Autism and The Neuroverse

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

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

In episode #67 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta is joined by the team at Dog Training Elite, along with a parent navigating the journey of training a service dog for her son with autism. Together, they break down what it really takes to train a service dog—from temperament testing and task work to the often-overlooked reality: the handler and family must be trained just as much as the dog.This episode explores how service dogs can support children with autism through behavior interruption, deep pressure therapy, and safety tools like anchoring and blocking. It also highlights the emotional side of the journey—building trust, creating independence, and forming a bond that goes far beyond training.A candid, real-world look at the challenges, commitment, and life-changing impact of service dogs.2/20/26

In episode #66 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Devin Brown from 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit dedicated to breeding, raising, and training service dogs for children and veterans with disabilities. Devin shares how service dogs are carefully matched and trained to support a wide range of needs—including autism, anxiety, medical alert, and mobility. From early puppy socialization to advanced, individualized training, these dogs provide not only safety and support, but also independence and confidence.This conversation explores how service dogs can help prevent meltdowns, support emotional regulation, assist with elopement, and even act as social bridges for children. A powerful look at how the right partnership can transform daily life for both kids and their families.

In this episode of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Vicki Christensen, special education advocate and author of Uniquely, Fully Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey. Vicki shares her personal journey raising her son with a rare chromosome disorder—from the uncertainty of diagnosis to navigating therapies, IEPs, and the emotional realities of parenting a neurodivergent child. She offers powerful insight into advocacy, inclusion, and the importance of trusting your instincts as a parent.This conversation explores how to balance planning for the future while embracing the present, why finding your “village” is essential, and how small moments of joy can reshape the parenting experience. A heartfelt and practical episode for parents walking a similar path.

What happens when you already know the special education system—but advocacy stillfeels overwhelming?In this episode, we speak directly to experienced parents of children with autism—those who know IEPs, FAPE, and IDEA, and may already be working with advocates, consultants, or attorneys. Drawing from Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, we focus on the strategic side of advocacy: how to move from emotional reaction tostructured, effective action.We discuss why IDEA functions as a procedural accountability law, why parents must act as project managers, how master planning changes outcomes, and how documentation quietly builds leverage over time. We also explore how to frame private or therapeutic placements as necessary and appropriate, and why negotiation often works better than confrontation.This episode is about advocacy that is calm, strategic, and sustainable—designed to support your child’s progress not just this year, but for the long term.One of the primary selfhelp resources we recommend to parents is Wrightslaw, create by special education attorney Pete Wright and his wife, Pam Wright. The Wrightslaw website (www.wrightslaw.com) offers free, reliable, and practical information about special education law and advocacy, including IDEA, Section 504, evaluations, IEPs, dispute resolution, and parent rights. For parents who need guidance but may not have the financial resources to retain a formal advocate or attorney, Wrightslaw is widely regarded as the premier starting point. In addition to extensive free articles and newsletters, Wrightslaw publishes several foundational books that help parents understand not only what the law says, but how to use it effectively and strategically on behalf of their child.

Considering residential treatment can feel overwhelming, emotional, and deeply personal. Alta sits down with New Focus Academy and Life Focused Transitions Admissions Director, Janelle Ayala, to walk parents through what the admissions process actually looks like — from that first phone call to enrollment day.They discuss who New Focus and LiFT serve, how individualized care is determined, what documentation is helpful, and how families are supported every step of the way. Janelle also shares what questions parents should be asking programs, including topics that often go unspoken.Most importantly, this conversation offers reassurance: seeking support is not failure — it’s an act of love. If you’re navigating this decision, this episode brings clarity, transparency, and hope.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

In episode #54 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta talks with Mark Cheminant, ADA Coordinator for the Salt Lake City International Airport, about transforming air travel into an inclusive and supportive experience for every passenger.Mark shares how his team implemented sensory rooms, adaptive training, the Sunflower Program, and social stories to support neurodiverse travelers. From pre-flight tours to sensory-friendly spaces, Mark explains how accessibility is becoming a built-in part of airport culture — not an afterthought.Whether you’re a parent traveling with a child on the spectrum or an adult seeking a calmer travel experience, this episode offers practical hope: everyone can travel safely, comfortably, and with confidence.10-13-25

In episode #53 of Autism and the Neuroverse, Alta sits down with Hilary Pham, founder and CEO of Equability, a company that transforms existing clothing into adaptive, accessible fashion.Hilary shares how watching her mother struggle with arthritis inspired her to create solutions that make everyday clothes easier to wear — without sacrificing personal style. From adding magnets to buttons and zippers to tailoring for medical or sensory needs, Equability is helping people of all abilities express themselves and regain independence through clothing.Hear how Hilary’s mission is reshaping the fashion industry, one garment at a time, and why adaptive clothing is about far more than convenience — it’s about confidence, identity, and inclusion.

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 differs from typical fatigue, how trauma and social pressure can intensify it, and why safe spaces for unmasking are essential. Listeners will learn how families and caregivers can help autistic individuals find balance, set boundaries, and embrace authenticity without losing connection or opportunity.

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, and zero restraint.Hear the story behind his first spectrum clients, how he supports families, and his mission to expand training and build a sensory-first barbershop. Parents and providers will learn practical ways to turn haircut anxiety into trust, confidence, and dignity.9-29-25

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 with synesthesia, and how she translated those experiences into authentic cinematic language. Together, the guests discuss how synesthesia connects to neurodiversity, the challenges of sensory overload and burnout, and why storytelling matters in helping us see the world through different perspectives .9/22/25