Autism and The Neuroverse

New Focus Academy
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • 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. Alta interviews various professionals, including Dr. Park, and special trainings with a general focus on Autism and co-occurring disorders. Reach out to Alta@newfocusacademy.net for connections

  1. Oct 27

    Throw the Rulebook out the Window: Thriving in Neurodivergent Relationships with Maeve Hutchins

    Your relationship isn't broken. It's wired differently. Search the research on neurodivergent couples and you'll find words like "normal" versus "ADHD," "healthy" versus "not." This week on Autism in the Neuroverse, marriage and family therapist Maeve Hutchins says it's time to rewrite that story. Maeve works with couples at Flourish Therapy in Utah, spent a year at a neurodiversity clinic, and is in a neurodivergent marriage herself. She's seen what the research misses: neurodivergent relationships can be creative, joyful, and full of strengths. In this episode, you'll discover: ● "Mixed neurotype" relationships, and why seeing neurodivergence as a different way of being changes everything ● Six neurodivergent love languages, including info dumping, parallel play, body doubling, and penguin pebbling (yes, it's as sweet as it sounds) ● How to "translate" your partner's love language, so you can see the love that's already there ● Why texting your partner from the next room is okay, and other multimodal ways to communicate ● How to ask for what you need, from "praise me" to "tell me I'm pretty," no hints required ● How to avoid the parent-child dynamic that can creep into relationships ● How two neurodivergent partners can turn closeness into getting things done Maeve's message: throw out the rulebook, say what you mean, and make room for playfulness. Inside jokes, silly cues, and creative workarounds aren't signs of a problem. They're strengths.

  2. Oct 20

    Brain-Body Connection: What Primitive Reflexes Can Tell Us About Anxiety, Autism, and ADHD with Emily Roper

    In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, host Alta Swarnes talks with Emily Roper, founder of Early Roots and a licensed INPP primitive reflex therapist who specializes in neurodevelopmental delay. Emily has a background in psychology, midwifery, and neurodevelopmental therapy. Many listeners, like Alta, will be hearing about this field for the first time. Emily shares the personal story behind her work. As a teenager, she watched her cousin, who had multiple diagnoses that never quite fit, go from meltdowns and overwhelm to engaging with his family, once he began neurodevelopmental therapy. She later recognized some of the same patterns in herself, which cemented her path into the field. The conversation covers: ● What neurodevelopmental therapy is: how it differs from, and overlaps with, occupational therapy, and why it focuses on early brain and body development from pregnancy through infancy. ● Primitive reflexes: the automatic reflexes babies are born with, why they should fade as the brain matures, and what it looks like when they linger in older children, such as an overactive startle (Moro) reflex that keeps a child in a stress response. ● Why it matters for learning and behavior: how retained reflexes and an immature vestibular system can affect attention, eye tracking, spatial awareness, and even mix-ups with letters like b, d, and p, which may be a brain-body issue rather than a learning problem. ● What therapy looks like: movement-based exercises combined with parent coaching that builds connection and attachment, for ages 3 and up, with a hands-on role for parents. ● Who it helps: children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and anxiety-related conditions such as trichotillomania, OCD, and selective mutism. Emily describes anxiety as the most commonly improved symptom, followed by social connection, including children spontaneously saying “I love you” to their parents for the first time. ● Assessment: standardized neurological testing of balance, coordination, vision, and reflexes, plus a detailed family history from pregnancy through the present. Key takeaway for parents: Try to move away from seeing a struggling child as having a “behavior problem” and look for the brain-body reasons underneath. As Emily puts it, kids who are capable of doing well usually do, and seeing struggles through this lens makes room for more compassion and connection. Find Emily: earlyrootstherapy.com, Instagram and Facebook (@Early Roots), and the Early Roots Podcast for parents.

  3. Jun 25

    From Surviving to Thriving: Finding Peace as a Special Needs Parent

    What if the greatest transformation for your child begins with transforming the way you see yourself? Alta welcomes Jennifer Swann—former constitutional lawyer, TEDx speaker, founder of the Peace, Power & Possibility Institute, and mother of two children with complex needs. Jennifer shares how parenting her son with autism and her daughter with a rare neuromuscular condition completely reshaped her perspective on caregiving, possibility, and joy. Together they explore how parents can move beyond survival mode, challenge limiting beliefs, embrace self-care without guilt, and create a life filled with peace and purpose—even in the midst of extraordinary challenges. Jennifer also shares practical tools for advocating for children, finding support, and recognizing that our children are so much more than their diagnoses. Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on resilience, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom for living a fuller life. Because sometimes the biggest shift isn't changing your circumstances—it's changing the way you see them.

