Autism and The Neuroverse

New Focus Academy
  • 4.3 (6)
  • 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. 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. 2d ago

    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.

    35 min

  2. 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.

    1h 4m

  3. 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.

    20 min

  4. Apr 30

    Finding a Voice: Understanding Selective Mutism

    Selective mutism is often misunderstood as shyness—but in reality, it’s a complex anxiety disorder that can deeply impact a child’s ability to communicate. In episode 70 of Autism in the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with licensed clinical social worker Heidi Applonie, a leading specialist in selective mutism. Drawing from both professional experience and her personal journey as a parent, Heidi shares what selective mutism really is, how it shows up across different environments, and why early understanding is so critical. They explore the connection between anxiety, the nervous system, and the “freeze” response that can make speaking feel physically impossible. Heidi also offers practical, research-backed strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers—highlighting what actually helps (and what can unintentionally make things harder). From real-life success stories to actionable tools like “brave talking,” this conversation is filled with hope, insight, and a clear message: communication is possible—with the right support.

    46 min

  5. Apr 23

    Autism, Prediction & the Modern World: Rethinking How We Support Neurodivergent Minds

    In this powerful live presentation, Dr. Brandon Park breaks down autism through a lens that challenges traditional thinking—framing it not as a deficit, but as a different operating system navigating a world it wasn’t built for. From the concept of the brain as a prediction machine to the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood, Dr. Park offers a deeply human perspective on what autistic individuals experience daily—and why so many struggles stem from gaps in prediction, not capability. He also dives into the realities of today’s world:- How AI can both support and mislead- Why gaming and social media can become both lifelines and risks- The role of control, connection, and belonging- And how families and professionals can approach support in a more collaborative, effective way This episode is a must-listen for parents, clinicians, educators, and anyone looking to better understand neurodiversity in a rapidly changing world.

    57 min

  6. Apr 14

    Relationships & Boundaries (Part 2): Safety, Rejection, and Building Connection

    In Part 2 of this series, Dr. Park and Alta continue their conversation on relationships and boundaries—this time focusing on safety and how it shapes connection. They explore the many layers of safety in relationships, including physical, emotional, psychological, and social safety, as well as the often-overlooked impact of rejection. Dr. Park explains why rejection can feel so deeply painful and how that pain can lead young people to make unsafe choices in an effort to connect. This episode also introduces practical tools for teaching social awareness, including concept-driven learning, forward thinking, and role play, helping kids better understand boundaries, recognize social cues, and recover from difficult interactions. A powerful and compassionate guide for helping young people build relationships that are not only meaningful—but safe. 3/5/26

    16 min

  7. Apr 10

    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

  8. Apr 9

    Relationships & Boundaries (Part 1): Understanding the Social “Operating System”

    In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Park and Alta explore why relationships can feel especially complex for neurodivergent individuals—and how we can better support that journey. They break down the idea of different “social operating systems,” explaining why unspoken social rules can be difficult to interpret and why relationships often feel confusing or overwhelming. This episode introduces practical tools like circles of trust and powerful analogies to help young people understand friendship, boundaries, and connection. Most importantly, it reframes boundaries—not as walls that push people away, but as something that can actually build stronger, safer relationships. A thoughtful and accessible conversation for parents, educators, and anyone navigating relationships in a neurodiverse world. 3/5/26

    23 min
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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
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © New Focus Academy
  • Show Website
    Autism and The Neuroverse

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