMPRR is a groundbreaking method designed to help neurodiverse individuals retain and generalize knowledge, whether at school, therapy, or home. They’ll break down the steps of TMPRR, explain its roots in psychology...

In this episode, Doctor Park and Alta explore concept-driven learning and forward thinking. They discuss the importance of understanding the meaning and purpose behind what we learn, especially for individuals with autism. Doctor Park and Alta also share practical strategies for addressing failures, fostering problem-solving skills, and finding constructive solutions. Join them in this thought-pro...

In this episode we explore the intricacies of education, community engagement, and supportive interventions for neurodiverse students at New Focus Academy. Join Kris and Alta as they delve into the progressive strategies being implemented in their school to enhance educational experiences. Discover unique initiatives like "Connection Day," meant to bridge relations between students and teachers, a...