  4. Jun 18

    Beyond Defiance: What Behavior Is Really Communicating with Heather Traeden

    When a child refuses, argues, melts down, or pushes back, what are they really trying to communicate? In episode 76 of Autism in the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Board Certified Behavior Analyst Heather Traeden of Balance & Behavior to discuss what challenging behaviors can teach us about a child's needs, emotions, and sense of safety. Drawing from over 25 years of experience working with children and families, Heather shares practical strategies for moving beyond power struggles and into collaboration. Together they explore topics including defiance, emotional regulation, school refusal, elopement, communication strategies, transitions, and how parents can create environments where children feel safe enough to succeed. Heather also offers encouraging reminders that parents are often doing more right than they realize—and that small changes can make a big difference. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation provides actionable tools and a compassionate perspective on supporting neurodivergent children and families.

  5. Jun 11

    The Four C’s: Building Stronger Relationships with Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Park

    What if the most powerful tool for helping neurodivergent children isn't a therapy technique, behavior plan, or intervention strategy? According to Dr. Park, it's the relationship. In episode 75 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Dr. Park shares the "Four C's"—a simple but powerful framework for building trust, connection, and lasting growth with neurodivergent children. Drawing from years of clinical experience and personal parenting lessons, he explains why our approach often matters more than our solutions. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or caregiver, these practical insights can help strengthen your relationships and create an environment where neurodivergent individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered.

  6. Jun 4

    Autism in Girls: Why So Many Are Missed and How to Get the Right Diagnosis with Dr. Christina Feldman

    Autism in girls often looks different than the traditional picture many parents and professionals expect. As a result, countless girls go undiagnosed—or are misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health conditions before receiving answers that truly fit. In episode 74 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with licensed psychologist Dr. Christina Feldman, founder of Neurodiverse Psychological Services, to explore why autism is so frequently missed in girls and what families can do to seek accurate evaluations and support. Dr. Feldman also highlights an important shift in autism care: moving away from trying to change autistic individuals and instead helping them understand themselves, build on their strengths, and find environments where they can thrive. This conversation is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, educators, clinicians, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of autism in girls.

  7. May 22

    Routines, Regulation & Raising Neurodivergent Kids with Brynn Bell

    What does it actually look like to create a home environment that supports a neurodivergent child—not just in theory, but in the realities of everyday life? In episode 73 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with licensed clinical social worker and behavior specialist Brynn Bell to explore how families can create more structure, predictability, emotional safety, and connection at home. Brynn shares her unique family-systems approach to working with neurodivergent children and their families, explaining why routines, explicit communication, nervous system regulation, and collaborative problem-solving can dramatically reduce stress and improve relationships for everyone in the home. Brynn also offers powerful reminders for parents navigating neurodivergence at home: “Children do well when they understand how to do well.” A thoughtful and deeply practical conversation for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone wanting to better understand the needs of neurodivergent children and families.

  8. May 15

    The Pediatrician’s Role in Autism: Early Signs, Advocacy & Support with Dr. Kristen Cook

    What does autism look like in its earliest stages—and what role do pediatricians play in helping families navigate the diagnostic journey? In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with board-certified pediatrician Dr. Kristen Cook, founder of MomDocTalk, to discuss the realities of autism screening, diagnosis, and early intervention from a pediatrician’s perspective. Dr. Cook explains how developmental milestones and early warning signs are evaluated during routine well-child visits, why autism diagnoses can sometimes take time, and how pediatricians collaborate with specialists to support children and families throughout the process. Dr. Cook also addresses the overwhelming amount of misinformation families face today and shares an encouraging reminder for parents navigating uncertainty: “You’re doing better than you think.” A compassionate, informative episode for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting neurodivergent children.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 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. Alta interviews various professionals, including Dr. Park, and special trainings with a general focus on Autism and co-occurring disorders. Reach out to Alta@newfocusacademy.net for connections

Information

  • Creator
    New Focus Academy
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © New Focus Academy
  • Show Website
    Autism and The Neuroverse

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