Autism and The Neuroverse

New Focus Academy
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dr. Brandon Park, Neuropsychologist & Founder of New Focus Academy, and Alta Swarnes, Family Connections Director, present a podcast on neuroscience and family/professional support, with emphasis on Autism. Dr Park is a self-proclaimed brain nerd and cognitive neuroscientist studying and supporting Autism. Alta Swarnes has been in the mental health field since 1997 and has a son on the Autism Spectrum. Episodes will have regular reviews of topics where Alta interviews various professionals, including Dr. Park, and special trainings with a general focus on Autism and co-occurring disorders.

  1. JAN 29

    Supporting Neurodivergent Young Adults Through the Transition to Independence

    In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Winslow Morrell, Clinical Director of the LiFT Program at New Focus Academy, to explore what the transition into adulthood really looks like for neurodivergent young adults. Winslow explains why independence for neurodivergent individuals is rarely linear, how anxiety, rejection sensitivity, and fear of failure can create paralysis, and why structured support is essential during this stage of life. He shares how the LiFT program focuses on building real-world skills—like employment, scheduling, transportation, social relationships, and self-advocacy—while helping students move from external structure to internal motivation. The conversation also highlights the critical role families play in the transition process, why failure is a necessary part of growth, and how parents can shift from “fixing” to supporting as their child steps into adulthood. This episode offers valuable insight for parents navigating young adulthood with their neurodivergent child, as well as professionals supporting transitions to independence. 1/19/26

    30 min

  2. JAN 20

    Autism De-Escalation Tools: Reflective Listening, Empathy, and the Executive Brain

    In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Amanda Baker, Operations Director at New Focus Academy, to break down the ABCs of de-escalation and how understanding the limbic system can completely change the way we respond to escalating behavior. Amanda explains how the ABC model helps identify the activating event, the belief behind the event, and the consequential emotion that drives behavior—because it’s often not what happened that causes escalation, but what someone believes about what happened. You’ll also learn the difference between escalating beliefs vs. adaptive beliefs, why reflective listening is such a powerful de-escalation tool, and how empathy builds connection while still allowing adults to set limits. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers supporting autistic kids, teens, and young adults—especially when emotions are high and regulation feels out of reach. 10/24/25

    14 min

  3. JAN 14

    Transitions to Adulthood: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults Build Independence

    In episode #60 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta and Dr. Park sit down with Tim McMahon, founder and executive director of BrightStone Transitions, to talk about one of the biggest questions families face: How do we help neurodivergent teens transition into adulthood? Tim shares why so many young adults reach adulthood without the real-world skills they need—not because they can’t learn, but because families often prioritize peace and comfort over life-skill practice (understandably). Together, they break down what independence actually requires: executive functioning, emotional regulation, electronics boundaries, daily living skills, and supported exposure to discomfort. You’ll also hear how transition programs help not only the student, but the entire family system—by creating space for parents to reset, rebuild relationships, and shift from “doing everything for” their child to coaching them toward independence. 1/8/26

    45 min

  4. JAN 6

    Finding Light Again: A Teen’s Story of Growth, Family Healing, and Progress

    In episode #59 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta and Dr. Park sit down with Andrew, a student at New Focus Academy, to talk about what it’s really like to struggle in school, feel disconnected at home, and slowly lose hope — and what it takes to rebuild from that place. Andrew shares how things began to spiral in public school: slipping grades, conflict at home, and habits that felt impossible to break. He opens up about feeling like he was a mistake — not just someone making mistakes — and how hard it was to accept that he needed help. Through therapy, journaling, and learning how to build real friendships, Andrew describes a shift many families hope for: moving from constant conflict to connection, and from “darkness in the tunnel” to seeing light again. This episode is for parents, teens, and young adults who feel stuck — and need a reminder that progress is possible, and your future isn’t over. 12/12/25

    22 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Designing Spaces Where Everyone Belongs: Adaptive Playgrounds in Spanish Fork

    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 behind their inclusive, adaptive playground designed to serve families of all abilities. Bart and Dale share how listening to families in the disability community reshaped their approach to park design — creating a space where children no longer need to split up to find accessible play. From sensory-friendly features to thoughtful layout and community collaboration, this park represents a shift toward belonging, dignity, and shared experiences. This conversation highlights why inclusive public spaces matter, how adaptive design benefits everyone, and what happens when communities commit to building environments where families can truly step together. A hopeful, practical episode for parents, educators, and city leaders working toward a more inclusive world.

    35 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Disconnect to Reconnect: Helping Autistic Teens Build Healthy Tech Habits with Dr. Neil Christensen

    In episode 57, Dr. Neil Christensen joins Dr. Park and Alta to break down why neurodivergent teens—especially autistic and ADHD youth—are significantly more vulnerable to digital media overuse. Drawing from decades in wilderness therapy and his Disconnect to Reconnect study, Neil explains the neurological, social, and emotional factors that pull teens toward excessive gaming, social media, and online communities. He shares why screens offer a powerful sense of control, predictability, and instant reward, and how this can escalate into dependency—especially when teens feel isolated, bullied, or misunderstood in real life. This episode is a compassionate, eye-opening guide for families navigating digital overwhelm in the neurodiverse community. 10/6/25

    40 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    Predictive Autonomy: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Build Real-World Independence with Dr. Park

    In this final installment of the Predictive Process series, Dr. Park breaks down the crucial last phase: generalizing fluency and building predictive autonomy.Many autistic and neurodivergent young people face constant predictive gaps—moments when the world doesn’t match what they expect. These gaps trigger overwhelm, anxiety, shutdowns, or rigid coping strategies. Dr. Park explains how parents and caregivers can help kids move from safety and structure, to strategic growth, to finally becoming fluent, adaptive, and authentically themselves in unpredictable environments. Whether your child is a homebody, anxiously avoiding new environments, or pushing toward independence, this episode gives compassionate, practical guidance for supporting autonomy—without forcing conformity. 10/24/25

    36 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    ARFID & Neurodiversity: How Sensory, Trauma, and Anxiety Shape Eating with Lauren Sharifi

    Today, Alta sits down with Lauren Sharifi, MPH, RD, LDN, a leading dietitian specializing in ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), to unpack one of the most misunderstood eating challenges faced by autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Lauren explains what ARFID is — and is not — highlighting the differences from anorexia, the impact of sensory sensitivities, and how trauma, anxiety, and executive functioning shape a person’s relationship with food. They discuss early signs parents can watch for, why traditional feeding approaches often backfire, and how accommodations can actually increase safety, regulation, and long-term progress. Lauren offers guidance on creating supportive mealtime environments, reducing overwhelm, and redefining “recovery” in a way that honors neurodiversity. A validating, informative episode for families, providers, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of ARFID. 10/3/25

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Dr. Brandon Park, Neuropsychologist & Founder of New Focus Academy, and Alta Swarnes, Family Connections Director, present a podcast on neuroscience and family/professional support, with emphasis on Autism. Dr Park is a self-proclaimed brain nerd and cognitive neuroscientist studying and supporting Autism. Alta Swarnes has been in the mental health field since 1997 and has a son on the Autism Spectrum. Episodes will have regular reviews of topics where Alta interviews various professionals, including Dr. Park, and special trainings with a general focus on Autism and co-occurring disorders.

Information

  • Creator
    New Focus Academy
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © New Focus Academy
  • Show Website
    Autism and The Neuroverse