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

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, and raising children with ADHD and autism, while also advocating for greater understanding and inclusion.

Parents and listeners will find encouragement, relatability, and practical insights into navigating life as both a neurodivergent adult and caregiver

9/15/25

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 to build flexibility, self-awareness, and independence.

Listeners will learn how to shift from reactive moments to proactive growth, guiding autistic children and teens toward confidence and forward thinking.

11/15/25

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, teens, and families.

Listeners will learn how police can foster trust, de-escalate crises, and create safe, positive connections between law enforcement and the neurodiverse community.

9/8/25